Finishing basement/lights question

[Scoot]

I'm in the process of starting to finish my basement. I've got a spot where I'd like to put a pool table someday. I'm wondering about lights in that area. I'm putting recessed lights in down there and I'm not sure if the recessed lights are the answer over the pool table. We've got four recessed lights over our dinner table upstairs. I did some looking at it last night and there's still some shadowing on the table upstairs. However, that's with a 9' ceiling. I'd never noticed the shadows before upstairs. They're no big deal for a dinner table, but no good for a pool table.

So... I could hang a pool light over the pool table with no problem. Or, I could put in more/different recessed lights. Or maybe four lights would be fine given that it's going to be an 8' ceiling. Maybe I could use four eyeball lights? Or... something else. Any suggestions appreciated.

[Shack]

If you plan on having the pool table in that area for any period of time, install a plug-in or an off set recepticle for light on the ceiling before you go too far, for a pool table light. That is the best light for a pool table (IMO), plus it looks cool and finish’s a pool area nice.

[chasineyes]

What about track lighting??

[PerchPounder]

Im not too crazy about the Idea of cans or track lighting. IMO you need a large hanging fixture. Maybe a trip to a lighting gallery is in order? If you are planning on hanging a light make sure the box is made for it and can handle the weight.

[Scoot]

Thanks fellas! I think I'll probably go with a hanging pool light.

[JohnMickish]

I once did a very nice house where the guy had a 9' ceiling in the basement and this is what I did for his pool table. Over the center there was a regular pool table light (on a dimmer) but 1' outside of each pocket I put in a 8" twin tube dimmable comercial grade flourescent can (like the ones you see in Culvers dining area) on a dimmer as well. That way he was able to pretty much light the room in any matter he wanted to. He could have it bright for entertaining or just a dim table light for serious pool and anything in between. It turmed out very well.

[lawdog]

My dad has three cans above his 8 foot table right in a row and there is no dark spots or shadows on that. I think its great lighting for that table...

[Roofer]

 Originally Posted By: mnfishinguy

I once did a very nice house where the guy had a 9' ceiling in the basement and this is what I did for his pool table. Over the center there was a regular pool table light (on a dimmer) but 1' outside of each pocket I put in a 8" twin tube dimmable comercial grade flourescent can (like the ones you see in Culvers dining area) on a dimmer as well. That way he was able to pretty much light the room in any matter he wanted to. He could have it bright for entertaining or just a dim table light for serious pool and anything in between. It turmed out very well.

I agree.

The room then could be lit without the pool light and/or outside the pool table. If there is room a nice couch would add to the room and have a place to sit for the people playing the next or previous games. I will be having a room like this, so the info is appreciated.