A mini projector can turn a bedroom wall — or the ceiling — into a screen that's far bigger than any TV you could fit in the room. But small rooms bring their own challenges: limited distance from the wall, light from windows and lamps, and the need for something quiet you can watch from bed. Here's what to look for.
1. Throw distance: how close can it be?
Projectors need space between the lens and the wall. The further back the projector sits, the bigger the picture. In a bedroom you often only have a metre or two, so check the recommended distance before you buy.
The Cavon HY300 PRO+ is designed for 0.6 to 2.5 metres from the wall, which suits most bedrooms. Place it on a bedside table, shelf or the end of the bed and adjust the distance until the picture fills the space you want.
2. Brightness: dark rooms are your friend
Brightness for projectors is best compared in ANSI lumens. Small, portable projectors are made for dim or dark rooms rather than bright daylight. Bedrooms are ideal because you can close the curtains and switch off the main light. With 200 ANSI lumens, the HY300 PRO+ gives its best picture in the evening or with blackout curtains.
Tip: A plain, light-coloured wall works as a screen. If your wall is textured or painted a strong colour, a simple pull-down or foldable screen will give a cleaner picture.
3. Ceiling projection for watching in bed
Watching from bed is much more comfortable if you can project onto the ceiling. Look for a projector with a rotating stand. The HY300 PRO+ has a 180° rotating stand, so you can tilt it from the wall straight up to the ceiling without propping it on books. Our ceiling projection guide explains how to set it up.
4. A straight picture without fiddling
In a bedroom the projector rarely sits perfectly level with the wall. Auto keystone correction straightens the picture automatically when the projector is tilted, and manual focus lets you sharpen it for the distance you're using.
5. Built-in apps mean fewer cables
A smart projector with its own operating system saves you plugging in a laptop or streaming stick. The HY300 PRO+ runs Android 14 with built-in apps and has dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for smoother streaming, so you can open compatible apps such as Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube straight from the remote.
6. Sound and late-night viewing
A built-in speaker is handy for casual viewing. For late nights, Bluetooth lets you connect headphones so you don't disturb anyone else. The HY300 PRO+ has a 5W speaker and Bluetooth 5.2 for headphones or a soundbar.
7. Size and portability
Bedroom space is precious. A compact projector can live on a shelf and move to the living room or garden when you need it. At around 0.35 kg, the HY300 PRO+ is easy to carry from room to room.
Quick checklist
- Works at the distance you have (check the recommended range).
- Rotating stand or mount for ceiling viewing.
- Auto keystone and adjustable focus.
- Built-in apps and Wi-Fi so you don't need extra devices.
- Bluetooth for headphones or a speaker.
- Blackout curtains or an evening viewing time for the best picture.