Who needs an excuse to throw a movie night and have a couple of friends over for drinks? There’s nothing like the feeling of getting cozy on a big couch and enjoying a great movie together. But to make the most out of your movie nights, you need to have the right setup.
Speaking of a couch, you want to protect it from spills and crumbs with sofa covers. After making sure you’re safe from cleaning duty, explore five essential ingredients that will help you create an extraordinary movie night experience.
1. The perfect movie
Choosing the right movie can make or break your movie night. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or a new release, make sure you select a movie that everyone will enjoy.
You can take suggestions from your friends and family, but you better stick to the good old comedy — keep laughs and beer flowing. To have a dark room full of sobbing people is probably not the best idea for a night in. So if you’re the Oscars type, consider picking the best-animated picture, musical (check Hamilton out), or comedy. Another option is to go through Netflix suggestions: Murder Mystery sequel is a great one to unwind after a work day.
2. Delicious snacks
Nothing complements a movie better than a bowl of popcorn. However, pizza rolls and cheeseburger sliders do the trick — everyone devours them before the movie even starts.
However, keep your guests’ fingers from the couch and make it a house rule not to eat on the couch. On the other hand, if the sofa is too tempting to stay away from, consider putting a slipcover on it to protect the couch from stains.
Make sure you have a variety of snacks to choose from so that everyone can find something they like!
3. Right furniture layout
You want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and has a good view of the screen. It’s important that every guest can move around freely without feeling closed in.
Arrange your furniture in a way that allows everyone to sit together and enjoy the movie. If you don’t have enough seating options, you can always get some floor cushions or bean bags so everyone has a spot.
Make sure the speakers are placed in a way that everyone can hear the audio clearly. You may also want to consider using a soundbar or surround sound system for an immersive audio experience. Set up a small table or snack station near the seating area so that people can easily grab snacks and drinks without disrupting the movie.
4. Proper lighting
The key to a great movie night is creating a dark, cinematic atmosphere. Dim the lights or, even better, turn them off completely. Avoid using overhead lighting, as it can create glare on the screen and be distracting.
Consider adding some accent lighting, such as LED strips or rope lights, behind the TV or along the walls to create a soft glow. This can help reduce eye strain and make the viewing experience more comfortable. You can also experiment with different lighting options, like fairy lights or candles, to add a touch of warmth and coziness.
Also, take care of task lighting using table lamps. They provide focused light on a table or couch so guests can see their food or their way out if they want to go to the other room.
5. Cozy throws and pillows
Nothing beats snuggling up under a warm and cozy throw while watching a movie. Make sure you have enough throws and pillows for everyone to get comfortable. You can also choose throws and pillows that complement your overall decor and create a welcoming vibe. While patterned pillows add a splash of color to the room, throw oversized blankets instantly add coziness and even luxury if you go with velvet for a fabric.
Hosting a movie night can be stressful. High expectations, time-consuming preparation, trying to choose a movie everyone would enjoy, what to say about snacks… Keep in mind these five ingredients of a perfect movie night setup and share them with friends coming over. Let them know that everyone should contribute and help you make it special!
