How To Hide Projector Screen (5+ Ways)

Having a projector screen prominently displayed in your living room or media room can be an eyesore when not in use. Fortunately, there are various creative ways to easily hide or conceal your projector screen depending on your setup, budget and aesthetic preferences.

Why Hide Your Projector Screen

Here are some top reasons to conceal your projector screen when not in use:

Enhance Room Aesthetics
An unused projector screen can dominate a room and look unsightly. Concealing it keeps the room looking neat and visually appealing.

Protect Screen From Damage
Keeping the screen concealed when not in use protects it from accidental rips, scratches, discoloration, and other damage from kids, pets, or daily activities.

Reduce Dust Build Up
Exposed screens tend to attract dust, which can affect image quality and be difficult to clean off specialty screen materials. Keeping it hidden prevents dust accumulation.

Improve TV Viewing
Concealing the blank screen when watching regular TV gives you an unobstructed view and also prevents light reflecting off the screen from being distracting.

Direct Focus
Having the screen visible can draw attention away from your décor. Concealing it when not in use lets your room’s design features take center stage.

How To Hide a Projector Screen

There are several effective options to conceal your projector screen depending on your setup.

Retractable In-Ceiling Projector Screens

Overview

Retractable projector screens that mount flush into your ceiling provide the most seamless built-in concealment when not in use. They retract entirely into the ceiling cavity leaving no trace.

Considerations

• Requires mounting housing into ceiling and access above ceiling. Professional installation recommended.
• More expensive than other options. Prices start around $800.
• Limited drop-down sizes range from about 100” to 150” diagonals.
• Works best for dedicated home theaters or media rooms.

Tips

• Electric screens offer easiest operation with remote control.
• Manual pull-down screens are cheaper but require reaching up to lower/raise.
• Match screen size to projector throw distance and seating layout.

Recommended Products

• Elite Screens Aeon Series (electric)
• Elite Screens Manual Series (manual)
• Draper Access/Series V (electric)

Retractable Ceiling Projector Screens

Overview

Like retractable in-ceiling screens, retractable ceiling screens also roll entirely into a housing. However, the housing mounts directly onto the ceiling surface.

Considerations

• Still installs flush to ceiling but doesn’t require cutting into ceiling.
• Much easier DIY installation than in-ceiling models.
• Housings are more visible when screen is retracted.
• Available in wider range of sizes from about 100” to 200” diagonals.

Tips

• Tab-tensioned screens provide smoothest, flattest projection surface.
• Electric screens are easiest to operate, especially for larger screens.
• For smaller screens under 120”, manual operation may suffice.

Recommended Products

• Elite Screens Saker Tab-Tensioned (electric)
• Elite Prime Vision (manual)
• Draper Access/Series V (electric)

Hidden Door Projector Screens

Overview

Hidden door projector screens conceal your screen behind a matching pre-constructed door built right into your wall. It looks just like any standard door when closed.

Considerations

• Custom installation required. Pre-hanging the door makes this a simpler install.
• The mechanisms are more expensive than traditional projector screens.
• When open, the door swings out at least a few inches from the wall.

Tips

• Paint the door to match your wall color for optimal concealment.
• Ensure door swing clearance for your seating layout.
• An electric screen offers the most convenient operation.

Recommended Products

• Elite Screens Hidden Door Series
• Stealth Acoustically Invisible

Projector Screen Paint

Overview

Special projector screen paints contain glass beads that reflect and diffuse projected light. When not being used, the wall just looks like any ordinary painted surface.

Considerations

• Requires some custom painting skill for best results.
• The painted surface is permanent so only suitable for dedicated media walls.
• Image quality varies greatly depending on application technique.
• Generally less reflective than traditional projector screens.

Tips

• Use a paint sprayer for the most even coverage.
• Apply multiple thin cost for optimal glass bead saturation.
• Use a 3+ inch nap roller for final strokes to avoid streaks.
• DIY installation can save over 50% vs. hiring a professional.

Recommended Products

• Screen Innovations Black Diamond
• Elite Screens StarBright 5D
• Draper MPC

Fixed Frame Projector Screens

Overview

Fixed frame screens don’t retract or hide away but can be covered up in various ways when viewing regular TV.

Considerations

• Requires separate concealment solution.
• Exposed glass-beaded screens still prone to dust accumulation.
• Tab-tensioned material can sag slightly over time when stored upright.

Tips

• Use drapes, curtains, or sliding panels to conceal.
• Store screen material horizontally to prevent sagging.
• Tight fixed frames provide flatter projection surface.

Recommended Products

• Elite Screens CineGrey 5D
• Elite Screens Yard Master 2
• Silver Ticket Fixed Frame

Hiding a Fixed Frame Screen

Here are some creative solutions for concealing a fixed frame projector screen.

Drapes & Curtains:
Drapes or curtains installed along the same wall or ceiling mounted directly in front of the screen provide a simple way to conceal it. Use blackout curtains to prevent light transmission. Open and close them via pull cords. Ensure full coverage for complete concealment.

Sliding Panels:
Install a set of panels the same size as your fixed screen that slide horizontally on a track system to cover or reveal it. Paint or finish the panels to match your wall for seamless integration. You can manually slide them or automate their operation.

Hinged Wood Doors:
Construct a set of hinged doors mounted directly over your fixed screen. Paint or finish them to match your wall color when closed. For automation, add electric hinges or a linear actuator to open and close the doors remotely.

Roller Shades:
Mount roller shades sized to your fixed screen and lower them to conceal your screen when not in use. Power them with a motor for remote control operation. Blackout fabric prevents light transmission for optimum contrast.

Accordion Fold Partition:
Install an accordion door partition to cover the entire wall with your fixed screen. It folds into itself to reveal the screen then expands to hide it away completely. Automated partitions offer convenient remote control operation.

Bookshelf:
Construct bookshelves, built-ins, or cabinetry directly surrounding your fixed screen location. House your media components behind the cabinet doors under the screen then close them to conceal the screen when not viewing.

Projector Screen Concealment Tips & Tricks

Here are some helpful tips for concealing your projector screen:

Mount Screen High Enough:
Ensure your screen sits high enough so options like drapes, curtains, panels, and doors can adequately cover the entire surface without obstruction.

Coordinate with Trimwork:
If installing retractable screens, measure the housing dimensions and ceiling cutout to align precisely with borders, moldings, or light fixtures.

Hide Signal Wires:
Bury power and AV wires leading to electric screens inside walls and ceilings for clean integration. Use wire channeling for easier installation.

Use Two-Way Mirror Film:
Adding specialized two-way mirror film to your fixed screen allows it to double as a functional mirror when not being used.

Align Screen & Mounts:
When using sliding panels or hinged doors, ensure the screen edge and panel/door mounts align precisely for full light blockage.

Automate For Convenience:
Adding motors or linear actuators to concealment solutions allows remote control operation for ease of use.

Minimize Light Gaps:
For any concealment solution, check for potential light gaps allowing reflections or transmission to wash out projected image contrast.

Projector Screen FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hiding projector screens:

What is the easiest way to hide a projector screen?

Retractable in-ceiling or ceiling-mounted screens provide the most seamless and convenient built-in concealment. They disappear into housings with remote control.

Do projector screens need to be hidden?

It is not absolutely necessary but does allow for a cleaner, less techy look when not viewing. It also protects the screen surface from dust and damage.

Can you hide a fixed frame projector screen?

While fixed screens don’t retract, you can conceal them with solutions like curtains, sliding panels or custom cabinetry surrounding the screen.

What can I use to cover my projector screen?

Some good options include blackout curtains/drapes, sliding panels painted to match your walls, roller shades in matching colors, accordion dividers, or custom doors and wood covers.

How do I hide my projector screen when not in use?

For built-in concealment, use retractable in-ceiling or drop-down ceiling screens. For fixed screens, install curtains, panels, or custom cabinetry to conceal. Projector screen paint also allows walls to double as a screen.

Can projector screens be hidden in plain sight?

Yes, two-way mirror film added to fixed screens allows them to double as mirrors when not viewing. Switchable privacy glass screens can also change from clear to opaque electronically.