Seven Tips for Lighting a Home Theater

Want to light a home theater? Take your cue from commercial movie theaters, the experts say.

Stephen Saint-Onge of the TLC Channel's home makeover show, "While You Were Out," shares these tips about how to light a home theater.

1. Enter a bright, big, public space.

Wash the side walls with light. Consider multiple wall washing downlights or a "wall pocket" or valance with fluorescent or directional sources to project light along the wall.

2. Dim the lights to start the show.

Dim the side light out (except for accent lighting at a low dimmed level on those vintage movie posters) but make sure there is orientation lighting if nature calls. Consider a pair of wall sconces on the side walls.

3. Snuggle up and enjoy the popcorn.

Recessed downlights in the room provide a little illumination so you can find the munchies or the remote but help to provide a warm intimate feeling - just like being at the movies!

4. Don't fall asleep.

Try a little light behind the TV, like a plug-in 4- or 7-watt nightlight behind the console OR uplight behind plants on either side of the big screen entertainment center.

5. Show off the investment.

Consider shelf lights in the entertainment cabinet, accent the DVD collection on the shelves in the back of the room, graze the stage curtains with downlight, or for the full experience, uplight the pilasters or columns on the side walls with a dim but effective glow.

6. Treat the high-ceiling theater with special care.

Go all the way and find a couple of decorative chandeliers or surface-mounted clear beveled glass fixtures that can be dimmed way down during the feature, but still add a bit of sparkle and elegance to the cinematic experience.

7. Go for color.

Try red or blue light at the perimeter either high or low. Built-in light boxes projecting light through perforated surfaces can create a real mood that can impress. Colored decorative incandescent bulbs can be fun and interesting if used smartly. Also consider fluorescent lamps with theatrical colored gels. It doesn't require a lot of light, just a lot of imagination.

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