You’ve settled into your recliner in your home theater, immersed in an action-packed film. You reach for popcorn, but it's not in its usual spot and it's too dark to see where you placed it. So to the annoyance of everyone, you pause the movie, get up to flip on the light switch to find your popcorn, and trip over the bag on the floor. The issue is your home theater is too dark. However, our team at Origin Hi-Fi has several lighting solutions to grant better visibility while helping your home theater feel more like an authentic cinema.
Overhead Lighting
When you aren’t watching a film, you’ll want to use overhead lighting for visibility while preparing and cleaning your space. You can choose between recessed or mounted lighting fixtures. Recessed light bulbs bring an air of elegance to your home theater while remaining an affordable option. However, you may need to carve out circular holes in the ceiling between the studs, which could complicate the installation process and result in asymmetrical lighting without careful planning. Your other option is mounted lighting fixtures, which is what you're likely using in the other rooms of your home. Although they aren't as discreet as recessed lighting, they are far easier to install.
Wall Sconces
The addition of wall sconces will truly replicate the energy of the cinema by casting light directly up or down depending on their placement. They act as complementary lighting that you can leave as a dim glow while you watch your movie to provide visibility without washing out the on-screen image. You can find sconces in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find the perfect style. Each sconce needs an up-to-code electrical box installed behind it, so it’s best to hire experts to install them into your home theater.
LED Light Strips
LED light strips can adapt to any purpose. You can cut them to your preferred length and they can change brightness and color. They're affordable, emit low heat, use little energy, and are easy to install, making them an ideal option for creative homeowners. Whether you want to install them behind your screen to decrease eye strain or place them on the floor for a well-lit walkway, LED light strips will fit your specific home theater needs. They also function well under seats, shelves, or movie posters to add a touch of ambiance.
Fiber Optic Lighting
Do you want a home theater with a ceiling that looks like a starry sky? This effect is achieved through fiber optic lighting, which is generated by a machine that links to multiple fiber tubes with a light on each end. The lights are set to white light on a black ceiling, although most have the option for RGB coloring. Although the result is striking, it isn't for every home theater’s structure. Only indented ceilings would appear like a night sky, while this effect in other rooms may give you a headache instead. It's best to examine your room's shape and structure before committing to fiber optic lighting.
Controlling Everything with Smart Home Integration
How do you intend to operate your home theater's lighting? Smart home devices are becoming more affordable to homeowners as they increase in popularity. There has never been a better time to invest in smart lighting solutions which grant you control over color-changing smart bulbs, dimmable wall controls, and more. You'll be able to choose between universal remotes, touchscreen wall panels, or apps for your smart devices to integrate your lights with the rest of your audio-visual system. With all of your smart lighting controls centralized, your authentic movie nights can begin with the touch of a button.
Don’t Stay in the Dark
While lighting for a home theater may seem counterintuitive, it’s necessary to create the perfect ambiance of a cinema. Once you've correctly lit your home theater, your movie night experience will be elevated to the next level. Because several of these lighting fixtures involve high voltage electrical wiring, we highly recommend calling a team of professionals like Origin Hi-Fi to do the installation. Whether you’re ready to design a home theater with LED light strips or have questions about fiber optic lighting, contact us today to begin!