Can You Turn a Garden Dome Into a Cinema or Snug?

Why a dome works as a snug

A dome has a naturally enclosing, den-like feel once it's dressed for comfort: the curved ceiling wraps the space, and at night, with the panels dark and the lighting low, it becomes a proper retreat. It's separate from the house, so it's the kids' film den, the gaming room or the grown-ups' bolthole without taking a room indoors. And being weatherproof, it's a winter cocoon, not a summer novelty.

Handling light for a screen

The one consideration a cinema adds is daylight. Clear panels are wonderful for most uses, but you'll want to control light for screen viewing:

• Sunshade privacy panels cut daylight and glare for daytime films. They're individual panels for the back and both sides, fitted panel by panel wherever the screen needs shade. They shade rather than fully black out, so if you want a properly dark room in the daytime, add heavy blackout fabric inside as well.
• Evening viewing needs nothing special: once it's dark outside, the panels go dark too.
• A projector and screen, or a large TV, both work; just position the screen to avoid glare from low sun if you watch in daylight.

Our guide to garden dome privacy, shading and blackout goes into the options in more detail.

For sound, be realistic: polycarbonate doesn't soundproof, so keep the volume considerate late at night. Inside, soft furnishings (rugs, cushions, throws) warm both the acoustics and the feel.

Cosy in every season

Solid polycarbonate keeps draughts and rain out; add a heater, pile in the rugs and throws, and it's a genuine winter haven. The included windows and roof vents keep the air fresh, so it never feels stuffy on a film marathon. Electric heaters are the simplest choice. Keep any heater well away from the panels, cushions and throws, and if you use a fuel-burning heater, ventilate well and fit a carbon monoxide alarm.

Anchored properly, the geodesic shape spreads wind and snow loads across the whole frame, so a storm outside only makes the snug cosier. Ultra is our usual choice for a home snug. Extreme adds our strongest 3 mm specification for anyone wanting maximum panel thickness, including homes on exposed, coastal or high sites.

Dressing it for comfort

• Lighting: the free Ambient LED lighting kit included with every dome gives instant ambience, perfect for a snug.
• Soft stuff: rugs, beanbags, a corner sofa; texture is what turns a dome into a den.
• Warmth: a heater plus the vents keeps winter nights toasty and helps keep condensation off the screen.
• Power: have a registered electrician run a mains supply for the screen, console and lighting (Part P applies in England and Wales), with outdoor-rated fittings and RCD protection. Our garden dome electrics guide explains what's involved.

Frequently asked questions