If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home, then linear lighting is the way to go. Linear lighting fixtures are sleek and modern, and they work to illuminate your space in a way that’s both functional and stylish. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of linear lighting available, as well as tips and tricks for incorporating it into your home design. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to create a warm and inviting space that’s sure to impress your guests.
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Types of Linear Lights
Decorative
Linear lighting, when integrated into architectural elements such as recessed ones, combines aesthetic and technical elements to provide a pleasing wash of light.
Pendant
Linear suspensions are a versatile and attractive alternative to chandeliers or pendants and come in a variety of styles to suit any space. While pendants can be used in any room, they are particularly common in two areas: kitchens and dining rooms.
- Kitchen
Pendant lights are a great option for lighting kitchen islands and peninsulas, as they provide excellent light to counter surfaces and add visual appeal. They are particularly useful in these areas because there is no risk of bumping your head. Pendant lights can also serve as a focal point in a room and add to its overall design.
- Dining Room
Pendant lights are a great option for lighting dining room tables for the same reasons that they work well above kitchen islands and peninsulas. They provide excellent light to the surface and add visual appeal while also serving as a focal point in the room and enhancing its overall design.
- Workstations
Suspended linear lighting solutions provide a versatile and efficient way to enhance the atmosphere and productivity of any space. They offer uniform light distribution, drive performance, and ensure maximum efficiency without the risk of improper lighting, making them ideal for workstations. Additionally, they can be customized on-site and installed based on project requirements.
Surface Mount
Surface-mounted lights are an excellent option for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and sterile facilities. With their screw-less design mechanism, they can provide a fresh perspective to any space while being versatile enough to suit a variety of settings.
Recessed
Linear LED strips are often used to provide general brightness and uplight the ceiling, especially in dark corners. A simple surface-mounted linear lighting profile on top of cupboards or tall furniture can achieve this. Integrating linear lights into architectural elements such as a ceiling cove can also offer a pleasing wash of light and add softness to the ceiling. This is in contrast to downlights, which usually point the light downwards. Ceiling linear lighting can also be integrated into a shadow gap to wash walls, such as over-feature paneling, curtains, shower areas, or relaxation spaces. The linear lights can be customized on-site and installed based on project requirements.
How to Choose LED Linear Lights?
Choose the Purpose for Installing Linear Fixture
When selecting a linear LED pendant light, it’s essential to consider its purpose within your existing interior space. Are you looking for a functional light source or a decorative feature? If you already have pre-existing downlights, or you primarily want a linear LED pendant light to serve as a decorative feature, then a low-wattage option (14.4 non-dimmable) will do the job. This option is also ideal if the surrounding surfaces are light in color, as it helps to reflect some of the light, allowing you to settle for a lower wattage option.
On the other hand, suppose you require the linear LED pendant light for task lighting, such as hanging it over a kitchen bench or as the primary light source in your space. In that case, you might consider a stronger wattage (24 Watts) with dimmers to give you full control. This option is crucial if your surrounding space is dark in color, such as a black granite benchtop, which may absorb some of the light output. By opting for a higher wattage, you can mitigate this issue.
However, there’s no need to choose purely between feature or function. An increasingly popular option is an up-down linear pendant light that emits light from both the top and bottom, providing ambient lighting and task lighting. The uplight has a default wattage of 4.8W to provide ambient lighting, while the downlight can still be customized to suit your needs. This fixture comes with two separate integrated drivers into the linear itself, and two electrical wires are supplied to allow for two switches to turn either the up or down lights off separately. This way, linear LED pendants can serve as both a stunning decorative feature and a functional task light.
Consider Your Budget
The cost of linear LED pendants will differ based on the wattage you desire due to factors like the number of diodes and the strength of the driver needed to power them. If you’re looking to minimize costs, a 14.4-watt option is a good choice, as it provides adequate task lighting without being overly bright. While a dimmable option isn’t necessary, it’s essential for those who enjoy a glass of wine and a conversation around the kitchen bench, as it allows for full control in creating the desired mood lighting.
Choose Profile and Length
Linear LED pendants are highly customizable in terms of length and profile, with popular options including slimline, high side, Dual Shine, and Boxy light. It’s recommended to choose a length slightly shorter than the surface it’s being hung over (between 150mm-200mm per end) to ensure aesthetic proportions and prevent accidental bumping or knocking.
- According to experience, choosing a linear pendant light that is slightly shorter than the surface it’s being hung over creates the most aesthetically pleasing proportions for the eye. Matching the length may result in frustration.
- Choosing a slightly shorter linear pendant light can also help prevent accidental bumping or knocking, especially if it is installed at head height.
The profile of the linear lighting is largely an aesthetic choice. The available profile options include squared, high side, and slimline, with finishes in silver, black, white aluminum, and timber. Those who want a decorative centerpiece may choose a chunkier profile to add weight and substance to the light, while those who prefer a more contemporary and streamlined look may opt for a slimmer profile.
Choose a Ceiling Plate
When purchasing a linear lighting fixture, there are a few different options for ceiling plates. For example, a surface mount ceiling plate is included with your purchase, but if you prefer a recessed plate in black, white, or silver, you can opt for that at an additional cost. Recessed plates come in square or round shapes and feature a spring-clip system for a secure and sleek finish. These plates are a great option for those who want a more inconspicuous and minimalist effect in their space.
On the other hand, surface mount plates require drilling into a metal bracket and protruding from the ceiling by a few centimeters. They might not be the best option if you have remote access to your ceiling, but they are a suitable option for those who don’t and do not require as large a hole. Additionally, while a recessed ceiling plate provides a more inconspicuous and minimalist effect, the choice ultimately depends on the type of ceiling you have.
For example, if you have concrete ceilings, a flush mount ceiling plate that fits over a metal bracket drilled onto the roof would be the best choice. This will give you a sleek and streamlined look that won’t detract from the beauty of your space. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but it’s important to consider all the options available to you before making a decision.
Conclusion
Linear lighting is a versatile and modern lighting option that can add both functionality and style to any space. By considering the different types of linear lighting available, choosing LED linear lights based on their intended purpose, and customizing length, profile, and ceiling plates, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s sure to impress your guests. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to incorporate linear lighting into your home design and enjoy the benefits of this sleek and elegant lighting option.
