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Isabella Hussar is an aspiring journalist at Rutgers University. She is published in Rutgers’ Daily Targum and HerCampus, and works for Rutgers’ School of Communication & Information. If she’s not in her cozy college apartment, you can most definitely find her in New York,…read more
I’ve daydreamed about buying a backyard movie set-up (projector, screen, etc) for several summers now. But the logistics and potential expense always stopped me… until last month!
And now I feel silly for waiting, because we pulled it off with just 3 pieces of equipment that cost less than $200 total. That’s cheaper than the cost of some projectors alone… or a few family trips to the movie theater.
In addition to not spending a lot, we also wanted equipment that would be easy to set up. So in this post we’ll cover:
Here are the 3 pieces of equipment we purchased – and how much we paid! – to set-up an outdoor cinema in our backyard:
*The speakers are optional because the projector has built-in speakers. However, connecting portable speakers will give you more flexibility over your setup, including creating a “surround sound” effect.
You can watch how fast it is to set everything up in this time-lapse video we filmed the other night. I had the screen assembled in less than 3 minutes! Don’t worry, we still sped it up for you…
Note: You can also watch this video on YouTube
We chose the Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector, which was marked down from $149 to $99 when we purchased it. I came across cheaper and pricier options in my research, and landed on this middle-ground option for a few reasons:
These 4 features were important because I wanted the setup to be flexible, low-stress, and not involve a lot of extra cords. And overall, we’re EXTREMELY PLEASED with this purchase. There are some minor drawbacks (which I’ll share in the “tips” section) but they’d be issues with any projector, and they’re easy to overcome.
We considered a DIY screen made from PVC and a bed sheet or drop cloth, but decided to “splurge” on this $39 outdoor projector screen instead. We chose the 80″ size (measured diagonally), but it also comes in 100″, 120″, and 150″ versions. Depending on sales, the larger versions are sometimes cheaper! So just go with what you think will fit your space the best.
We chose this type of screen because:
We had a few ideas about where we’d set everything up in our yard, and none involved projecting onto a wall or surface where we could hang something. So having a freestanding screen on a stand allowed us to easily test out a couple of arrangements.
Plus, when the summer months pass, we love the option of positioning the screen around the firepit instead of the pool. I’m already excited about cozy movies with blankets and a roaring fire!
After our first few nights using the built-in speaker on the projector, we decided to buy two of these budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers ($23 each at the time). The built-in speaker wasn’t bad. In fact, it was quite loud (and easily adjustable) – so these are definitely not required.
Why’d we buy them then? Keeping the projector within earshot of the pool meant a greater risk of it getting splashed, walked into, or stood in front of. So switching to wateproof Bluetooth speakers allows us to place the projector out of the way, while not sacrificing our ability to hear the movie.
We chose these specific speakers because they can pair with each other, meaning we can create a surround sound experience (without spending big money on a Sonos system or another more pricey option). They also give us lots of placement flexibility depending where we are and what we’re doing. For example, we could move one next to the hot tub or even by the firepit if some people are staying dry that night.
One thing to note is that connecting Bluetooth speakers disables the projector’s built-in speakers, so don’t expect it to be a third sound source in this set-up. Two speakers has been plenty of us, so that’s just a heads up!
Our goal was to keep the setup process easy and painless, because we knew anything complicated would discourage us from actually using it. So here’s a quick rundown of what we do:
First, you want to set-up your screen. That way you’ll have your projection surface ready when it comes time to adjust the picture on the projector.
Screen assembly takes less than 5 minutes. It’s kind of like putting up a tent – only much easier! The frame is made from PVC pipes that pop together with the provided connectors. Slide each section through the fabric sleeves on the edges of the screen, connect the corners, and set it onto the metal stands. That’s it.
We left off one section of PVC on each vertical side so that our screen sits closer to the pool level. That’s why ours looks shorter than what’s pictured online. We found that to be the more comfortable viewing from in the pool.
Next, find a good spot for your projector. This may be straightforward for some, and more challenging for others. But here are some things to keep in mind:
Once it’s generally in the right spot, turn on your projector so you can calibrate everything more precisely.
The projector we bought automatically adjusts focus and keystone as soon as it turns on. You can reset or fine-tune these later if needed, but we found this feature to be very helpful! It works better when it’s dark enough outside, so you may need to be patient.
If the projector does not take you to a set-up menu, you can access it in the top corner of the home screen. Here’s where you can find important settings like:
The projector comes with a standard remote control to navigate. Also, any time the projector detects that you’ve shifted its placement, it will redo the auto-focus and auto-keystone. My only complaint is that when that happens, it undoes any manual settings (like zoom).
This step isn’t necessary if you’re using the projector’s built-in speakers. But if you’re connecting a Bluetooth speaker – like the pair we bought – you’ll need to connect them to the projector from the Settings menu.
With these specific speakers, you’ll need to pair them to each other before pairing them to the projector. That’s how you’ll be able to achieve a “surround sound” style by placing each speaker on opposite sides of the viewing area.
Because of the projector’s built-in Wifi, you can easily sign into your Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video accounts and stream directly from the projector.
However, if you want to stream from other services like HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, etc, you’ll need to connect a separate device (like your phone, laptop, Roku or Fire TV stick). This is due to licensing restrictions, and the projector manufacturer only has authorization for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. The projector has 2 USB ports and 1 HDMI port.
The projector comes with a short HDMI cable, so you can use something like this $10 adapter cord to connect a laptop. You also may be able to screen mirror some videos from your phone, but we didn’t have luck with that.
Grab your chairs, floats, drinks, popcorn, or whatever else and enjoy!
Being able to break down quickly was another big must for us. Especially since we’re usually tired by the end of the evening (can’t start the movie until it’s dark, so movie nights often end pretty late!). But we also don’t want to leave stuff out overnight to get wet or dewy.
The projector is easy to put away – just turn off and unplug! Same with the speakers. The screen takes a little more time to disassemble and arrange back into the carrying pouch, so we often just pull the screen apart at the corners so it can be tossed inside for the night (shown below). Then in the morning we can carefully pack it away when we’re more awake!
It really does collapse down to be very small and easy to store. Everything fits nicely in my closet when not in use.
All in all, we’d say set-up takes around 15 minutes (depending on how much futzing you need to do with your picture) and less than 5 minutes to break down.
Here are a few things that we wish we knew upfront about this outdoor movie set-up.
With late summer sunsets, it’s tempting to get started as soon as the sun is down (if not sooner). But unless your screen sits under a covered porch, we suggest waiting for full darkness for the best picture experience. Here’s an idea of how much clearer the picture is by just waiting 10 minutes.
Keep this – plus the length of your film – in mind when planning your outdoor movie night. We were out until nearly 11pm the first time!
While I’m really grateful for the auto-focus and auto-keystone features, I usually fine tune both manually. It’s fairly easy to do from the settings menu. Once you make your manual adjustments, you may want to turn off the automatic features because any movement – say someone bumps into the projector or the wind blows your screen over – will trigger the auto-adjust and reset your manual settings.
Setting up took me about 40 mins the first time and maybe 25 minutes the second time. But I have become more efficient each time as I refine my arrangement & streamline my process. You’ll learn the best spot for your projector, the perfect angle of your screen, and optimal speaker placements over a few movie nights. So be patient with yourself. Now I’ve got it down to about 10 mins!
The biggest drawback to this projector is not being able to stream services like HBOMax, Peacock, or AppleTV. Yes, I can connect my laptop via USB or HDMI adapter. But that’s an extra step (and extra cords) I’d rather not bother with most nights. So even if I can access a movie for free on one of those services, we usually spend the $4 to rent it through one of the built-in apps like Amazon Prime or YouTube instead.
We’ve only used this in the warm summer months, so the pool has been the favorite viewing spot so far. But we still angle the screen so folks can watch from dryer / warmer spots, like by the fire pit. As the weather cools we’ll probably move the screen closer to the fire (or hot tub!) and will bring out some cozy blankets to cuddle up with. Actually can’t wait for that.
So far, the only regret we have is not buying these supplies a few summers ago!
Here are some related posts you might find helpful – from more technology we love to details on our backyard pool makeover.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Finding aesthetically pleasing storage is no easy feat. Even cute trinket holders and bowls can jumble your stuff, making it hard to dig out your keys when you actually need them. Luckily, the TikTok DIY pros are here with a storage solution that’s not only useful, but ideal for creating the coastal cowgirl home of your dreams.
In a new TikTok video, Kaia Rae (@kaiaraes) gives an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on how to create a framed, denim key holder. The best part of this DIY? It involves upcycling, making it a great, eco-friendly way to get more use out of those jeans you know won’t make it to next summer.
The coastal cowgirl aesthetic is all about combining Western themes with beach vibes, and this DIY definitely delivers.
The first thing you need to do is grab an old pair of shorts or pants, and a frame of your liking. With fabric scissors, cut the shorts so that one side fits inside of the frame’s panel, with the back pocket centered and facing out. Then, fold the excess fabric behind the panel, and attach your shorts to your frame (the creator doesn’t detail how this was done, but your glue gun should do the trick). All that’s left to do afterward is hang it up, and fill it with your knickknacks.
This pocket can easily hold onto sunglasses, keys, sunscreen, and other small items. It’s a great piece to hang right beside your door, so you can quickly pull items out of the pocket before heading out.
If you’re interested in a premade item like this, Etsy has a few slightly different options that deliver the coastal cowgirl vibes you’re looking for while still being cute and super functional.
Welp, we didn’t think we’d be starting this round-up in AUGUST. But alas, the first 2026 Color of the Year was announced at the end of July of 2025 (!!!), so here we go:
The annual Color of the Year announcements are one of our favorite traditions to follow (and predict, with varying degrees of sucess). Each year, a lot of the largest paint manufacturers select a hue and/or palette they believe “captures” and/or “forecasts” design trends. Some are bold. Some are boring. Some are straight-up bonkers (who remembers the color we affectionately dubbed “hot dog”?). So we’ll continue to update this post as the 2026 COTYs are announced over the next six months. And be sure to check out our 2024 and 2025 round-ups as a recap!
Like we did last year, we’re also showing you each company’s picks over the last few years right here in this post, because it’s a fun way to see how styles shift and brands swing from year-to-year. And you can find our predictions at the bottom!
There isn’t one single “color of the year.” Instead, several companies like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Pantone, declare their own individual color. There are different methods for how each brand makes their choice, but the goal (besides marketing) is to comment on what they’re seeing or predicting in the design world. Sometimes they also use it to represent larger trends or consumer moods like feeling hope, a returning to nature, or embracing rest.
Below are our recaps of every Color of the Year for both 2024 and 2025 – and you can click those two years for an in-depth look at previous selections. The 2025 colors that were chosen were dominated by moody browns, purples, and mauves. It was actually surprisingly consistent across most of the brands! Especially when you compare them to 2024, where we saw a lot more variety (some warm, some cool, some light, some dark).
It will be interesting to see if any brands richocet back to lighter, brighter, or cheerier colors in 2026 since we’d generally describe last year’s as… very brown. Will we see a lot of commonalities across brands again this year? Or will the different companies make bold choices to distinguish themselves from the pack?
With five months of 2025 still left, it’s no surprise that only 1 of 15 brands has announced their Color of the Year. We will update this list as more roll out. Last year we didn’t get the final announcement until January, so be patient!
Here’s a closer look at each color we know so far.
Behr kept things dark & rich for the third consective year with their 2026 Color of the Year pick: Hidden Gem. Described as a “smokey jade with an air of mystery,” it’s bold & colorful but still desaturated enough to make it suitable as a wall color. It’s also reminds us of one of our favorite accent colors from around 15 years ago (this one).
As you can see, the last 3 years have been a notable shift from the lighter and breezier colors Behr used to select. We’re not too surprised, given the prevalence of deep, moody colors lately (and full room color-drenching, which means painting the trim/molding as well as built-ins or cabinets the same rich hue).
In addition to tracking these announcements, we like to make our own guesses. You can see how we did with our predictions last year right here in this recap. And here are our 2026 predictions, which we made on August 1, 2025 on Instagram stories (that’s typically where you can find them each year).
We will update this graphic anytime a new color is announced is “in the neighborhood” of any of our guesses. This isn’t terrible scientific… it’s mostly for fun & bragging rights in our house (Sherry & I have a friendly competion to see who can get more each year).
You can check out more of our favorite go-to paint colors by touring our homes in the menu at the top of our blog. We’ve also written these detailed deep-dive posts about our favorite paint colors:
I cover home upgrades, DIY projects, hacks, how-tos, and plants. I’ve written about home decor and renovations for more than a decade since earning my degree in Magazine Journalism from Northwestern University. Before AT, I was an editor at HGTV Magazine and This Old House Magazine.
Emma is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but moved to Missouri to pursue her dreams of writing. She studies journalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing at the Missouri School of Journalism. Outside of school, she practices floral arranging, crochets blankets and…read more