There are many things to consider that impact your home theater system, as well as your family's enjoyment of the big screen on movie night. Lighting is particularly significant and should be assessed before installing your system. This includes:
- Overhead ambient light fixtures.
- Ceiling lighting that could cause shadows.
- Window treatments and the amount of natural light in your space.
When shopping for new light fixtures, consider some of these contemporary options that can augment and enhance your home theater experience:
Remote control lighting. Remote controlled light fixtures make sense when used in tandem with a home theater system as these typically have more lighting options than conventional lamps or ambient lights. Invest in LED bulbs to make the light fixture more efficient, and to maintain the true colors of the images on your screen.
Dimmable light fixtures. The beauty of dimmable lighting fixtures is that you have optimal control of the illumination in the room, which can affect the resolution of your viewing screen. This also allows you to pick and choose which areas of the room have more or less light, making it the most versatile and convenient option for your home theater.
Wall sconces and task lighting. Hanging sconces on your wall will cast light upward, which can reduce the frustrating glare when trying to watch television. Use table lamps for task lighting when you don't want to illuminate the entire room and compromise the image on your TV.
Pay attention to the amount of natural light filling your space, and that could be interfering with the images on the screen. Consider solutions such as black-out curtains, tinted windows, and even painting the room a dark color to enhance what you see when sitting down to enjoy your home theater!