Whether you’re a regular host of movie nights and cocktail viewing gatherings, or just prefer an afternoon binge session, you deserve state-of-the-art lighting that will accompany you no matter the hour or event. Many prefer a flexible range of lighting levels to ensure the perfect mood, as well as allow for a variety of socializing and lounging activities before and after screening.
From coffered ceilings to lush LED washing, along with punctuated lighting implements and stand-alone sconces, you’ll have your royal share of ultimate illumination options. And what better place to start than with these blockbuster-worthy top 40 best home theater lighting ideas?Īmbient or upbeat, simple or cutting-edge in design, you want your home theater lighting to compliment the surroundings and, upon going dark, immerse you in a cinematic world apart from any other. You want your home theater to be perfect, right down to the very last detail, thus ensuring years of use and enjoyment. You're regularly working with matching colors and textures while getting dressed each morning, so having good lighting is a requirement.Public cinemas are for amateurs, at least as far as the home theater is concerned.įinally, a place to curate your movie-going experience to your liking, sans the noisy chewing, annoying talking, and cell phone buzzing that frequently abounds, to say nothing of the steep ticket price one pays for it all. "We will also regularly add a gallery fixture across the header of built-in closets as a secondary light source. "Some good, solid recessed lighting is clearly going to help to distinguish this pair of black trousers from that pair of black trousers!" Scot Meacham Wood says. We put switches about 1½ to 2 inches off the side of the door casing for the same reason," Gil Shafer says. That way they stay out of the way of the art on our walls. "We locate light switches about 36 inches above the floor. I always use dimmers, even in the powder room!" Martyn Lawrence Bullard says.
The easiest way to accomplish this is with a dimmer switch. It creates atmosphere, drama and intrigue in a room. "Limit overhead can lighting to functional areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms - the light is too harsh and flat for your living areas," Timothy Corrigan says. And be mindful of where you place that kind of lighting. Too many fixtures turn your ceiling into Swiss cheese!" Anthony Baratta says. And the best light is diffused light from a white or off-white lampshade." 4. The best lighting is at eye level, not overhead, which creates shadows. Keep the overhead to 75 watts, with 60 watts on each side. The bathroom needs overhead as well as side lighting. It's nice to have options - if you don't have dimmers, then have some variety from 40 to 100 watts, so you can change the mood for the occasion. "I want it bright when reading, so 75 to 100 watts for the living room. "Mood is everything, and who wants to dine in bright light? 60 watts for the dining room," Barbara Barry says. "Lighting shouldn't wash down on you: It's harsh and unflattering." 3. He recommends using dimmers and soft white bulbs in every room, including bathrooms. "There's nothing worse than bright lights that make you feel like you're onstage," says Barclay Butera says. Using Overhead Lighting That's Too Bright "Warm 'pools' of light draw people in and create intimacy." 2. Mix a variety of overhead and floor or table lamps," Alan Tanksley says. "Don't rely on only one kind of light source. The key to good lighting is layering it at different heights. A perfectly-lit bedside table by Ashley Whittaker.