There’s something very satisfying about a piece of tech that works well and looks good enough to leave on display. This compact projector from CREATE (create-store.com) manages to do both — and at a surprisingly accessible price point.

I was initially drawn to the design. With its clean, contemporary shape and soft sage green colour – matching our Create winter heaters –  it feels much more like a considered piece of home décor than a traditional projector. It sits happily on a bookshelf when not in use, without becoming an eyesore, and its compact size makes it easy to move from room to room.

designed to fit around you

One of my favourite features is the 180° rotating design. Rather than having to find exactly the right stack of books, table or stand to position the image, you can simply tilt the projector to where you want it. Wall, screen or even ceiling — the flexibility makes it incredibly practical, particularly in smaller spaces.

It’s also genuinely portable. You can move it between the bedroom and living room, take it away for a weekend, or pack it up when you don’t need it. The ergonomic design makes the whole experience feel refreshingly uncomplicated.

easy connectivity

Setting it up was pleasantly straightforward. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it feels designed for the way we actually consume entertainment now, without needing a complicated collection of cables and equipment.

For something so compact, it offers a lot of versatility. We now have movie nights, curled up in the courtyard. We’ve been streaming the Ripley Netflix series, which is just even better when projected onto a wall outside, under the stars. It has very quickly becomes one of those gadgets you find more uses for than you originally expected.

style without the premium price

What really stands out for me is the value for money. Projectors can easily become an expensive purchase, particularly once you start looking for something attractive and user-friendly. This one combines a stylish aesthetic, useful connectivity, portability and that clever 180° rotation without feeling like an extravagant investment. And unlike a lot of tech, I don’t feel the need to hide it away when I’m not using it. In fact, it looks rather good sitting amongst the books.

the verdict

If you’ve been tempted by the idea of a home projector but don’t want something bulky, overly technical or prohibitively expensive, this little CREATE projector is well worth a look. Although, it is worth bearing in mind if you are tempted and decided to purchase from Create, because they are based in the EU, you will have to pay charges on delivery. Brexit, eh? I have seen UK companies selling similar, but none quite as beautiful in sage green…

Stylish, portable, easy to set up and surprisingly versatile, it’s a great-value way to bring a little big-screen magic into your home.