FWID - my TAF is in my basement as well and the topper has been off for 20 years (stored, however). The lights on the top illuminate the white ceiling so the effects are almost as good. Seeing how its been off so long the majority of the players (my relatives and grandchildren) don't even know there is supposed to be one. I understand the purists, but its still very much fun with its visuals and sound anyway.