HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR CINEMA
An outdoor cinema is a fun addition to any garden, great for balmy summer evenings entertaining guests or relaxing with family. Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to create an outdoor cinema, from comfortable seating to soft furnishings, stylish garden accessories, delicious snacks and setting up the big screen.
What is an outdoor cinema?
During the summer, outdoor cinemas pop up across the country – from parks to rooftops – so visitors can enjoy nature while watching their favourite films. Like indoor cinemas, outdoor cinemas have comfortable seating and a big screen, with some offering food and drinks.
If an outdoor cinema sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer evening, but you want to stay at home, it’s easy to create a back garden cinema experience!
Materials needed for an outdoor cinema
To create an outdoor garden cinema, you will need:
- A projector
- Your preferred video source (e.g. a laptop or tablet)
- A plain wall, white sheet or freestanding projector screen
- Comfortable seating (chairs, sofas, blankets and cushions)
Optional extras include fairy lights, candles, blankets, drinks and snacks.
How to set up an outdoor cinema
Once you’ve gathered everything you need for your outdoor cinema, follow these steps to get set up.
1. Find the right location
Although outdoor cinemas work best in the evening when the sun has set, you can also enjoy them during the day. We recommend choosing a shady corner or shielded nook, preventing direct sunlight from obscuring the screen. You’ll want plenty of room to seat your guests comfortably, so find a grassy area or set up the screen around your garden furniture.
2. Invest in a projector
If you don’t have a projector, you’ll need one for your outdoor cinema! You can pick up portable projectors cheaply if you’re creating an outdoor cinema on a budget. Or, invest in a high-quality projector that can also be used indoors instead of a TV.
3. Connect a video source
Connect your projector to the video source, such as a laptop or tablet, and check the film plays with sound. Pair your device with a Bluetooth speaker for an authentic cinema experience.
4. Create your cinema screen
Project your film onto a plain wall or hang a sheet for a DIY outdoor cinema screen. Make sure the sheet is securely held in place to prevent it from moving around. Alternatively, use a freestanding projector screen if you have one.
5. Set up a cosy corner
Comfort is key, whether lounging on cushions and blankets on the grass or relaxing on garden furniture. Soft furnishings, fairy lights and candles will set the mood for your cinema evening.
6. Prepare a movie feast
From a barbecue to homemade pizzas, snacks and drinks, no movie night is complete without a feast! Learn how to create the perfect outdoor table to serve your snacks in style.
The best outdoor cinema ideas
Discover more ways to enhance your outdoor cinema area, from DIY garden furniture to painted accents in your favourite Cuprinol shades.
Relax on a garden pallet sofa
Upcycle old wooden pallets to create a garden pallet sofa – the perfect place to sit and watch a film on summer evenings.
First, clean and sand four wooden pallets before screwing them together to create an L shape. Attach castors underneath and apply two coats of Urban Slate for a polished look that complements Dusky Gem on the fence and Natural Stone on the table. Add soft cushions and cosy blankets, then let movie night begin!
Refresh garden furniture with a lick of paint
Apply a fresh coat of Garden Shades paint for a quick and easy way to revive your space. With just two coats, you’ll get up to six years of protection from the elements. Try White Daisy on your garden table, Sweet Sundae on benches and Beach Blue on the chairs. We love how these pastel shades set the scene for summer celebrations and brighten your space year-round.
Prefer a natural wood finish? Shop Cuprinol Exterior Wood Preservers to extend the life of your garden furniture while giving it a colour refresh.
Get creative with painted plant pots
Cuprinol Garden Shades can be applied to various surfaces, from wood to masonry to terracotta. Spruce up the plant pots in your garden and outdoor cinema area using masking tape to outline the design before adding eye-catching colours like White Daisy, Terracotta, Dazzling Yellow and Black Ash. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to use up leftover paint!
Add the finishing touches to your outdoor cinema area and weatherproof it year-round with Cuprinol products, including nourishing and protecting wood preservers and paint colours to suit your space.