Incentives for Proper Home Theater Lighting

One of the most crucial elements to consider in building a home theater system is also one of the most over-looked. The lighting used in the room has an incredible effect on the movie viewing experience. It can make the difference between a pleasurable experience and a mediocre one.

Better Viewing Environment

Believe it or not, complete darkness is not the best way to watch movies. This is in complete contrast to what most people actually do. You can even see this in practice at many movie theaters; the lights along the sides of the theater are kept very dim during the film but they are still on. The dim lighting helps to prevent the eye fatigue that results from staring at a bright light source in complete darkness. If you have ever had a headache after watching a long movie, it may have been caused by eye fatigue.

Atmosphere

Lighting creates a certain atmosphere inside a room. This is true whether or not the atmosphere created is one that you had intended. When was the last time you walked into a theater that used overhead fluorescent lights? What kind of feelings would that evoke? Would you really feel like you were there to watch a movie or would it feel more like you were about to sit in on a seminar?

Positioning, color, and intensity all play a role in the ambiance home theater lighting produces. Decide on exactly the feelings you would like to produce with your home theater lighting. What emotions would you like to evoke as people walk into your home theater? Warm? Relaxed? While different colors elicit different emotions from different people, there are some colors that seem to be associated with certain feelings. Choose shades of the color that is associated with the feelings you want to elicit from your home theater audience.

The position and intensity of your home theater lighting will be determined by the placement of the viewing screen. Direct lighting should be avoided during the movie. Using fixtures that reflect light off of walls will help to avoid glare while reducing the harshness of the light. Dimmer switches are also a necessity if your home theater room is not equipped with central lighting control. They will provide you with the ability to customize the intensity of your home theater lighting to your own tastes.

Dedicated Room or Living Room

Now before you come up with the excuse that your living room is your home theater room and other things take place there besides watching movies, just stop. If your home theater room and living room are one and the same, there is even greater incentive for you to address the room's lighting. Your living room is a multi-purpose room. When your friends come to visit, that is where you congregate. You read your books in your favorite chair, which is in the living room. Your family gets together to play board games or even just to talk in the living room. On top of these and anything else that goes on in your living room, you watch your movies there. How nice would it be if you could adjust the lights to create the perfect reading atmosphere around your favorite chair? Or how would you like to make a very inclusive and personal setting for spending time with loved ones? Even doing something as simple as creating a relaxing, cozy environment after coming home from work can be accomplished by changing the lighting conditions of a room. Proper lighting will provide you with the means to create all of this in your living room.

Convenience

Home theater lighting can easily be tailored in order to take the work out of finding the perfect setting for each light in the room every time you want to watch a movie. A central lighting control allows you to change the intensity of the all lights in a room from a single location. Some of the more sophisticated learning remote controls can actually activate your favorite lighting conditions with the push of a button.

As you can see, lighting is vital to the effectiveness of your home theater system. After being introduced to the possibilities that proper home theater lighting and control provides, it will be hard for you to ignore it any longer. You've taken the time, effort, and expense of creating a home theater system for a reason. Finish the job with proper lighting and create a truly enjoyable viewing experience.

Jon Martin is the Webmaster of the Home Theater Accessories Resource. The Home Theater Accessories Resource is your guide to home theater accessories.

This article came from the Connecting Home Theater Lighting section of the site.

---

The Benefits of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Stainless steel has emerged as the most popular choice of... Read More

Contemporary Rugs Can Transform a Room

When tackling a do-it-yourself home decorating project, you can use... Read More

The Benefits of Granite Kitchen Sinks

If you are looking for durability and easy-to-maintain features in... Read More

Dining Chair Slipcovers ? A Great Way to Impress Your Dinner Guests!

Planning a dinner party but worried what your guests will... Read More

Black and White Themed Teen Bedroom Decorating Ideas

When we found out we were having twins, our teenage... Read More

Beyond Paint: Decorating Walls With Stencils

Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy... Read More

Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

A Guide to Vinyl Shutters

Most people would agree that wood shutters are beautiful. They... Read More

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical... Read More

Kitchen Island Ideas for Great Custom Kitchen Islands

Use kitchen island ideas to better understand how to create... Read More

A Guide to Wedgwood China

It all came about due to a cry from English... Read More

Safely Decorating Your Kids Bedroom

? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More

Decorating With Art

A Little Savvy with Framed Art Prints and Photographs Can... Read More

A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks

Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a... Read More

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot... Read More

The Importance of Home Air Filters

Many people are not aware that the air inside our... Read More

How To Measure For Window Treatments Like a Pro

When measuring for custom window treatments be sure to always... Read More

A Look at Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods give you a unique opportunity to showcase... Read More

Kids Ceiling Fans

There are ceiling fans designed especially for children, which have... Read More

Shabby Chic Bedding Can Add An Elegant Vintage Touch to Your Room!

Shabby Chic bedding is definitely the answer if you are... Read More

Furniture Bench - The Many Varieties & Uses For One In Your Home

Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and... Read More

Home Décor Tips To Impress Your Friends

Step 1: Pick a motif and go with it! Don't... Read More

How to Properly Clean Hardwood Floors

Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its... Read More

Posters as a Decorating Style

When I think of decorating a room with posters, I... Read More

Bar and Wine Cabinets: Entertain in Style

Do you love to entertain in your home? Do you... Read More

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look,... Read More

Using Color To Change The Size Of Your Bedroom

Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More

Add A Little Spark To Your Bedroom With A Satin Comforter!

If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now... Read More

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds... Read More

Light Imitating Art - How to Use Lighting as a Decorative Feature

Lighting is often thought of as a necessity, which it... Read More

Create the Right Splash With Bathroom Accessories

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical... Read More

Buying Custom Wood Blinds

Window and door blinds on windows and doors are chief... Read More