Issue No. 49, August 2014

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 your local ALA-member retailer.

Progress Lighting

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.

Find more lighting tips on the ALA website.

Juno Lighting Group


Dimmer by Legrand

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

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Cooper Lighting