Lighting and room finish are often treated as cosmetic decisions, but in a golf simulator they directly affect performance, comfort, and data reliability. Poor lighting causes glare on the screen, makes alignment harder, and can interfere with camera based launch monitors. Poor finishes make rooms louder, less comfortable, and less enjoyable to use.
This guide explains how to plan golf simulator lighting, glare control, and wall protection so the room works properly and feels finished. For the full build process, start with the main guide: How to Build a Golf Simulator in the UK (Complete Guide 2026).
Why lighting matters in a golf simulator
Unlike a normal room, a simulator has competing lighting needs. You need enough light to see the ball clearly, but not so much that it washes out the projected image or creates glare on the screen.
Good lighting improves confidence at address and reduces eye strain during longer sessions. It also helps camera based launch monitors track the ball and club consistently.
Common lighting problems in simulator rooms
- Bright ceiling lights reflecting onto the impact screen
- Shadows across the hitting area
- Lights positioned in the swing path
- Inconsistent brightness between ball and screen
Most of these issues are avoidable with basic planning.
Glare control on the impact screen
Glare is one of the biggest immersion killers in a simulator. Even a high-quality projector struggles if light spills directly onto the screen.
Simple glare reduction strategies
- Keep direct light sources away from the screen face
- Use directional or angled lighting instead of exposed bulbs
- Dim or switch off front-facing lights during play
- Choose matte finishes for nearby surfaces
If glare is a recurring issue, reassess light placement before upgrading the projector.
Lighting the hitting area properly
The ball and hitting area should be clearly visible without drawing attention away from the screen. This balance is easier to achieve with focused lighting.
Effective hitting area lighting
- Downlights positioned slightly behind the ball
- Directional spotlights angled toward the hitting zone
- LED strips recessed above or behind the player
- Dimmable lighting to adjust for different users
Avoid placing lights directly above the ball or in the swing path. These positions create shadows and increase the risk of contact.
Lighting considerations for camera based launch monitors
Camera based systems rely on consistent lighting to track ball flight and club movement. Sudden changes in brightness or colour temperature can affect tracking.
Best practices
- Use neutral white lighting rather than warm yellow tones
- Avoid flickering or low-quality LED drivers
- Keep lighting consistent across the hitting zone
- Do not shine lights directly into cameras or lenses
If you are still choosing equipment, read: Best Golf Simulator Launch Monitor (UK).
Wall finishes and side protection
Walls do more than define the room. They absorb sound, protect against misses, and influence how bright or dark the space feels.
Why wall finish matters
- Hard walls increase noise and echo
- Unprotected walls risk damage from mishits
- Light coloured walls reflect glare onto the screen
Dark, matte finishes help reduce reflections and improve screen contrast.
Shop the core finish and protection parts
If you want the room to feel finished, start with containment and surfaces. These are the parts that protect the space and make sessions feel comfortable.
- Shop simulator enclosures (clean finish and built-in side protection)
- Shop mats, flooring and turf (comfort, stability, and noise reduction)
Common wall protection options
Side netting or curtains
Netting and curtains are flexible, effective, and easy to retrofit. They are ideal for garages and shared spaces.
Enclosure side panels
Enclosures provide built-in containment and a clean finish. They simplify protection and create a defined hitting bay.
Soft wall panels
Fabric or foam-backed panels reduce noise and protect surfaces while improving the look of the room.
Explore enclosure options: Golf Simulator Enclosures.
To understand containment choices in more detail, see: Golf Simulator Enclosure vs DIY Frame.
Ceiling finish and protection
Ceilings are often overlooked, but they influence lighting, acoustics, and safety. Exposed beams, rails, or bright surfaces can reflect light or interfere with the swing.
Ceiling tips for simulator rooms
- Use dark or matte finishes near the screen
- Keep fixtures flush or recessed where possible
- Protect low beams or rails near the hitting area
- Avoid reflective materials above the screen
If ceiling height is tight, layout choices become more important. This ties back to: Golf Simulator Room Size Guide (UK).
Acoustics and noise control
Impact noise can be sharp, especially in garages and hard rooms. Soft finishes help absorb sound and make the simulator more comfortable for longer sessions.
Ways to reduce noise
- Soft wall panels or curtains
- Carpet or turf flooring around the hitting area
- Well-tensioned impact screens
- Enclosures with side containment
Noise control improves comfort for both the player and anyone else in the building.
Finishing touches that make a room feel premium
- Hidden cable runs and tidy power management
- Consistent colour palette across walls and flooring
- Dimmable lighting zones
- Clean transitions between screen, floor, and walls
These details do not need a huge budget, but they make the room feel intentional rather than improvised.
Read this next if you want the room to look better instantly
Lighting is easiest to fix when you know where the projector will sit. If you have not planned throw ratio and mounting yet, read this next:
Golf Simulator Projector Guide: Throw Ratio & Brightness
Once projector placement is correct, lighting zones become simple and glare stops being a problem.
Seeing lighting and finish done properly
Lighting is hard to judge from photos alone. Seeing a real bay shows how glare is controlled, how bright the ball area feels, and how finishes affect the overall experience.
If you are unsure, a showroom visit helps you visualise what works before committing.