Linear lines of light offer a powerful tool to emphasise the architectural lines of a space and enhance visual interest. Whilst their simplicity adds an understated element of depth and avant-garde minimalism to a project, they can also be designed in more artistic ways to offer accent lighting that accentuates key architectural features.
Like all lighting schemes, specification needs to be done at the earliest stages of the design process, so that the lights can be applied to compliment the design of the space as well for practical reasons such as access and maintenance.
Here, we look at linear lighting in application and discuss the key factors to consider during the design process of each.
Ceilings and Coffers
Linear lights that are discreetly designed into drop ceilings and coffers can make striking architectural features as they provide clean, shadow-free light. If done well, the strips of light that run around the recessed ceiling cast an even and gentle light, which can provide general lighting or, if layered with downlights, can create a brighter atmosphere.
What’s more, if you have a restricted depth for installation, we manufacture ultra-slim options and offer a bespoke, cut to size service so that you can specify strip to your specific project requirements. This gives you limitless creativity with your linear design.
Accentuate Natural Light
If blended with natural daylight, you can blur the lines between natural and artificial light. To do this well, we recommend that you specify a cooler colour temperature otherwise you may see a noticeable difference between the natural light tones and the artificial source, which could potentially diminish the refinement of your space.
Colour consistency is also crucial for a successful end result. At Ecoled we apply a 2-step Macadam Ellipses manufacturing process and work with only the best chip manufacturers, which means that we can guarantee both colour consistency and high colour rendering.
Create a Feature Staircase
Staircases can be the focal point of a property, as they’re usually the first thing you see when you walk through the door. They offer a great opportunity to be creative and add intrigue to a space by integrating them with clever lighting schemes.
When linear lines of light are placed at the edges of cantilevered treads they can create the effect that the stairs are floating midair. Then when applied with glass, the light provides a glow that can spread through the space freely.
Power Output
Whether you decide to use a 12V system or a 24V system in conjunction with LED flexible strip or Neon strip, this will not affect the light output (Lumens), wattage, or its dimming capability. If your project requires a lot of light then most high powered rigid LED boards run at 24V and above, which generally comes as a complete luminaire.
It all comes down to the individual project requirements. 12V systems offer a more cost effective solution for shorter lines of strip, but can be restrictive in terms of the limited distance between the driver and the strip itself (a power feed is required for every 5m length). 24V systems on the other hand are more effective for specifying longer, continuous runs from 1 power feed and the driver can be situated up to 40 metres away.
KSJ’s Linear Range
