When you’re looking for a projector screen, you will find them quite expensive. So many people choose to save money by making their own projector screen. But you need to consider how you want to display your video to choose the right screen. Picking the right screen depends on whether you want to use it inside or outside of the house (or even while camping), the size of the screen that you need, and if you will be projecting something other than a video, like a screen for PowerPoint presentations.
Some of the most common solutions is projecting on a blank wall or hanging up a set of sheets. With my first projector I projected onto a wall and it worked very well. Originally, my plan was to paint with projector paint, however, when I saw how well it worked I decided to not bother with it. I've since upgraded to a projection screen, but still think it can work amazingly for people to use one of these projector screen alternatives.
Below, I have put together a list of 7 different projector screen alternatives that you can use on your own if you’re trying to save money or if you are looking for a different style that you can make yourself.
What is a Projector Screen?
A projector screen is used for displaying videos, movies, and slides in more ways than just a simple sheet or whiteboard. Using a projector screen is the best way to ensure that your video will be seen easily and without troublesome distractions. You can purchase a usually white membrane of special cloth that protects your projection from dust that is floating in the air while also making sure the reflection is authentic and as intended by your projection. While wall mounted projector screens are most common, you can also find a number of different wall and ceiling mounted projector screens.
DIY Projector Screens
Projector screens may be important to some people, but they are a handful to install and quite costly as well. Aaahh, so expensive! Wouldn’t it be nice to find an alternative to own a projector screen for your home use?
This is actually possible now, thanks to the ingenuity of people and the internet to learn from them about their projector screen alternatives.
A projector screen alternative finds alternate ways to reflect light that comes from projectors and other screens. It provides a white, uniform, and vivid image quality without any of the distortions or color shifts that we're all trying to avoid when watching projection movies.
Because of its great features and benefits, these ideas are being widely used.
Cheap Projector Screen Alternatives
Just because you have a sleeping or living room with a bit of wall space doesn't mean you should have to settle for a white wall with a few thumbtack holes in an attempt to mount a plastic sheet or a TV bracket. As a matter of fact, there are some pretty easy alternatives you can create yourself to get the same viewing experience of a movie theater.
Sure, it's not going to be a 100' movie theater, but it's better than watching TV or a movie on your laptop or tablet.
Blank Wall
A blank wall is a free and easy to set up option. You can buy a projector and just hook it up to your laptop or mobile device and set it up opposite side of a wall. It’s a pretty obvious alternative and has no cost. There's no real limitations beyond how big your projector can go. But this sounds too good to be true, right? Free & bigger projection than with screens??? Here are a few factors to consider and make sure this can work for you.
Factors
Make sure the color is a neutral color, like a solid white ideally.
Viewing angle (how much of the screen you can see): The greater the viewing angle, the more people can see the screen without having to move.
The greater the viewing angle, the more people can see the screen without having to move. Material (the more material, the lower the viewing angle): If you only have 1 or 2 viewers, you may want to choose a more opaque screen just in case they have to sit directly across from you.
You won't be able to hang up any decorations in the area you're going to project on. I remember it was kind of weird to have pictures on the walls and then this random large area without anything on the wall in the middle of the living room. However, this is not a big drawback for most.
Sheet
One of the cheapest and simplest ways to make a movie night extra fun is with a projection onto a bed sheet. Nowadays it’s easy to find a charger, battery, or an LED light that you can hook up to your computer with a USB cord. With the right adapter, you can use your device to show a movie, some photos, or your favorite gaming moments.
However, not all projectors are suitable for use in your home and you might not have a wall or screen that works. This inexpensive and versatile device is made for all ages and sizes and can be used indoors or just put outdoors to enjoy anywhere.
Factors
You will need to consider that the sheet needs to be ironed, so it doesn't have a bunch of wrinkles. Also, you will have to make sure it's a high thread count sheet so it actually reflects the movie and it doesn't just all go through the holes in the sheet.
Last, but not least, you will have to make sure it's a unicolor – ideally white – sheet. Colors or patterns will affect your viewing experience.
Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is very cheap and ideal for hanging up indoors in a pinch to enjoy the visual spectacle. The shiny paper keeps the picture clearly focused. If you have a large enough roll of it at home, you can even hang it on your ceiling or walls to turn a small area into a movie theater. It’s also easy to replace the supplies rack: just replace the old roll with a new one.
On the downside, it’s not very durable. Because it’s thin, air gets trapped between the wall and the paper or a small draft might rip it.
Shades
If you have large windows, shades are a great alternative to an expensive projector screen. When it’s time to watch a movie, simply throw the shades over your windows and suddenly you have an instant home theater. The best part is, it’s just a flip of a shade when the film’s over and the sun makes its way in again. Curtain store sells shades specifically for projecting, but you can also use any shade that’s large enough to cover your windows. You can even DIY a stop motion animation short film using shadows created by shades on the wall that belong to your house, the sun and your neighbors house.
Blackout Cloth
Beyond a doubt, the black-out cloth is one of the best and practically the most economical projector screen alternatives. So if you’re trying to find a projector screen for your home theater that won’t break the bank, go with black-out cloth first.
This is a thin, lightweight, and often durable material to which you can add a degree of opacity with the help of a paintable backing.
You can use it to cover the windows, even if your windows are oddly sized, which is a common issue for many people. You can also use it for the screen of your projector, so you save money on buying one. Just hang it up with a little DIY creativity. It’s great for the budget-minded DIY-er.
Picture Backdrop
A lot of my friends have turned into “home theater buffs” in the last few years. I might have inspired this group of people (do I dare say cult to include myself?) by constantly talking up my setup at home. If you are interested in making good use of presentation tools in a home theater application you will want to know some good cheap projector screen alternatives.
There are a number of types of cheap projector screen alternatives that you can use. The good news is that because of the falling price of projectors many people are entering the projection market place that want a cheap projector screen alternative.
A large picture frame (same height as the projected image) with a white piece of cloth behind it. The picture frame is hung behind the projector at the same level and place as the screen.
Create a collage of pictures around the room and make a frame out of the from the collage that the projector throws onto the wall.
A drop cloth stretched and secured to the wall and floor.
A framed quilt can be used to great effect.
Projector Screen Paint
Another solution for a projector screen that is easily accessible in most homes is painting a wall with an eggshell or semi-gloss paint. If you live in an apartment, you can likely get permission to paint your wall as long as you're willing to repaint when you move out. This solution is ideal for small rooms or offices that are just large enough to accommodate the projector but lack the extra space to accommodate a projector screen.
You can paint the entire wall or just create a frame and mount it on the wall. This option works best with asymmetrical walls as it will provide a different look than a painted wall. You can choose to use a drywall mount or a frame with a mount.
Wall paint also works well if you want to create a temporary projector screen. For example, if you are throwing a backyard movie party, this solution is perfect for creating a quick and easy projector screen in a pinch on your garage.
If you are planning to paint your wall for a projector screen either go with specific projector screen paint or choose a flat or eggshell wall paint to provide you with the most amount of light. You can also create your frame from chalkboard and create a permanent blank slate for any occasion.
A projector screen is a great way to enhance your movie watching experience by providing a stunning viewing experience, but for some, purchasing or building a screen can be costly. Painting an existing wall is usually a great way to save.
Although purchasing a screen is easy enough, the price can still be a barrier for some.
Final Verdict
Although the thought of owning a projector and projector screen might sound like a great investment for an avid movie watcher; the thought of setting up, maintaining and buying one can be overwhelming. I get it and I used to be the same way. But once I realized it can be as easy as throwing the projection onto a blank wall I was hooked and have not only gradually upgraded my home theater system, but also turned my whole career about this.
When I decided to invest in a projector, I knew I wanted the ability to use it more than just for movies (even if it was for mainly movies). Now that I have the projector, I usually take it down once a month or so and use it with my laptop to show a movie and use a simple travel screen like a sheet. I also take down my projector every year around the holidays to use it for holiday lights and projecting on my painted side of the garage.