Now that it is warming up, I am dreaming of having outdoor movies again. I'm resharing this past project with you today because these outdoor movie theater seats are one of my favorites! As kids we used to run an extension cord outside and take a small TV/VCR combo outside to watch movies in the backyard. I thought now that I am an adult and have a house of my own, that I could do a little better than that. So we got a projector screen to go with the projector we got a few years ago. All I needed now was some seating. These DIY Outdoor Movie Theater Seats are easy to make and comfortable to sit on!
Since I was making four ( and I love them so much I might make even more!) I wanted them to be as simple as possible but still provide comfy seating.
Outdoor Movie Theater Seats Tutorial
Like I said before, I wanted these to be as simple as possible in case I ended up making a ton of them.
1. I cut plywood that I had on hand into 24 inch by 18 inch pieces. The cushions were about 17 inches wide so that is why I made them a tiny bit bigger. For every seat you want, cut two boards.
2. Then I primed them with a tinted primer I had on hand. White primer would be fine as well. I primed them because plywood is SO porous and soaks up a lot of paint. I didn't want to go through a million cans of spray paint.
3. I used hinges to attach the two boards together. I used two hinges per seat. Thicker plywood is best for this project for the fact that the screws will go all the way through the board if it is too thin.
4. I had some 1x2 that I cut to fit on the inside of the boards. I cut two pieces per seat. I screwed them onto the inside of the bottom. I then screwed a 5 inch screw all the way through the 1x2 piece. These get pushed into the ground to make sure the seat doesn't move when you lean back on it. There were four (one on each bottom corner) per seat. Then I painted the 1x2 piece as well.
We went super casual and added a crate as our "side table" and mason jars for the drinks.
Outdoor movies aren't just for kids! Why not have a girls night?
Because of the hinge, you can adjust these outdoor movie theater seats to any height you want. You can sit up or make it open more so you are laying down more.
Does your family ever have outdoor movies? Have you ever thought to do it as a couple's night? Or a girl's night? I would love to hear your stories!
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Suesan
Darling and so simple. What did you use for your projector?
Stacy
I did a review of a 3M projector a couple years ago and we love it. It is small and connects to Apple products. It was available exclusivly at Target. I am not sure if that is still the case.
Ann
I love this idea!!!!
Ashley @ Simply Designing
These are SO MUCH FUN!!!! I love them!
Ashley @ Cherished Bliss
These are seriously adorable!! and such a fun way to have a backyard movie night!!
Debbie
What a great idea!!! My family and I watch movies outside using a projector and a shower curtain hung on the fence. I never thought of using a screen. Hmmm.... We usually sit in chaise lounge chairs or float in the pool.
Jennifer Priest
Oh my gosh LOVE LOVE LOVE these!! These would be great at the beach too :)
Kelley @Miss Information Blog
I love that these will be easy to store when I don't use them! How fun and I have been wanting to do this, thanks for the kick to do it!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
Oh my word, how fun is this. I love it.
Rachel @ Lines Across
What a great idea (and such cute chairs)! We've never done outdoor movies, but my kids would LOVE them! So many possibilities.
Barbara
OMG I love this!! I never thought of outdoor movies for adults!!! What a great idea, and I adore the chairs Stacy! Headed to Insta to enter your giveaway! Thanks!
Emily
those are perfect!!! We do outdoor theater showings every summer... this is the perfect idea for adults who don't want to lay down like the kids. Pinned!!
TidyMom
fabulous idea Stacy! I love it!
Virginia Fynes
These are so much fun! Love em!
Cynthia Banessa
Love, love, love this! We have movie night outdoors and this DIY IS JUST PERFECT, easy store a-way too. Thanks for sharing!
Marty Walden
This is such a great idea! Makes me wish my kids were younger.....not. Now that I have a grandbaby on the way I'll start plotting for the future!
amy @ one artsy mama
LOVE these! Amazing idea! They look super comfy!
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker
SUCH a great idea, I love it! We love doing outdoor movies and this is fantastic for that!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches
These are so, so cool! Great idea!!
Randi Sowders
Oh this is soooo fun! I have been looking everywhere to get a good deal on a projector because I want to set up an outdoor movie theater for us too for this summer. So far, no dice...But when I do find one, I am making these chairs too! Thanks for sharing!
Rachel @ Architecture of a Mom
How fun! Love how these turned out.
Kari
I love this idea! Too bad we have so many mosquitoes outdoors! My favorite summer memory is going to sleepaway summer camp! I wish I could still go, but at least now my son attends!
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama
This is such a great idea!! Love the color, too!
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline
Another great idea, Stacy! I love every detail.
Amy Anderson
Cute setup! We don't do outdoor movies b/c it's too hot now - but it's a great idea for fall!
Gina
What an amazing idea, Love it!!!!
crystal d
So cute!
Kris Ann Bennett
I love these! I'm going to have to make some for my daughter and son-in-law, the go to a minor league ball park and sit on the lawn all the time! Great idea!!
Juan Zetino
I am making this..a;ready have a projector and screen...ditching my benches.
Nicole D.
Great idea! I will pass this onto my friend in CA who is wanting to set up a backyard theater.
Maria Lanteigne
We also do backyard movies. I found a very inexpensive little projector for $100.00 on ebay. I have an old pull down screen from a school yard sale. We put put our plastic Adirondack chairs, make a fire in the fire pit and use coolers to put our feet up. My family loves doing this. We call it our walk-in (instead of drive-in). I love your idea for seats and I may try to make a couple this summer.
Kristina
STACY! These are ADORABLE! I love them so much!
Ester
Love your ideas!!! One question-Where did you order your bench cushions?
Thanks
Ester
Libby
I, too, love this idea and would LOVE to know where you found your bench cushions. :)
Thank you SO much!
Libby
Deborah
These are so cute. You were my favorite pic for Waste Not Wednesday linky party!
leanna
Loving the idea of having a chick flick night with these great outdoor seats.
They would also be really handy for any outdoor park venue, and much prettier than a horrible web chair.
Great post and project.
Sam -Raggedy Bits
What a fabulous idea!! What a fun way to spend a family night!! Bet you and your family enjoy movie night now!
Thank you so much for sharing your fun project with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Emily
These are so cool! I love this idea for movie watching all summer long :) Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! I'll be featuring your DIY outdoor seating this week. We'd love to have you link up again!
Rainy
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful idea. I can't wait to try it!
Nancy
Tried to sign up for your blog but no submit to click on.
Khrystuna
I want to buy a house with a backyard only to have a similar movie theater. MMMM...
Haley Steele Hiking
This was a great read! On to making my seats now :)
Lisa W
You are brilliant and awesome 👏🏻 😎!! I used your idea for the movie seats with a couple of upgrades. I added 2 eyelet hooks at the top on each side and two at the bottom to tie on the lounge cushions I bought and then added a carry handle on the reverse side of the cushion. #SUPERCUTE #MOVIENIGHT
Stacy
Genius! I love those ideas :) I need to add eyelets to mine now :)
Christina
Such an excellent idea. I love it!
Christy
Since it is difficult for my dad to go very far and/or gets anxious when out and about, the Backyard Movie is a perfect solution for my family.
james
Hey, This is the amazing guide to create a theater seat. Thank you for sharing this idea.
Lilly
Great tutorial. Thanks!
Jane
This is a great idea/alternative now that COVID-19 is around.
Mark
What a great Idea, Stacy! Personally, a dvd player would be plenty for me. But this is perfect during this summers quarantine, thank you!!!
Emily
What a great idea to watch movies outside in a quiet and comfortable environment. I am definitely going to apply it in my lawn. Thankx for sharing this unique idea.
selena
4. I had some 1×2 that I cut to fit on the inside of the boards. I cut two pieces per seat. I screwed them onto the inside of the bottom. I then screwed a 5 inch screw all the way through the 1×2 piece. These get pushed into the ground to make sure the seat doesn’t move when you lean back on it. There were four (one on each bottom corner) per seat. Then I painted the 1×2 piece as well.
Jessica
Its so simple. I Am Very Thankful to you for sharing this wonderful idea. Thanks
lars
I thought now that I am an adult and have a house of my own, that I could do a little better than that. So we got a projector screen to go with the projector we got a few years ago. All I needed now was some seating. These DIY Outdoor Movie Theater Seats are easy to make and comfortable to sit on!
Aerin
I didn't think anyone else had seen Austenland!! LOVE!