5 Helpful Tips for Landscaping an Outdoor Area to Show Movies
An outdoor movie screen can give you a great spot for entertaining. To make sure that your movie screen is easy to see and hear, placement is key. Quality speakers that can easily be moved in and out of the space may be the best choice depending on the weather conditions you’re facing.
1. Put the Screen High
If the weather allows, consider putting up a painted panel that you can use as a screen. If you have enough distance, you may want to create a slope to provide you with excellent visibility. Proper grading of the site is key.
2. Light the Seating Area
Make sure there is low light in the seating area. Even if you’re just setting up folding lawn chairs, low light sources can lower the risk of a stumble or trip in the dark movie viewing area. Simple solar lights behind the seating area are a good start. If there’s a wall behind your seating area, consider adding lights that focus on that wall to brighten the area without impacting the movie light.
3. Add a Heater
Once the sun is down, it’s going to get cool. Consider adding a heater to your movie space. You might also hand out blankets for snuggling. If you don’t have the option to add a firepit, a simple portable firepit or camping candle could be a great addition.
Of course, firepits can add a lot of heat. If you love the idea of having a campfire feel, you may need to start the fire before sunset so it can burn down to the coals before the movie begins.
4. Consider Adding a Windbreak
If it’s breezy in your backyard, it may be worth the time to add a windbreak. If you’ve already got a fence, it may be a good idea to add a trellis to the top of the fence to further limit the wind. Again, grading the site so the seating area is lower than the screen area can greatly reduce exposure to the wind.
5. Create Snack Spots
Movies and snacks go together! Make sure that, in addition to chairs, you have small tables, portable trays, and disposable drink containers. If you are having kids viewing the movies, make sure the food is something that can be easily eaten.
Whether you’re handing out adult beverages or sodas, you can easily create a snack station with just a cooler and a few bowls of popcorn. You’ll also need a trash can with a lid so you don’t have to deal with pests in the snacks. If you’re handing out anything sweet, a packet of hand wipes is also a good idea.
Your outdoor movie area doesn’t have to be elaborate. Once you have a spot for a screen and a quality projector, the rest of the area can be quite flexible. If you choose to incorporate a permanent movie viewing area into your outdoor landscaping, make sure you include weathertight storage containers where you can keep your outdoor gear.
