Dedicated Audio Room Lighting Ideas?

I just learned that my email address was not updated in the AGON records during this thread and someone attempted to send me email unsuccessfully. It is now, so please resend. Again, thanks for all the input.

Zapper: I like the idea of the cove lighting and am trying to picture it. Does the 2x4 go face on the wall with the 2x6 face to it and even at the bottom? That would leave a 2x2 hidden cove? What kind of lighting would fit into that small space? PS, I really like the dark green walls on your room in contrast with the hardwood floors and white trim. Great job!

Tgrisham: Yes, I too think the sconces would be effective and would want some that are small as possible. Indirect light on a white ceiling should be very relaxing.

Chadnliz: Good point about the heat (I hadn't considered that) and dimmer noise.

Anyone have any experience with quiet dimmers?

Ncarv: Thanks for the Lutron reminder. Lighting is so key to music moods and a dimmer with remote from the seating position would be a nice touch. Which one did you buy?

Jea48: Nice to hear from you since your good advice on installing my Topaz ISO a year or so back. I do like the sconces and will want one that has minimal protrusion into the room. Four inches would be ideal. I hadn't thought about "paintable" and thats a great idea.

Pawlowski: My teanage daughter would love the ball...

Douglas: Thanks for sharing your extensive experience. I don't have the height for a drop ceiling, however, I do need the isolation from the room above. My current plan is to use IsoMax Isolation Clips with hat channel and 2 layers of 5/8" drywall sandwiched with Green Glue. This creates an isolated and suspended ceiling much like yours. I will forgo the cans however, as I don't want to compromise the isolation in any way. Which Lutron system did you buy? Thanks for the offer to contact you and I may just do so.

Great ideas from all!

Tiger: The rain gutter application is very creative and worth considering.

Somec59: Turns out I have some rope lights that I used for decoration outside, and will try them out for brightness and report back.

Krell1: How many sconces are there in your room? I can see at least 2 on the side walls in your system picture.

Thanks to all the A'Goners for the ideas and advice. At this point I believe I will go with a combination of sconces, one section of cove lights, one light on top of the media cabinet shelves and potentially 2 wall washers behind the speakers. Oh yes, and the appropriate dimmers all on separate circuits from the audio conditioning.

Time to get on with the wiring...

Yioryos: Thanks for the tip about the space around the insulation as I was unware of the need for that. Yes, I estimate the suspended double drywall ceiling will weight at least 1500 lbs. The number of sound isolation clips was determined to keep the maximum load on each under 36 lbs (that's a 2.5:1 safety factor). I'll need lots of volunteers...

Mrjstark: I do envy the high ceiling on your room as it gives so many more lighting options.

Jea48: Lots of good information there. Thanks

Moonguy: Another good tip on the drywall hoist, as I was concerned about lifting 4x12 sheets to the ceiling. I am unfamiliar with Roxal and it appears it is primarily for fire resistance. Do you know of any data on its acoustic isolation abilities? Is it any better than standard R19 insulation?

George: I have sent an inquiry to find out who carries Roxul here in the US. I don't believe HD does.
Freemand: Very cool lighting, however, my relatively low ceiling does not allow for this and I am trying to maximize isolation to the room above. Others might take a look.