Jump start your wise residence with a Philips Shade Basic Starter Kit just for £67

Smart Lighting for Game Nights at Home

Smart bulb starter kits, like the Philips Hue packs that usually bundle a few bulbs with a bridge, have become a popular upgrade for fans who watch most of their basketball from the couch. The appeal is simple. Lights can be dimmed, colour-tuned and grouped from a phone or voice assistant, so the living room can shift from bright pre-game chatter to a softer, screen-friendly setting once tip-off arrives.

Setting the room for a broadcast

Glare is the main enemy of a good viewing experience. A lamp reflecting off the television or a harsh overhead bulb pulls attention away from the court. A practical approach is to keep overhead lights low and use one or two bulbs placed behind or beside the screen as bias lighting. A neutral, slightly warm white tends to reduce eye strain during a long night of back-to-back games without washing out the picture.

Team colours and scenes

Most smart lighting apps let you save scenes. Many fans create a team-colour scene for big games, a bright scene for halftime snacks and a dim scene for late West Coast tip-offs. Some systems can sync with on-screen content through extra hardware or apps. Check what your specific kit supports before you buy, because features differ between models and generations.

Before you buy a starter kit

• Confirm whether the kit includes a hub or bridge, or works over Bluetooth only, as this affects range and automation options.
• Check the bulb fitting matches your lamps. Screw and bayonet types vary by country.
• Compare current prices from several retailers, since promotional prices change frequently.
• Make sure the app works with any voice assistant you already use.

With the lighting sorted, all that's left is knowing when to switch it on. Keep an eye on our schedule for upcoming game nights, and browse the guides section for more ideas on getting the most out of watching basketball at home.