How to create a summertime cinema at home
Summertime events are just the best, don't you think? And one of our favourite activities is summer cinema nights. Munching on popcorn with friends and family, outside in the fresh air after a long, hot day. So we want to teach you how to do it at home! Your terrace or garden can become a cosy, welcoming outdoor cinema.
We're here to show you how to create your very own summertime cinema at home, including a fun alternative for the little ones, to turn a normal, ordinary night into a super fun film night!
How to set up a summer cinema at home
Let's start setting up our at-home summer cinema! Aside from a comfortable space to sit down and watch the film, we'll also need the most important thing: the screen. We made one with a white sheet that we fastened on a clothing rack. It's super simple to put up and take down! In addition, take these other tips into account:
- Prepare some delicious snacks to eat while watching the film: popcorn is an absolute must!
- Use trays, baskets and boxes to bring food, plates and glasses to the terrace. This way you won't have to get up during the film and everything will be perfectly organised. A trolley is also a great idea!
- If you don't have enough seating, place some large pillows or pouffes on the ground for your guests to sit on.
- Indirect lighting is essential to creating a the right ambiance, while ensuring that there is no glare on the screen. For this, the best option is small solar lamps and string lights.
Textiles for better comfort
Textiles are crucial when getting your terrace ready: not just for this at-home summertime cinema you're setting up, but also for any evening soirée after dinner, to stay comfortable and create a cosy environment.
Choose pillow covers in fresh, summer colours – like these blue and white ones – as well as outdoor rugs that make the space more comfortable. On the other hand, don't forget at least a light blanket for nights when it gets a little chilly on your rooftop, terrace or garden.
A basket will help you keep all your outdoor textiles organised.
A kid-friendly alternative where they're the stars
Films are fantastic, but they're nothing compared to live action, don't you think? Plus, most kids don't like to stay seated for long periods of time, especially while watching a film. In place of a summertime cinema, we think a great idea is have a pre- or post-film stage where they can recreate the scenes they liked the most.
How to do this? Easy:
- You'll definitely need a rug with some pillows and pouffes so they can be completely comfortable while playing.
- By using the same clothing rack we saw before and a shower curtain or an old sheet, you can stage a puppet show, where kids can act out a story, film or whatever their heart desires.
- Prepare a special dinner for the whole family that has a bit of everything: from healthier alternatives to treats and sweets for the kids.
- Take out all the toys they'll need. The important thing is to put them away afterwards, but for the time being... let them have fun!
A spot for treats on the terrace
This special dinner or snack spread can also be arranged in a unique way. Use a grille or rack (which may be the fencing along the terrace or a unit set up specifically for the party) to hang all the different treats, juices, storybooks and even prizes for this super fun summer event. Using different types of organisers, you can arrange all the extras the little ones might need to have a fantastic time.
This way, the kids can also play and have their own individual space for treats, which they'll absolutely love.
Hey! Wait! If you're looking for more summer activity ideas, don't miss out on these:
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original use, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return.
