8 Actionable Entertainment Center Lighting Ideas In 2023

Entertainment center lighting isn’t just about illuminating a room; it’s about creating an experience.

The right lighting can completely transform the mood of a space, enhancing the ambiance and adding a touch of personality. Whether you prefer a warm cozy vibe or a sleek modern look, there are countless lighting options to choose from.

In this article, I’ll share the top 8 actionable entertainment center lighting ideas you can implement right now. From small table lamps to smart LED strip lights, there’s something for everyone. 

With the right lighting, you can set the scene for any occasion – from a romantic movie night to a lively party with friends. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of entertainment center lighting!

Top 8 Entertainment Center Lighting Ideas

1. LED Strip Lights 

You can enhance the beauty of your entertainment center with LED light strips. Though there are many ways of using LED Light strips with entertainment centers, I prefer only two ways. These are – Behind the TV & Behind the TV Wall. 

If you’re willing to use the LED Light strip behind the TV, you will be left with two types of LED Light strip. One is LED TV backlights that sync with the surrounding music, and another one is LED TV backlight that changes color with the television’s pictures. 

The music sync option is cheaper compared to picture sync. However, you will certainly get an immersive movie or gaming experience if you opt-in for picture sync LED light strips. These LED light strip uses your setup box or external cameras to recognize TV colors & respond simultaneously by changing the strip colors. 

2. Recessed Lighting

Are you tired of lackluster lighting in your entertainment center? Elevate your space with the modern and sophisticated look of recessed lighting!

Not only will it provide ample lighting throughout the area, but it’ll also give your entertainment center a sleek and stylish update.

I recommend getting Govee Smart Recessed Lighting 6 Inch. It’s a great product with a wide range of customizable features. With 65 preset scene modes that you can easily activate from your phone or smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home, this lighting system will take your entertainment experience to a whole new level.

But that’s not all – this lighting system also comes with a built-in dimmer, so you can customize the brightness level to your heart’s content.

Whether you want to dim the lights for a cozy movie night or turn them up for an energizing gaming session, the Govee Smart Recessed Lighting has got you covered.

3. Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are a fantastic way to add focused lighting to your viewing area and create an inviting atmosphere. 

By placing them on both sides of your TV or entertainment center, you can enhance your viewing experience and create a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite shows.

If you’re looking for a recommendation from me, I would suggest Wingbo Vintage Adjustable Swing Arm Wall Lamp. This wall sconce is great from both a performance & appearance perspective.

4. Hanging Wall Light 

Hanging wall light isn’t that common among households when it comes to lighting an entertainment center. However, you can surely add a unique personality to your entertainment center if you’re using hanging wall lights.

You can hang wall lights in many different areas to brighten up your entertainment center. But personally, I think the most impactful spot is from the ceiling. Just make sure to position the lights off to the side of your TV instead of directly above it.

Placing the lights at the side of the TV will not only prevent any unwanted collisions but also give an aesthetic look to the entertainment center. 

5. TV Light Bar

Want to take your TV setup to the next level? The TV light bar is the perfect way to add some extra illumination that syncs up with your TV’s sound for a seriously immersive experience.

There are plenty of ways to set up these versatile light bars, whether you want to tuck them onto your cabinet or place them right beside your TV. And when it comes to orientation, you can position them either vertically or horizontally – totally up to you!

Now if you’re looking for a specific recommendation, let me tell you about the Govee RGBIC TV Light Bars. These light bars are some of the best options on the market, with a sleek and low-profile appearance that’ll fit in seamlessly with your setup. Plus, they offer a wide range of customizable options that’ll make your viewing experience truly unique.

You can even operate these light bars with voice commands, thanks to their compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. Plus, you won’t need an extra hub to establish a connection. With 8+ dynamic music modes to choose from, you can get the perfect lighting effect no matter what you’re watching on your TV screen.

6. Cabinet Lighting 

Adding some well-placed lights to your cabinets can work wonders for your ambiance. Not only will it brighten up your entertainment center and make it more inviting, but it’ll also showcase your favorite decorative pieces and create a jaw-dropping effect that’ll leave all your guests in awe.

When it comes to cabinet lighting, the options are endless, but let me share with you two of the best. First up, LED light strips – a game-changer in cabinet lighting. You can easily customize the strips to fit your needs, or you can even get pre-cut strips (Amazon) for a hassle-free setup.

If LED light strips aren’t your thing, then puck lights (Amazon) are an excellent alternative. Unlike LED light strips, you don’t need any advanced DIY knowledge to install them.

All you have to do is peel off the adhesive backing and stick them underneath your entertainment center cabinet -and voila! Your cabinet is now glowing with beautiful light. Trust me, you won’t believe the difference it makes until you see it for yourself!

7. Small Table Lamp

If you’re seeking to enhance the aesthetics of your entertainment center, one idea is to incorporate a small table lamp. You can place the lamp on your entertainment center shelf right beside the tv or above the television (if there is a shelf available). This simple addition can significantly improve the overall appearance of your entertainment center.

8. Floor Lamp

If you want to go beyond just lighting up your entertainment center, you might consider illuminating the surrounding area as well. A fantastic way to achieve this is by install a floor lamp. There are many types of floor lamps available in the market, so you can select one that fit with your room’s decor.

If you’re looking for a personal recommendation, I suggest the Govee RGBIC smart floor lamp. This smart floor lamp is designed to fit comfortably in any corner of your room and can emit a variety of colors at your command. With its customizable color segments, you can set the perfect tone to match your mood, the season, or even your favorite sports team’s colors!

And the fun doesn’t stop there! With its music sync capability, the Govee smart floor lamp can keep the energy high and the vibes flowing whether you’re in the middle of a gaming marathon or snuggled up with your favorite movie.

A Complete Guide to Lighting Your Entertainment Center

We all have different tastes, and the same goes for lighting when it comes to our entertainment centers.

So, what should you keep in mind when selecting the perfect lighting for your entertainment center? Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Purpose Of Lighting

First of all, determine your purpose for lighting your entertainment center. Many things can be done in the entertainment center area, such as gaming, watching movies, listening to music, etc. 

If you’re fond of gaming and will be using your entertainment center for gaming mostly, you should consider getting RGB light strips, TV light bars, Smart floor lamp & anything that comes with hyperactive (through music or hub) RGB lights. 

You can use pretty much any type of lighting if you’re not gaming. This can be a casual small table lamp or wall sconces – it doesn’t really matter. However, always include the dimming options available, as you’ll need it frequently to adjust the brightness level. 

2. Room Layout

You should always remember your room layout whenever you’re purchasing any lighting equipment. Also, consider checking the location of your entertainment center & other surrounded furniture. All this information will help you determine which lighting options will suit your room best. 

3. Color Temperature 

The color temperature can greatly influence the ambiance of a room. When it comes to an entertainment center, the right choice of lighting can create a stunning and immersive experience. Warm white or soft white lights range from 3000K to 4000K are the perfect choice for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 

For a more energetic and lively atmosphere, cool white or daylight hue lights are the way to go. Consider getting lights with a color temperature of 5000K to 6000K. These radiant lights offer a bright and vivid picture that’s perfect for gaming or watching your favorite sports team in action. 

4. Use Dimmer

If you want to add a touch of versatility to your entertainment center, install dimmer switches along with lighting solutions. These switches allow you to take complete control of the lighting by adjusting the brightness of your room according to your mood and activity.

You can create more intimate and perfect movie nights with loved ones by dimming the lights. On the other hand, you can turn up the brightness levels to create a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere best for gaming. 

5. Do Expertiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting options to find the perfect combination that works for your entertainment center. Try different types of lighting, color temperatures, and brightness levels to see what works best for you.

Conclusion 

I hope this article was helpful enough informing you about the actionable entertainment center lighting ideas. Now, it’s up to you which lighting idea you will implement. 

There are some lighting ideas that require sufficient DIY knowledge & others don’t. That’s why don’t hesitate to ask for expert help if needed at any point while installing lighting.