Features of LED lamps
LEDs entered the group of lighting devices relatively recently. Previously, they were used only as signal elements. However, with the advent of super-bright samples and a decrease in their cost, LED devices quickly took a leading position. They are superior to all alternatives in all areas. The advantages of LED lighting for a room include:
- low power consumption. Most luminaires are low-voltage, operating from 12 V DC sources;
- produce bright light with a large number of color shades;
- do not heat up, are able to work on film stretch ceilings without damage;
- the service life of LED lamps significantly exceeds the resource of alternative types of lighting;
- There are different shapes and sizes of lamps that can decorate any room.
How to choose an LED chandelier?
Before purchasing the model you like, you need to consider some criteria. These include:
Room parameters. If the room has a large area, then it is recommended to choose large structures. The main task of such products is to fill the interior space with soft light as much as possible. For small rooms, the best solution would be to use miniature models of lighting fixtures.
Number of lampshades. The more lamps in the structure, the greater the versatility of this model. There may be multi-level backlights that will have a controlled mechanism.
Interior Design. Here you need to combine the chosen style and model of the LED chandelier. If the space is made in high-tech style, then there should be chrome elements and a fancy design.
If the interior is made in a classic style, then the optimal solution would be smooth lines and a beautiful design. The photo of LED chandeliers shows popular models that help decorate any interior.
External parameters of the chandelier. If the room has low ceilings, it is recommended to choose flat options. They will be located at the very top, thereby not creating visual pressure on the human subconscious. In spacious apartments, multilayer structures that have a laconic design are most often used.
Types of LED lighting for apartments
With the help of LED devices, you can provide good lighting in any room. At the same time, the choice of shape and properties of the backlight is much wider than in previous times. This abundance can cause some confusion. The variety of shapes and specific capabilities requires a meaningful approach to design and careful selection of lamps. Before you begin installing and connecting the lighting, you need to draw up a layout of the devices and determine the location for the power supplies.
Important! It will be useful to draw up a scale plan of the room, on which you can mark installation points, wire routing lines and other important details. To do this, you need to have an idea of what exactly is best for illuminating a room, and know the features and properties of the lamps. Let's take a closer look at them.
Types of lamps
There are different designs of LED lamps. Their light source is LEDs mounted on a cylindrical base for better dispersion of the light beam. Most lamp housings and sockets are designed for the use of incandescent, fluorescent or other designs. LED devices are also manufactured taking into account the size, type of base and other parameters of traditional lamps. There are LED lamps equipped with different types of bases:
- E27. This type is well known to everyone since the time of the “Ilyich light bulb”; the base fits a standard and common socket;
- E14. A smaller version of the E27 base, used in chandeliers or sconces;
- 3. Equipped with two pins resembling the base of halogen lamps;
- Found in kitchen hoods or built-in work surface lighting devices;
- A simple element with two straight wire contacts. Used for illuminating panels, paintings, stands;
- Convenient two-pin socket used to replace halogen lamps.
The most common options include lamps with E27, E14 and G9 sockets, however, any types of connections are found.
Life time
The lifespan of LEDs is extremely high. The service life declared by the manufacturers is 30-50 thousand hours. However, this is not the full period after which the lamp burns out. This is the period during which the brightness of the glow is reduced by half.
Over time, LEDs gradually lose their radiation intensity, or, as experts say, degrade. This process is accelerated if the ICE element experiences strong heat, or the supply voltage does not correspond to the nominal value. The service life declared by the manufacturers is designed for ideal operating conditions. Therefore, to prolong the performance of the room lighting, it is necessary to provide it with proper power supply and cooling.
Advantages of LED chandelier
The main positive quality of this device is its economical consumption of electrical energy. The bright illumination is several times greater than that of a conventional incandescent lamp. During operation, the chandelier does not heat up and does not generate heat.
The cost of diode lamps as part of the design is quite high, but their long service life allows them to compensate for these costs. With prolonged use of this chandelier, the color of the LED backlight and the tone of the radiation do not change.
If one of the elements of the chandelier has become unusable, you should not change all the other lamps. They automatically compensate for the absence of breakdown. In addition, these models have a fuse installed that protects the chandelier from changes in electrical energy.
Types of lighting fixtures
Different types of lamps can be used to illuminate a room. There are many options for design, size, brightness and other types of lamps on sale. When choosing suitable devices, it is recommended to follow a pre-developed lighting design. When creating it, you should consider several types of lamps in order to obtain different methods and modes of illuminating the room.
It is not practical to use too many lamps, but creating several lighting modes will be useful. Let's look at the most popular types of lamps that can be used to effectively illuminate a room.
LED Strip Light
This is a linear light source consisting of a chain of LEDs on a long (5 m) flexible base. With its help, you can create lighting around the perimeter of the room, and at any height level. The LED strip can be installed in any position, vertically or horizontally; if necessary, it can be used to wrap three-dimensional figures and decorate various objects. There are single and multi-color ribbons that can create different color effects. Installation is carried out either hidden, under cornices or a special supporting profile, or openly, on walls or pieces of furniture.
Interesting! For power supply, special sources (drivers) are used that convert standard mains voltage into 12 V DC. Before starting installation, you should consider where the power supply will be located, how to connect it to the network and tape. Please note that long wires from the driver to the LEDs cannot be used. They form an additional resistance that reduces the supply voltage of the LED elements. This reduces the brightness of the glow.
Chandeliers
Illuminating a room with a chandelier is a traditional option that is familiar to most users. For installation, standard hangers are used, available in every room of standard apartments. Even if they are not there, any hook screwed into the ceiling will do.
Photo of LED strips in the interior
Living room
At first, LED lighting in the hall was done only on the ceiling, but later designers adapted it to decorate walls and openings. Often monochromatic lamps illuminate paintings, shelves, doorways, niches, and bar counters. Walls with patterns and figures made from LED boards have not surprised us for a long time. An LED strip in the living room interior creates a modern atmosphere; lighting options are limited only by the imagination of the home owners, or their financial capabilities. When illuminated, loft, baroque, eco, Provence, even hi-tech are amazingly transformed.
Kitchen
General lighting of the space is organized using stationary light sources. Place strip ice lighting above the stove or sink. An interesting option is to illuminate the countertop, refrigerator, or bar counter.
Bedroom
Decorate the bedroom in the bedside area, creating a comfortable environment. In this room you should not arrange too bright patterns, a riot of colors, light should not interfere with rest and sleep. Use a not too bright monofilament, or muted multi-colored design. Install the main light sources in the bedroom in addition to the LED lighting. Use spotlights to highlight the perimeter of the ceiling.
Bathroom
The standard option is to install ice lighting above the bathtub, along the perimeter of the room. Only waterproof ice tape is installed. Additionally, lighting of the mirror and sink is organized.
Children's
Decorate the nursery, taking into account the gender and age of the child. Divide the room into zones, highlighting a sleeping area, a study table, and a play space. The child needs a lot of light, it is better to install not too bright, uniform ice lighting.
Hallway and corridor
These rooms usually don't have natural light, so there needs to be plenty of light. In a long narrow corridor or hallway, place diodes on the ceiling, directing the light to the upper sections of the walls, this will visually expand the room. Look in the photo gallery for examples to help you with ideas.
Interesting lighting ideas
There are many design solutions that allow you to create effective and attractive lighting for a room. Different ideas are used:
- hidden placement of LED strip, which is installed on the lower surface of beds or sofas, cabinet furniture. The effect of floating in the air is created, especially if the furniture legs are installed so that they are not visible;
- in a room with a suspended ceiling, point elements are installed over the entire area of the canvas. In the dark, they imitate the starry sky, which looks very attractive;
- Multi-color LED strip installed in a hidden way gives different color effects on light-colored walls. Here it is necessary to observe the measure so that instead of a pleasant effect you do not get ripples in the eyes and unnecessary diversity. These types of lighting can be used as color and music installations.
There are many lighting options, it’s impossible to list them all. Each user has every opportunity to create their own projects.
Panels and stained glass on the wall with lighting
Many designers focus on illuminated panels and stained glass windows in the interior. They can add lightness or, conversely, richness to any room. Panels and stained glass windows are used in a variety of places, from apartments, kindergartens, to jewelry stores or the registry office. With lighting, this interior element will be able to do anything.
With the help of lighting, you can completely focus on the panel, or hide it and provide light lighting to the room. The panel can be made from various materials:
- glass panel with backlight;
- illuminated onyx panel;
- panel made of decorative stone with lighting.
A glass panel with lighting is perfect for a living room or bedroom, where there is nothing superfluous in the interior. Such a panel will give peace and tranquility. The lighting on such a panel in blue can imitate, for example, water, and in yellow it can imitate the sun.
You can find out how to install spotlights with your own hands here.
And this article will tell you about the advantages of a chandelier with a remote control.
Illuminated onyx wall panels are best done in a study or important offices. For the room it will be too flashy and less elegant. But if you want to give a luxurious antique look to your interior (which is very fashionable now), then we recommend choosing a backlit onyx panel. A backlit onyx wall will ideally replace any painting, and the look of your office or room will be excellent.
Onyx panel
A panel on the wall made of decorative stone with lighting was created for lovers of ancient interiors. It creates a cooler atmosphere that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket by the fireplace.
A wall made of decorative stone with lighting is a fairly economical option, and almost everyone can afford it. It is thanks to the lighting that the panel on the wall can be voluminous, which will give a more lively look to the room.
Main conclusions
LED room lighting is a safe and versatile option. There are many solutions that allow you to achieve different lighting effects:
- combination of several lamps;
- multicolor devices;
- hidden installation of LED strips for soft lighting;
- traditional lighting options using LED lamps.
There are many options for decorating a room; the lighting possibilities have not yet been exhausted. Share your ways of using LED lighting for a room in the comments.
Photo of LED lighting in the interior
DIY chair cushions - step-by-step instructions with photos and descriptions
Comments are not allowed.
