The short version
- Choose a shady spot with the windows protected from direct sunlight, to minimise glare on your screen.
- Insulate your garden room to keep draughts and cold weather at bay, so you can use it all year round.
- For a true cinema experience, kit out your cinema room with a projector and decent surround sound system.
- For gaming, an ethernet cable from your router or a wifi extender gives a stable internet connection and helps avoid lag.
- Treat your garden room as an extension of your home, with high quality locks, an alarm and CCTV.
A garden room isn’t just for enjoying the views outside, it can be used to create the perfect man cave. From private cinema to top-spec games room there’s no limit to what you can create.
So you can be the envy of your mates, we’ve explained how to create two different types of garden room man cave below. Which will you choose?
Creating a Cinema Room
For the movie mad amongst us, why not transform your garden room into your own private cinema? Enjoy the same cinematic experience all from the comfort of your garden. No more waiting in line or hearing other people talking while you try to watch the latest movies.
Where to position your garden room
Start by thinking about the position of your garden room. You’ll want a shady spot with the windows protected from direct sunlight, this will minimise any glares on your screen. If you need to connect your garden room to your Wifi you might also need to test how far the connection will stretch. If it’s not that far you’ll need to extend your wifi or keep your room close to your house.
Keep it cosy
The only chills you should experience in your outdoor cinema room are the ones you get from the films. Keep draughts and cold weather at bay by insulating your garden room to keep it warm. Doing this allows you to use it all year round too so you won’t miss out on any winter releases.
Upgrade your tech
For a true cinema experience kit out your cinema room with the best technology you can find. A projector and decent surround sound system makes all the difference: your guests will feel like they’re in a real cinema.
Make it comfy
The best cinemas are the most comfy. From cinema style seats with built in speakers, to roomy corner sofas with space to cuddle, choose a seating option that works for you. Add extra cushions and blankets for maximum relaxation.
Shed some light
From pitch black to mood lighting, getting the vibe right in your home cinema depends on the kind of lighting you install. Dimmable or colour changing bulbs are the easiest way to get the right balance.
Creating a games room
Or, perhaps you’re more of a gamer? Whether you’re an Xbox, PlayStation, or PC gamer a garden room is the perfect setting for an immersive games experience. Read on for our tips on how to turn your outdoor room into a gaming room.
Comfort is key
There’s nothing better than settling into your favourite chair for a solid session of gaming without a worry in the world. To achieve this you need to create a comfortable setting so you can game for longer.
Start by keeping your garden room toasty all year round with durable and weather-proof insulation. Adding comfortable chairs, blankets and pillows will also give you that extra boost of comfort too.
Create a snack stand
Gaming is hungry work so you’ll need to keep your garden gaming room stocked up with snacks and drinks. You could install a mini fridge to keep your drinks cold and refreshing, as well as a designated snack area.
Get the right set up
Alongside your console and screens, you’ll also need a stable internet connection too. To avoid lag you might want to use an ethernet cable which plugs directly into the router from your home, or a wifi extender to give you the best possible coverage while in your garden room.
Keep it secure
Gaming equipment is expensive so don’t make it easy for potential thieves to take yours. Keep your garden room safe and secure with an alarm and CCTV system. For security, treat your garden room as an extension of your home with high quality locks and top grade security systems.
Make it fun
For the full arcade experience you could also add in your favourite childhood games. Think air hockey, table football, and dart boards. If you’ve got a big enough garden room you could include a pool table too, guaranteed to make yours the place to be on a Saturday night.
So, how will you transform your garden room? Will it be a decadent private cinema, or a top-spec games room? For further information or advice on choosing the right outdoor garden room give our friendly team a call on 0333 051 0852.
Sources: Planning Portal: outbuildings; GOV.UK: Approved Document P, electrical safety in dwellings.
