Lighting for Home Theaters

Wall Sconces

• These fixtures can be mounted on the wall to provide backing light for your home theater. They provide more subtle lighting than overhead lights do, and offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Wall sconces feature translucent glass or plastic covers over the bulbs, allowing light to be evenly distributed throughout the room. Some wall sconces are equipped with metal shells that reflect the light back onto the wall.

Recessed Lighting

• Recessed lights, also known as pot lights, are lighting fixtures that can project light down onto the floor, or they can be aimed at the wall or another area of your home theater. There are two types of recessed lighting fixtures available, one type for new construction and another for existing construction. Those designed for new construction are surrounded by an aluminum box approximately a foot wide. They are typically placed inside an attic ceiling. Those designed for existing construction come with no such barrier and can be placed in areas that aren't otherwise accessible, such as between a pre-existing ceiling and the floor above it.

Puck Lights

• Puck lights, also known as mini lights or undercabinet lights, are similar to recessed lights, and are typically placed inside cabinets. The halogen bulbs emit quite a bit of heat, so great care should applied when installing them. Some standards groups, most notably the Canadian Standards Association, have recently recommended that puck lights not be installed in drywall enclosures.

Accent Lighting

• Place a low-voltage light behind your couch or TV to enjoy a dim, glowing light that will permeate the room. This type of lighting, known as accent lighting, will add depth to the images on your TV, and as a result, gone is the eyestrain that results from watching a movie or TV program in total darkness. This lighting technique is also beneficial for those whose eyes are light-sensitive.