Projectors are great for creating a large image in a small space for watching movies or playing games. They can project images onto walls, windows, and even other screens. However, regular projector screens can be quite expensive, so many people look for DIY options.
If you’re looking to make DIY projector screens, you’ll need to know where to start. There are many different ways to create a DIY projector screen, but in this post, we’re going to focus on the bed sheet method. The bed sheet method is one of the easiest and cheapest methods to create a DIY projector screen. It’s also one of the most flexible options, as you can use it to make a projector screen in almost any shape or size. In addition, you can use the sheet as an outdoor projector screen.
Anyone can do this, and you won’t need any special tools, but there are still some factors to consider and some drawbacks if you use a sheet as a projector screen. We’ll tell you all about it.
Table of Contents
How to Turn a White Sheet into a Projector Screen
Some people would rather use the stuff they already have at home than spend money buying a projector screen. A typical projector screen is white, so the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a DIY alternative is using a white sheet or bed sheets because everyone probably has one. The beauty of using a plain white sheet aside from being readily available and inexpensive is its versatility and mobility.
You can choose any part of your house to hang the white sheet and use it for your projector screen. If you don’t have a plain white bed sheet, any piece of smooth white cloth will do. Using a sheet as a projector screen will allow you to create a custom white screen.
It sounds simple enough, but there are a few things to know before making your DIY projector screen. If your sheet is somewhat on the sheer side, you will need to put something behind it to keep the light from shining through. You may put a piece of cardboard, plywood, or extra sheets behind the projector screen. It may also be a challenge to hang it properly so that the sheet will not fold or wrinkle.
We’ll address all these factors below before we jump into the step-by-step instructions.
To make a projector screen using a bed sheet, you will need the following materials: a white sheet, hooks, PVC pipe, clips, needle, thread, or cloth tape. You may also use a wooden rod if you don’t have a pipe.
Things to consider:
Before you begin, it would help you first to consider and determine the following:
- How big do you want your projector screen to be? The recommended projector screen size is 5 by 6 feet. You should also consider the type of projector that you have to maximize the picture quality.
- What cloth material will you use? Choose a matte sheet. Satin or silk is not recommended.
- Avoid using a cheap bed sheet or sheer cloth material to get the best results. Instead, use one with a high thread count. We also recommend a blackout sheet.
- If you have a king-size sheet, fold this in half to make it thicker. Or you can use two twin-size sheets.
- It would help if you also considered putting a blackout cloth behind the sheet. This will lessen the light passing through the sheet and improve picture quality.
- Don’t forget to iron the sheet. We don’t want to see any wrinkles on your projector screen! A smooth and wrinkle-free sheet will give improved image quality.
Steps to make a projector screen using a sheet:
Now, you’re ready! Follow the simple steps below to create your DIY projector screen using a white sheet:
- Cut the sheet according to your desired size but leave an extra 2 inches on all sides. You need this to create an opening for your pipes.
- Sew the sides. If you don’t know how to sew, you may use cloth tape instead.
- Add eyelets on the top corners of the sheet.
- Put a PVC pipe on the sheet. This will help keep the sheet flat and wrinkle-free.
- Fold the bottom of the PVC onto the sheet, crease the sheet, remove the pipe, then sew or tape the side. Next, insert the pipe, then close out the ends.
- Install the hooks in the ceiling where you will hang the projector sheet.
- Turn on your projector and beam it into your DIY projector screen masterpiece and enjoy watching!
This handy DIY projector screen is easy to do, and you can roll it up and store it away when not in use.
However, you should manage your expectations if you use a white sheet as your projector screen. The image quality will definitely be compromised and will not be the same as an actual projector screen. However, if this is something that you can live with, then, by all means, grab that white sheet, start this DIY project, and have your own makeshift projector screen.
Can I Use a Black Sheet?
Projector screens are typically white but did you know that you can also use a black projector screen? While white screens have been used for a long time, black projector screens have recently gained popularity.
A black sheet can be used as a projector screen because it can better reproduce the darker parts of an image. In addition, a black projector screen can improve the image contrast. If the room where you will use your projector has too much ambient light, then using a black sheet is better.
For projecting a bright picture, black sheets are ideal. They do, however, also have flaws. When using a black sheet for projection, the brightness on some sections of the projector screen may suffer. There may also be a shimmering effect on bright images. Using a black screen also requires a projector with a high lumen brightness.
If you have a black sheet, you can follow the same steps that we outlined above in making a projector screen using a white sheet.
Conclusion
When choosing a DIY projector screen, you need to consider how motivated you are to save money. You can make the most out of your projector screen if you get creative. Look around your house and find some scrap material like cardboard, a piece of plywood, or some unused bed sheets. It would feel terrific to create something useful out of scraps and save money at the same time.
Making your own projector screen can be fun and fulfilling. And the best thing about it is that the materials are easy to find and the steps are simple to follow, as shown in this article. So if you are willing to put in a bit of work and your goal is to save money, then we recommend trying out our guide to make a DIY projector screen from a sheet.
My name is Henry Larson and I have been associated with research and development of projectors throughout my professional career. I used all my experience and expertise to create this blog so that I can guide people to get the best projector of their choice. For any further assistance, you can get in touch with me through email or comments.