How to Use a Garage Door as a Movie Screen

Want to host an outdoor movie night this summer? Showing a movie under the stars is a great family activity or main event for a kids’ slumber party.

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Kits for an outdoor cinema, including an inflatable screen, are pricey. Since an alfresco flick may be a once-a-year event, why break the bank. You can have just as much fun going low budget. A garage door makes an excellent impromptu movie screen. You can piece together everything else you need for not much money.

Here’s what you’ll need to have a great movie night.

How to Use a Garage Door as a Movie Screen

A garage door makes an ideal backdrop for a movie screen. If your door is white or light gray you can project directly onto the door. Nothing could be easier! If your door is dark, tack a white king-size flat bedsheet over it.

Projector, Speakers, and DVD player

You’ll need a projector, speakers and a way to play the movie. A high-end projector is expensive, but you may be able to rent a projector from a public library or school. If you think you’ll be using a projector often, consider buying one. They come in lots of price ranges.

Here is the one we used.

Most people have all the other equipment they’ll need for movie night: speakers and a DVD player or laptop. If you plan to stream a movie from your laptop, make sure your Wi-Fi signal reaches to the garage.

Test the setup during the day when you’ll be able to run to the store should you discover you need a miscellaneous cord or another piece of equipment.

Provide Creature Comforts

Make your guests comfortable by transforming the driveway with cozy seating. Lay down an area rug, complete with a pad, if people will be sitting on the ground. Arrange cushions, comfortable chairs or even a couch. Scatter plenty of blankets in case the night air gets chilly.

Provide low-level lighting to guide people as they walk in the dark. You can use a few solar lights or decorative string lights. Keep a flashlight handy, too.

Movie night isn’t complete without snacks. Set up a concession stand with a selection of treats and beverages.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Before movie night, let neighbors know your plans and invite them to join in. You’ll need to wait for dark to project the show, so be considerate. Don’t run the movie too late or too loud. Choose a movie that’s appropriate for all ages.

Ponderosa Garage Doors offers garage door repairs and installation. Call us today for a Get Started.