A Night at the Movies: 10 Epic Outdoor Cinema Ideas
Catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters in your own backyard by installing an all-weather theatre – BYO popcorn!
Australians love the great outdoors; they also love entertainment, and now the two elements can go together seamlessly. These days, a range of home theatres and digital televisions are on the market, allowing you to kick back and enjoy summer evening breezes while catching the latest movies. And don’t forget to set the scene – think about mood lighting, comfy seating, portable screens and a bowl of mandatory popcorn. Use these ideas for inspiration.
2. Take it under cover
As a backdrop in a thatched hut this movie screen is perfect for night-time viewing and doubles as a privacy wall during the day. While a large screen is certainly appealing, particularly when watching action-packed, high-adrenalin flicks, it’s important not to get too close. When the seating is positioned for ideal viewing, the furniture should be about three metres from the screen.
As a backdrop in a thatched hut this movie screen is perfect for night-time viewing and doubles as a privacy wall during the day. While a large screen is certainly appealing, particularly when watching action-packed, high-adrenalin flicks, it’s important not to get too close. When the seating is positioned for ideal viewing, the furniture should be about three metres from the screen.
3. Use white and bright elements
Ambience is key when setting up an outdoor cinema. Even in a small area, surrounding walls in pristine white create an illusion of more space. Rows of coloured lights add a party feel and set the scene for a fun film night. A white wall can work as an effective home theatre screen. If an outdoor theatre is an occasional novelty, another option is to go for a pull-down projector screen so it can be packed away after movie night.
Ambience is key when setting up an outdoor cinema. Even in a small area, surrounding walls in pristine white create an illusion of more space. Rows of coloured lights add a party feel and set the scene for a fun film night. A white wall can work as an effective home theatre screen. If an outdoor theatre is an occasional novelty, another option is to go for a pull-down projector screen so it can be packed away after movie night.
4. Keep it under cover
Before you buy an outdoor home theatre system, make sure it will be well positioned as the screen must be completely covered when not in use to protect it from the elements. Here, the waterproof timber cabinet can be closed, while the roof provides extra protection. When installing, remember to use wiring rated for outdoor use.
Before you buy an outdoor home theatre system, make sure it will be well positioned as the screen must be completely covered when not in use to protect it from the elements. Here, the waterproof timber cabinet can be closed, while the roof provides extra protection. When installing, remember to use wiring rated for outdoor use.
5. Go for modular furniture
When family and friends settle in to watch a weekend football game or attend a special movie night, everyone needs to see the entire screen. Modular furniture is a win-win option – everyone has an uninterrupted view, but it also works as a popular conversation hub when you’re not glued to the screen. Another element to consider is outdoor ceiling fans – they make life more relaxing during the steamiest months.
When family and friends settle in to watch a weekend football game or attend a special movie night, everyone needs to see the entire screen. Modular furniture is a win-win option – everyone has an uninterrupted view, but it also works as a popular conversation hub when you’re not glued to the screen. Another element to consider is outdoor ceiling fans – they make life more relaxing during the steamiest months.
6. Add warmth
When it’s outdoor film night, there’s often a chill in the air after dark, even during summer. The modern ethanol fire pit, also referred to as bio-fuel, is easy to use – no wood is required and it’s virtually odourless. This keeps the neighbours happy, and the wide range on the market means there’s a product to suit your style.
When it’s outdoor film night, there’s often a chill in the air after dark, even during summer. The modern ethanol fire pit, also referred to as bio-fuel, is easy to use – no wood is required and it’s virtually odourless. This keeps the neighbours happy, and the wide range on the market means there’s a product to suit your style.
7. Camp out
If the idea of setting up a wall-mounted screen is a little overwhelming, there’s a simpler option. Grab your camping gear and set up a cosy sanctuary in your backyard, with a small laptop or tablet to watch a much-loved TV show or downloaded film. Get ready for an evening of David Attenborough nature docos or perhaps the classic comedy, The Great Outdoors. BYO marshmallows and a small coffee table to position the screen.
If the idea of setting up a wall-mounted screen is a little overwhelming, there’s a simpler option. Grab your camping gear and set up a cosy sanctuary in your backyard, with a small laptop or tablet to watch a much-loved TV show or downloaded film. Get ready for an evening of David Attenborough nature docos or perhaps the classic comedy, The Great Outdoors. BYO marshmallows and a small coffee table to position the screen.
8. Install a discreet screen
When a casual, country-inspired outdoor zone introduces a high-tech TV screen, it takes design know-how to make it work. Fortunately, the earthy colour palette underplays the black wall-mounted TV above the mantelpiece – it is rarely noticed during the day when friends and family are socialising on the verndah. When installing, use specific speaker cable that’s rated for in-wall and outdoor use. It’s best to turn to a specialist who will also seal all wire connections and conduits with silicon to keep it wind-resistant and waterproof.
When a casual, country-inspired outdoor zone introduces a high-tech TV screen, it takes design know-how to make it work. Fortunately, the earthy colour palette underplays the black wall-mounted TV above the mantelpiece – it is rarely noticed during the day when friends and family are socialising on the verndah. When installing, use specific speaker cable that’s rated for in-wall and outdoor use. It’s best to turn to a specialist who will also seal all wire connections and conduits with silicon to keep it wind-resistant and waterproof.
9. Get comfy in beanbags
Beanbags have been almost compulsory for TV viewing in rumpus rooms for decades. There are now ranges suitable for outside that are made of heavy-duty canvas. Not only are they durable, they’re also super-stylish – and incredibly comfy. Different shapes and colours are also available, so let the furniture work as a strong statement in your outdoor cinema area.
Beanbags have been almost compulsory for TV viewing in rumpus rooms for decades. There are now ranges suitable for outside that are made of heavy-duty canvas. Not only are they durable, they’re also super-stylish – and incredibly comfy. Different shapes and colours are also available, so let the furniture work as a strong statement in your outdoor cinema area.
10. Add personal touches
An outdoor zone that evokes a living room feel takes consideration – here, decorative elements, such as photo frames, vases and greenery, add real personality. Modern flat-panel TVs are lightweight while a wall-mounted cabinet provides weather protection. A cable hook-up means that movies can be streamed instantly. The only downside is that during the day, the sun can make it hard to see the screen unless your verandah has blinds or curtains, like this one. Overall, this eclectic feel means that anything goes – even a modern TV screen.
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An outdoor zone that evokes a living room feel takes consideration – here, decorative elements, such as photo frames, vases and greenery, add real personality. Modern flat-panel TVs are lightweight while a wall-mounted cabinet provides weather protection. A cable hook-up means that movies can be streamed instantly. The only downside is that during the day, the sun can make it hard to see the screen unless your verandah has blinds or curtains, like this one. Overall, this eclectic feel means that anything goes – even a modern TV screen.
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A little bit of luxury never goes astray. A large screen means a perfect view from the other side of the swimming pool – or why not grab some inflatable lounges and float around while viewing? Just remember, Jaws is probably not the best choice of movie for this scenario. In such a large space, outdoor wall-mounted speakers need to be well positioned. Talk to a professional installer to get the right sound in all zones.