The most important aspect of billiard room lighting is the appropriate illumination of the billiard table. The light on the table must be clear and shadow free. By this we mean that billiard balls, regardless of their positions on the table, must not cast disturbing shadows when they are struck by the light. This requires a wide distribution of light that will keep all surfaces illuminated while the game is in play.
To accomplish this, ILD designers utilize a combination of specialty lighting fixtures, layered lighting techniques, and lighting control systems for lighting Houston luxury homes.
The specialty fixtures we use in lighting the room are normally pendant lights that suspend over the table. These lights are very decorative, and they are selected to match interior architecture, décor, and personal tastes. Pendants are hung above eye level so they will not pose a distraction to players. The light from the pendants emanates straight down onto the table, leaving no room for shadows around balls or pockets.
Supplemental lighting is then created in the form of general room lighting and accent lighting. Billiard room lighting is unique in this respect. It is one of the few forms of custom home lighting design where general lighting plays a supportive role as opposed to a primary role. Since the majority of the light needed for the game is coming from pendant fixtures, general room lighting in the game room is more for visibility and mood setting.
This does not mean that it has to be all that bright. The human eye does not need very much light to safely navigate a room. General lighting in this setting should focus mostly on comfort. One of the most important things we have to do with this layer of light is to make certain that it does not cast noticeable casting reflective glare off of any bright objects in the room such as mirrors, wine glasses, or personal jewelry.
To help manage lighting intensity, and to allow the game host to set the mood for different types of games and home events, we install some form of lighting control system that allows for billiard room lighting to be raised or lowered at will. One can have the upbeat competitive tone of a professional tournament when hosting a group of business associates. On another occasion, the lights could be dimmed to low levels to create a more romantic setting like a scene from a classic movie.
Accent is added to billiard room lighting using a number of methods. Being able to dim pendants and general recessed lighting fixtures is a form of accent in its own right. Other forms of accent lighting include table lamps; decorative floor lamps, decorative wall sconces, and heat free, adjustable LED cove lights that brilliantly illuminate ceilings.
Because the game room is often one of the premier attractions in a luxury home, style, interior architecture, cultural, and historical motifs must be respected throughout the design process. ILD electrical contractors are expert in retrofitting billiard room lighting fixture with minimal invasiveness to walls and ceilings.
In new constructions, our team works closely with architects and interior designers every step of the way. This ensures that the layers of light we create support every important element in the room, and it also ensures that the fixtures we choose appropriately compliment interior architecture and décor.
If you are interested in learning more about the best ways to light your home or assistance with a home lighting plan, call the lighting professionals at Illuminations Lighting Design. Our toll free number outside Houston is 800-863-1184 or locally 713-863-1133. We look forward to serving you!
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