6 Ways to Use LED Lighting in Your Home
The energy-saving lamp has so many more uses beyond neon strips and basic illumination
Chiquit Brammall
16 November 2017
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
The eco-friendly LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, also called LED light, isn’t new anymore, but many homeowners still prefer old-school incandescent or halogen bulbs and fluorescent lamps. LEDs come in light bulb form, lighting strips and individual point luminaires, and many are dimmable or can even change colour-temperature. This makes them not only versatile but ideal for the home in many ways:
1. Under-shelf lighting
LED strips illuminate under the shelves of this kitchen – and under the cabinets as well – so that the work surface is brightly lit for food prep. They also multi-task to highlight the various kitchen and servingware on display on the open shelving.
LED strips illuminate under the shelves of this kitchen – and under the cabinets as well – so that the work surface is brightly lit for food prep. They also multi-task to highlight the various kitchen and servingware on display on the open shelving.
2. Cove lighting
LED strip lighting strategically placed overhead of the bed reduces the need for bedside lamps. Set within the built ‘cove’, it also brings out the texture of the black wall.
LED strip lighting strategically placed overhead of the bed reduces the need for bedside lamps. Set within the built ‘cove’, it also brings out the texture of the black wall.
3. Wayfinding lights
LED strips emphasise the interior architecture of this home, outlining the cantilevered design. At the same time, the light lines lead from sleep space to bathroom, without taking up any floor area. Handy to have when you have to stumble to the loo in the middle of the night!
Read more about this home
LED strips emphasise the interior architecture of this home, outlining the cantilevered design. At the same time, the light lines lead from sleep space to bathroom, without taking up any floor area. Handy to have when you have to stumble to the loo in the middle of the night!
Read more about this home
4. Indoor photosynthesising
Urban greening specialist Greenology pioneered vertical planting units, and has found a way to use LED lights to cultivate plants indoors. Just what every indoor garden needs.
Urban greening specialist Greenology pioneered vertical planting units, and has found a way to use LED lights to cultivate plants indoors. Just what every indoor garden needs.
5. Special Effects
LED strips can highlight more than dropped ceilings and cantilevered features such as the kitchen island here …
LED strips can highlight more than dropped ceilings and cantilevered features such as the kitchen island here …
… and the bed here.
LED lights can create a “sliver of sunlight” a la Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light, replicating sunlight in a part of the house that’s not near the window.
Another special effect that only LED lights can create is starlight, as in this starry night-sky bedroom.
6. Decorative
LED strips are much more versatile and flexible than neon lights in that you can shape them with less cost and effort (imagine custom-manufacturing this Mickey Mouse silhouette with fluorescent tubes).
LED strips are much more versatile and flexible than neon lights in that you can shape them with less cost and effort (imagine custom-manufacturing this Mickey Mouse silhouette with fluorescent tubes).
They can also be ‘cut’ to size, as in these custom-built shelves for a sneakerhead’s collection.
TELL US
Have you used LED lights for your reno? Like them or not? Let us know in the Comments section.
TELL US
Have you used LED lights for your reno? Like them or not? Let us know in the Comments section.
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Really interesting article Chiquite. Thank you.
Thanks Nikki ! Can't wait to see how you apply LED lighting, am sure you've got more ways than shown here.