Ditch the Crowds & Steal the Show with a Pop-Up Projector Screen

It’s hard to beat enjoying a movie outdoors in the cool summer evening breeze. Popular at area parks, projector screen movie magic, reminiscent of drive-in theater days, is often highly-anticipated and quite crowded. Happily, however, incorporating a similar feature into your outdoor living space design is easy with the addition of a pop-up projector screen. Here you can enjoy any the movies you love in the peaceful setting of your own backyard with your favorite beverage and snack.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Outdoor Movie Experience with a Pop-Up Screen:

●       Determine the ideal location.
The existing terrace in your backyard is an ideal spot to sport a pop-up projector. However, the location of your chosen projector and its throw-distance will affect the position and ultimate size of your pop-up screen. Consider these things carefully when designing your space and selecting a projector/pop-up screen combo. This handy throw-distance calculator can help you determine the optimal distance necessary for your preferred screen size and yard dimensions.

●       Be mindful of landscaping.
Landscape your outdoor space with movies in mind, carefully trimming back existing foliage and incorporating options that work with (and stay out of the way of) your pop-up screen setup.

●       Pick your projector.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a projector to enjoy movies outdoors. Even business-class projectors output at a better rate than old broadcast TV/DVDs. Online retailers offer a number of affordable options under $200 compatible with outdoor use. A lumen rating of 2,000+ is preferable for maximum nighttime viewing pleasure. If you plan on watching before sunset, expect to pay a premium for the increased performance higher lumen models. With children or pets, look to rear-projection models to prevent image disturbances. Last but not least, ensure compatibility with your play-mode of choice, including an aspect ratio of 16:9 (widescreen format), noting your chosen device holds compatible inputs for your streaming device/Blu-ray player.

●       Choose your screen.
With an outdoor projector screen, you can go B-I-G for far less expense than with a flat-screen. Before purchasing, consider your budget, how large you want to go, and if you prefer front/rear projection. You can purchase smaller outdoor pop-up screens for under $100. Larger ones come at a premium. However, if you don’t mind the buzz of a compressor, massive 16+ft. inflatable options can be purchased under $200.

●       Simplify your speaker setup.

            Your speaker setup should require minimal wiring and minimal fuss. This prevents tripping and electrical hazards and ensures easy, enjoyable use. A portable Bluetooth sound bar makes for an excellent fine option. Or if you prefer, pair your system via wiring or Bluetooth to a permanent outdoor system, such as those featuring speakers cleverly disguised as rocks. 

●       Don’t Let Rain Steal the Show
Sit back with family and friends, enjoying movies and grilling anytime year-round beneath the comfort of your StruXture adjustable aluminum pergola. Reduce screen glare, easily rotating louvers to block the sun. Rainy weather? Prevent precipitation from stealing the show, quickly closing louvers and engaging the StruXture’s ingenious, leak-proof gutter system.

●       Create a theater-like experience.
Incorporate comfortable seating, such as a large cushy sectional, patio recliners, and portable floor cushions for the kids. Ensure a clear view of the screen, locating accoutrements like drinks, popcorn, and hot dogs out of the way. Keep pests and noise, and nosy neighbors at bay with the help of motorized screens and curtains. 

Ditch the expense of movie night and reinvest it into your home. Create your own backyard movie theater with the help of Denver Pergola Systems today.

This article was previously published at:

http://www.denverpergolas.com/ditch-the-crowds-steal-the-show-with-a-pop-up-projector-screen/

Maximize Space, Adding Built-In Seating with Your Pergola

Looking for ways to maximize your outdoor living space design? Built-in seating may be just the solution you’re looking. This small variation to seating can provide a far more efficient use of space, potentially doubling the value of your usable outdoor living space area.  A custom built pergola can be constructed around your seating as to not interfere with the design mojo you have going on, but still provide sun or shade for a more comfortable space to spend time in. 

Benefits of Built-In Seating

A spatial problem-solver, in tight or narrow outdoor spaces with minimal room for furniture, built-in seating allows for the addition of seating without sacrificing a single square foot. Add seating along a wall, sliding tables right up, minimizing the need for additional furniture. Providing a place to sit back and relax year-round, built-in seating is also a boon in colder climates, eliminating the need to move patio furniture in during the cold weather season and lug it out again when the weather warms. With built-in seating, a place to enjoy the outdoors and rest is always available – even on those rare warm fall and spring days when your furnishings might otherwise be buried in the garage or shed.

Tips for Adding Built-In Seating

Integrating built-in seating isn’t difficult. The ideal time to incorporate built-in seating is when you’re adding a wall, raised planting area, or other structural components, such a slim, unobtrusive Arcadia adjustable aluminum pergola. These structures can easily be adapted with additional seating.

Built-In Seating Guide
Look to these tips to construct built-in seating that is attractive, spatially-efficient, and comfortable.

●       Seat Wall
Any time you add a low wall 18-30-inches in height to your landscape, consider incorporating a seat wall to double as a bench. For comfort, make sure the top surface is flat. Natural cinder block or poured concrete is not enough. Seating should be smooth to avoid damaging clothing, with narrow mortar joints to prevent sharp and from sticking up. Adding a foot-wide cap with a bullnose edge using masonry is best.

●       Inset Seating
Outdoor living space share a wall with your home, privacy wall, or other structure that would serve as a good backrest for a built-in seating nook? Use it to create a versatile, intimate conversation area that is enclosed on 3-sides. Deeper designs more than 2-feet wide can also double as a place to recline. Avoid going too narrow, as this can make seating uncomfortable. Consider the comfort of the backrest as well. Designs that are sloped slightly away from the seat are more relaxing to lounge in than those straight up and down.

●       Bolt-On Seating
In spaces too narrow for inset seating, where walls are too tall and straight for comfort, bolt-on seating is another alternative. Popular in public parks and plazas, bolt-on seating is best anchored into block, stone, and concrete walls.

●       ‘Natural’ Seating
In design schemes incorporating a great deal of stonework, large, flat-top boulders can be used to create convenient seating areas. Popular in Japanese gardens, they offer seating without spoiling the look of landscapes. Rock shape and design is critical for comfort in boulder seating. The best boulder seating is flat on top, in sizes or inset into the ground at the proper height for comfortably sitting. Incorporating flagstone into your design? These lighter stones offer seating opportunities as well. Simply set a large flagstone slab atop multiple supporting stones for a beautiful natural seating alternative.

Comfort Additions

When designing built-in seating, don’t overlook key comfort details. Concrete and metal can be uncomfortable in temperature extremes without a cushion. This is why benches with wood slats are common. Design with dimensions for standard outdoor cushions in mind, which are easy to replace by the season or as your tastes change. Otherwise, leave room in the budget for custom cushion creations. This will ensure you, your family, and guests are happy and comfortable enjoying time outdoors.

Get the most out of your outdoor living space design.  If you’re planning on including a patio cover in your design, contact  Denver Pergola Systems to learn more about ways you can maximize your available space today.

This article was previously published at http://www.denverpergolas.com/maximize-space-adding-built-in-seating-with-your-pergola/