WAC Lighting

Light Layering Essentials for Media Rooms

Recessed downlights installed on the perimeter of the space, but not above the screen or seating areas, will help eliminate glare on the TV screen.

Wall sconces with an opaque front that only allow light to exit at the top or bottom are another effective glare-reducing light layer.

Linear LED tape light installed in cabinets or bookshelves on the same wall with the screen or monitor will provide an effective layer of light. The LED tape can be concealed under the shelves to provide a soft glow without showing the light source.

Dimmers are a must for all lighting in the media viewing space. For example, dimming the tape light around the screen will create a soft glow of light that surrounds the screen and prevents eye fatigue by eliminating extreme contrast between the screen and surrounding areas.

Integrated lighting controls can be pre-programmed to control the light levels to provide the right amount of light for different situations or “scenes” and can be controlled with wall controls, hand-held controls, and/or a cellular phone. Controlling lighting is also critical when daylight is present. One easy method to achieve that control is to install motorized shades that connect with the lighting control system. The shades can be pre-programmed to automatically close when activating a pre-set lighting scene that involves watching the screen.

Lutron

What is meant by setting different lighting scenes?

By installing an integrated lighting control system, homeowners have the ability to pre-program all the lighting in the connected space(s) for various scenes. For example, in a media room, one scene might be higher levels of general lighting when first entering the room. A second scene could be a very low level of light for watching TV or a movie on a large screen. A third scene could be an intermediate level of light for entertaining when there is something on the screen, but there is also conversation happening in the space. A fourth scene could be an all-on function for turning all lights to full intensity, and a final function could be all-off for when leaving the room.