Issue No. 49, August 2014

Game Time It's football season. Time to get your TV room in shape for family and friends.

Right Light

Whether your TV is in the family room or a dedicated media room, everyone's viewing experience will be optimized with proper lighting. Poor lighting can be a distraction to relaxing family time and make viewers physically uncomfortable.

Your investment in a high-definition big-screen TV and a quality sound system will be diminished if your set-up does not include proper lighting. Whether your space needs recessed cans with a pair of sconces or some other lighting configuration, an ALA-trained professional can recommend the best lighting products for your media room. The variety of fixtures available makes it easy to create a functional space that fits your budget and style.

For your perfect media room lighting, visit Hortons Home Lighting.

Bright Tips

Improve the lighting in your media room with these easy-to-do tips:

• Reduce reflection and glare. If you have a big-screen TV, you have a large surface that acts as a reflector. A larger screen equals more bounce, particularly with overhead light sources. To cut down glare and reflection, reduce the natural light with window treatments.
• Use more ambient light than direct light. A large source of overhead light will cause more glare, which is why ambient or task light - side lights, sconces - should be a big focus. Light coming straight down is harsh and interfering, and needs to be diffused and spread out.
• Dim it. Most people turn the lights off when watching a movie. You need some light, other than the TV, to create a balance. Ideally, install an integrated dimming system that controls all the lights from one location.
• Light the room in layers. Rooms should have three light layers - overhead, task, ambient. This allows for the best mix of light depending on a particular time, day and need. For example, the ideal lighting to watch a movie in the evening might be with the recessed lighting turned off and decorative ceiling lighting and wall sconces dimmed to a low level.

Expert Advice

What is the best layout for a four-inch LED can light in a kitchen application?

It is common practice to place recessed lighting approximately 30 inches away from the wall and 4-5 feet apart. This allows the light to reach over a person's shoulders when standing at the counter, but does not create a hot spot on walls and cabinets.