Switching my TV to a Projector
I’d been toying with the idea of investing in a projector for some time. My living room needed a shakeup and I felt frustrated by how my TV was so dominant, seated in the corner of my living room. Unless your TV is ultra-stylish, I’m sure you feel the same way. They can be such an eye-sore and space-hoarder in an otherwise beautiful home.
In an effort to try and downsize and own fewer things, I made the decision to abandon my TV and adopt a projector instead. From a purely aesthetic point of view, it was revolutionary. It opened up an entire corner of the room, leaving me with beautiful exposed stone walls. I was also finally able to put an antique side-table in place, that had been previously floating around the house. Atop which, I place art that I love and on the floor next to it, I had room to place a restored beam, we kept as we renovated. The effect radiated sophistication and calm, without any of the clunk that the TV had previously added.
Not Just Good-lookin’
While my decision to invest in a projector had been purely stylistic, I’ve been wow-ed by the additional benefits that this small change granted me. It has added so much unexpected versatility to my home, which I am thrilled about.
More so, it has changed my viewing habits completely. I find that I’ve cut down on the amount of random background TV time, giving me more intentional time for calm and stillness in the home. It means that I truly focus in on what I want to watch: it has birthed a new excitement for my favourite shows and films. I’ve even discovered the joys of watching tutorials on it. It benefits my work life since I use it to project images that inspire me creatively while I sit at my desk.
Click to see autumn leaves scene live
Click to see wintery scene live
Ambience
Rather than detracting from the ambience of my house as my TV screen did, my projector only adds to it. I use it to project seasonally appropriate backdrops: autumn leaves falling, a crisp fire for colder days, a snowy bluster - videos that enhance the atmosphere of my living room and create a mood I desire.
And the best part? Outdoor movie nights! Is there anything more special than gathering with friends underneath the moon to watch an old classic? Add some popcorn and cosy blankets into the situation and this is the perfect way to host a movie night! I did this over the Christmas period where I had friends stay the weekend and we huddled together by the large Christmas tree and roaring fire in my courtyard as we watched Love Actually, and mulled wine on tap.
Know What You Are Looking For
When I first decided to research projectors, I didn’t know where to start. I sought wisdom and advice from friends who already owned one, who collectively helped me to create the following criteria list. This became my compass as I navigated the rich landscape of projector options.
I needed something that was:
Small
Portable
Bright enough to watch in the daylight (at least 500 lumens)
That had an automatic adjustment for the tilt screen (30-40° keystone correction)
That included streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime
Had a good enough battery power life
Chargeable
Simple to use
Ideally, had a sleek and minimalistic in design - at least enough to blend in with my furniture
Could connect to any device (ideally, wirelessly!)
Had good speakers built-in
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Despite having a pretty robust list of specifics, I lucked out with the Nebula projector by Anker Mars. For me, this has proven to be the ideal projector for my needs and aesthetic. It doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker too! I cannot recommend it enough. And for those seeking a cheaper price point, there are plenty of alternative models that have amazing reviews too.
With summer approaching and the evenings getting longer, why not make the switch? You’ll fall in love with your favourite movies all over again, and have fun rearranging your furniture and breathe new life into your living room at the same time!
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