10 Home Theater Lighting Ideas To Spice Up Your Media Room

Picture this: You’ve assembled your own home movie theater with crystal clear surround sound, comfortable recliner chairs, and a giant flat-screen TV. You’re about to settle in with a comfy blanket, popcorn, and soda to watch your favorite movie when all of a sudden, something seems off – the lights are too bright and there is a glare on the screen.

With so many factors that go into creating the ideal media room, you may think lights are the least important. However, the right setup can elevate your new home theater and turn it into a sensational immersive experience. Here is a guide that will give you some home theater lighting ideas to make watching movies even more exciting:

10 home theater lighting ideas

Lighting in your home theater should create a relaxing atmosphere that immerses you more deeply in your entertainment. Complement the movie display by adding lighting that’s not too bright and not too dark -- just enough to recreate the moviegoing experience in your den. There are various lighting types you can install that can bring something unique to your home theater. Check out these options for some inspiration:

1. Recessed lighting

Recessed lighting brings elegance along with purpose to your room. These lights are flush with the ceiling so they don’t protrude. You can use them to brighten up the room when getting the snacks ready, and dim them when watching a movie. Multi-functional use lighting is beneficial for home theaters so you can control just how much light is needed for your task.

2. Wall sconces

Add a soft glow to your home theater experience with wall sconces. These light fixtures are attached to the walls of your room. Unlike regular lighting which shines light outward, wall sconces direct light horizontally, vertically or at an angle, giving off a classic theater vibe. While sconces come in many designs, sticking with something simple adds character without being distracting. Some fixtures can also be dimmed and left on during a movie or show so they give a faint glimmer that won’t take away from the main entertainment.

3. Ambient lighting

Provide a comfortable foundation of your home theater by choosing ambient lighting that gets you in the right mood to enjoy movie watching. This type of lighting is mainly used as the primary source of light, giving off a warm glow to make the room seem welcoming. You can even play around with where you want your ambient lighting to shine. Placing backlights behind the screen provides a nice contrast to the monitor's brightness and helps to prevent eye strain. Bias ambient lighting is a simple way to increase color intensity and add a level of depth to your space.

4. LED lighting

For a super versatile type of lighting, go with LEDs. They can be used as step lighting, under the chair accents, bias lighting, halo rings for cup holders, and as decoration to add some personality to your theater room. Use the Sky Lite Evolve for a mix of laser and LED lights to illuminate the room and make it a fun hangout space.

Sky Lite Evolve: Smart Galaxy Projector

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The latest evolution in smart galaxy lighting.

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5. Laser lights

Design a home theater with luxury features without going through the hassle of installing lights. Just plug these in and watch as your space is transformed into an epic cinema. Consider using the BlissLights StarPort Laser USB for an easy way to light up the room with colorful, twinkling stars. Laser lights are simple to adjust and can be adjusted to shine on the walls or ceilings.

StarPort USB Light

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One tiny light. Thousands of stars!

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6. Colorful lights

Add a splash of vivid color in your home theater. Red, blue, green, or any other color can not only help you relax and get in the right mood to watch a movie, but will also add a fun charm to the space. For an easy fit into any home theater space, check out the BlissLights BlissBulb: it comes in an array of colors that will give you jaw-dropping special effects to change the atmosphere and enhance your movie watching experience.

BlissBulb Laser LightBulb

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7. Remote controlled lighting

The option to control your lights from anywhere in the room is a game-changer for home theater lighting. Change your lighting for an immersive home theater experience without leaving your comfy chair – no walking around in the dark, no desperately searching for your light switch, no tripping over wires or your guests’ feet. Turning the lights on is as simple as a click of a button.

8. Overhead ceiling lights

If you’re looking for overhead lighting that adds some pizzazz to your theater, consider installing overhead or pendant lights. There are endless design options to choose from to give the room extra flair, with features like remote control adjustments or dimmable options.

9. Strip lights

Luxury theaters often have slick accent lighting to accentuate aisles, seating, and steps. Bring luxury to your home with LED light strips. You can use light strips to brighten up the floor or as overhead lighting by concealing them with ceiling coves. There are also colorful options if you’re going with a theme, or ones that change color by remote control. Place them on the steps to provide guests with a clear, safe path. They can even be installed under seats for a thrilling glow. Family and guests will feel like they are walking down the aisles of a professional cinema. Wanting something less subtle? Strip lighting works great as overhead light when you place them as a border around the ceiling.

10. Laser projectors

Incorporating laser light projectors is a great option to bring some personality to your home theater without making permanent changes-you don’t need a gallon of paint to bring color into your space. For example, BlissLights’ Sky Lite Laser Galaxy Projector displays floating blue nebula clouds and stars, elevating your TV viewing experience into a total adventure. If you want a relaxing and soothing aurora, try BlissLights’ Ark for a peaceful ambiance.

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Elevate your home theater with BlissLights

No longer will your friends and family feel uncomfortable while watching movies because of the glare from bright lights shining at the screen. With dazzling lights and epic displays, friends and family will run to spend time in your home theater. The lighting you choose can make or break the type of media room you create. At BlissLights, we can help you design the most beautiful and sophisticated lighting for your room.