Setup
Projector for a Bedroom: Size, Brightness, Ceiling and Noise
A bedroom is a good place for a projector because you can make it dark. Pick the picture size from your distance, then place the projector to match.
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A bedroom is one of the best places for a projector, because you can make it dark. Pick the picture size from the distance you have (a 100-inch picture needs about 9 to 9.5 feet), blackout the windows, and mount or place the projector so the picture lands on the wall or ceiling you want.
Does a projector work in a small bedroom?
Yes. A small room just means a smaller picture or a projector that works from a short distance. A 60" to 80" picture is large for a bedroom and needs only about 5 to 7 ft (1.6 to 2.2 m).
Most standard projectors need a few feet between the lens and the wall. You can place one on a shelf at the foot of the bed, on a nightstand, or on a tripod or ceiling bracket above the bed.
How much picture fits in my room?
Measure from where the projector will sit to the wall, then find the closest row. These are the official figures for the Zoomly projectors.
| Picture size | Pro Elite | Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 60" | 5.2 ft (1.6 m) | 5.4 ft (1.66 m) |
| 80" | 7.2 ft (2.2 m) | 7.3 ft (2.21 m) |
| 100" | 9.5 ft (2.9 m) | 9.1 ft (2.77 m) |
| 120" | About 11.5 ft (3.5 m) | 10.9 ft (3.32 m) |
The Pro Max works from as close as 1 m (3.3 ft). The Pro Elite needs at least 1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft) so autofocus and auto keystone can calibrate. For the full formula, see the projector distance guide.
How bright does a bedroom projector need to be?
That depends on how dark the room is. Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. This is the number to compare, because it follows a standard method. "Light-source" or marketing lumens are measured differently, run much higher, and cannot be compared with ANSI figures.
- Fully dark room: a modest rating is enough, and you can enjoy a large picture with strong contrast.
- Curtains drawn, some light leaking in: more brightness helps keep colors from washing out.
- Bright daytime room: no projector in this class beats daylight. Use the projector at night, or add blackout curtains.
The Pro Max is rated at 900 ANSI lumens, and the Pro Elite at 2,000 ANSI lumens. Both give a strong picture in a dark bedroom. The extra brightness of the Elite helps when some ambient light remains, or when you want a bigger picture.
Where should the projector go?
On a nightstand or shelf
The easiest option. Place it so it faces the wall opposite the bed straight on, not at a sideways angle, and let auto keystone handle a small upward tilt. On Zoomly projectors auto keystone corrects vertical tilt, so a sideways angle is better fixed by moving the projector. Raise the front slightly with a book if the picture sits too low on the wall.
On a tripod or ceiling bracket
This keeps the projector out of the way and gives a straight angle. Both the Pro Elite and the Pro Max have a standard 1/4"-20 thread underneath, so they fit any 1/4"-20 tripod or ceiling bracket. Leave enough clearance for the vents.
Projecting onto the ceiling
You can lie on your back and watch on the ceiling. Place the projector on the nightstand, aim it straight up, and flip the picture in the settings if needed. A smooth, white ceiling works best. Because the picture is tilted, expect auto keystone to do real work, and the sharpness to drop a little. Our guide on auto keystone explains the trade-off.
What about fan noise, heat, and sleep?
Every projector has a fan, and in a quiet bedroom you will hear it more than in a living room. Place the projector away from your pillow, such as at the foot of the bed or on the opposite wall, rather than right beside your head.
Leave a few inches of free space around the vents, and never cover the projector. For sleep, turn the projector off at the end of the night. Bright light before bed can make it harder to fall asleep, so lower the brightness or take a break before you turn in.
How do I get good sound?
Projector speakers are fine for casual viewing, but a small Bluetooth speaker or soundbar next to the bed sounds better and lets you keep the volume low at night. The Pro Elite sends sound out via Bluetooth, set up in the projector's Settings, or through its AUX output. It does not have HDMI ARC.
Do I need a screen?
No. A smooth, matte white or light gray wall works well in a dark bedroom. A screen helps if the wall is textured, dark, or glossy. If you want one, the 100" screen is a good fit for most bedrooms. We compare both options in projector screen vs wall.
Which Zoomly projector suits a bedroom?
For a small room and a picture up to about 100", the Pro Max is a good fit. It works from 1 m (3.3 ft), has auto keystone, and runs Netflix natively. You set the focus by hand with a ring on the lens.
If you want a sharper, brighter picture and no manual focusing, the Pro Elite adds native 4K, 2,000 ANSI lumens, and autofocus.
Frequently asked questions
How much brightness do I need at night?
In a fully dark room, a modest ANSI lumen rating is enough. Add more brightness if street light or lamps leak in. Compare ANSI lumens only, since marketing lumens run far higher.
Can I project onto the ceiling?
Yes. Place the projector on a nightstand aimed upward, flip the image in the settings if necessary, and use a smooth, white ceiling. Expect keystone correction to work harder, which can soften the picture slightly.
Is fan noise a problem?
You will hear it in a quiet room. Keep the projector away from the pillow and use a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar so you can keep the volume low.
Do I need a screen in a bedroom?
Not necessarily. A smooth, light-colored wall works in a dark room. Use a screen if the wall is textured or dark.
Do I need a short-throw projector?
Usually not. A 60" to 80" picture needs only about 5 to 7 ft. If your room is shorter than that, choose a smaller picture or place the projector on a shelf closer to the wall.
Ready for a bigger picture?
Zoomly® Pro Max Smart Projector
Products in this guide
Zoomly® Pro Max Smart Projector
Zoomly® Pro Elite 4K Smart Projector
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