How to Create a Backyard Movie Theater in 3 Simple Steps

With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking about creating your perfect backyard space. In fact, a backyard movie theater might be just the thing you need to spend quality time with friends and family this summer. Check out these tips to help get you started.

1. Work Within Your Budget 

Determining your budget should be the first step in building your backyard movie theater. For those working with a smaller budget, or taking a DIY approach, simple household essentials can be used to get you started. For example, plain white sheets hung on a shed or over a fence can become the perfect outdoor movie screen. Just be sure to secure them to minimize any movement from the wind. 

Next, you'll want to find a projector within your budget as well, and there are different things to consider when buying an outdoor projector. Take the time to research your options to make sure that you select the best fit for your needs. Use lawn chairs or outdoor couch cushions as seating and make sure you have some sort of sound system. Bluetooth speakers or sound bars are affordable options for backyard theaters. 

If you're working with a bigger budget or looking to make an investment to increase the value of your home, backyard movie theaters are the perfect addition. From fire pits to outdoor couches, there's no shortage of backyard luxuries that can be added to your space. If you're in the market for bigger backyard upgrades, look into using a home equity line of credit for financing. A HELOC can help fund those bigger outdoor improvement projects by using the equity you have in your home to give you a lump sum of cash. Whether your budget is big or small, a backyard movie theater is a doable addition to your summer plans.

2. Consider Your Design

When designing your movie theater, the location of your screen and projector are crucial. Outdoor movie theaters work best in a dark area of your backyard. Make sure that the location is free of any car or street lights and is as far from any potential road noise as possible. Next, you'll want to have the right seating arrangements for your guests. Outdoor seating is a great addition to your backyard theater because it's more durable than indoor seating. But since comfort is key, blankets and pillows are a must!

3. Plan Your Reveal

After you’ve completed your backyard movie theater, start planning the big reveal! No movie night is complete without amazing films, so you'll want to choose your line-up. Start by figuring out what kind of movie night you're going to have. If you're having a family movie night, make sure you select family appropriate movies. Some family movie favorites are Wonder and We Bought a Zoo. If your movie night is for you and your partner, pick out a movie that has themes of romance. Your movie line-up will depend on your audience so make sure you know the best options. 

Snacks are also a must have for any movie night! To make sure that everyone is satisfied, it's important to have a little bit of everything. Pick out an array of snacks that are salty, sweet, and savory. A snack board is a great way to present all of your refreshments. Your guests will appreciate a variety. If you want to get more creative, check out these homemade snack ideas.

Movie nights are a great way to bond with your friends and family, and creating an outdoor movie theater is the perfect addition to any home. Make sure that you work within your budget for this project. If you want to keep your budget small, utilize items around the house to create your movie theater. If your budget is on the bigger side, the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your own backyard movie theater.