Mastering Lines of Light: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving the Perfect Linear Lighting Design

Mastering Lines of Light: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving the Perfect Linear Lighting Design

Lines of light have emerged as a popular trend in contemporary lighting design, offering endless possibilities for personalization and adaptability. Typically, created using LED strips inside an aluminum profile with a translucent white cover, these linear light fixtures can be customized in terms of pattern, installation location, length, and geometric shape.

Lines of light are a popular trend in lighting design, usually made with an LED strip inside an aluminum profile that has a translucent white cover.

Due to their construction, lines of light are classified as direct lighting, which, compared to indirect lighting like coves, are more energy-efficient but can potentially produce increased glare. Therefore, lines of light should be designed with care and, in most cases, should be dimmable. This article will provide detailed guidance on how to achieve the best results with lines of light.

Let's see how we can achieve the best results with lines of light.

1. Use of Energy-Efficient Light Sources

To maximize luminous flux and minimize energy consumption, opt for LED modules or strips with high energy efficiency, boasting at least 125 lm/w. When incorporating lines of light into areas where the light may be partially obscured and enter by reflection, avoid absorbent surfaces like dark paint or wood. Instead, use white or light-colored wood surfaces.

White or light surfaces are best for lighting

 

2. Select an LED light source with the correct light output and number of LEDs.

Select the Correct LED Light Source with the Appropriate Light Output and Number of LEDs
Lines of light can serve various purposes, from guiding people and accentuating architectural features to creating a specific design aesthetic while providing ambient, general, or task lighting.

For visible, direct light lines, it's crucial to evenly backlight the translucent cover to prevent hotspots. To achieve this, use LED strips with at least 140 LEDs per meter. For optimal results, consider LED strips with 140 LEDs per meter or COB LED strips with continuous light, specifically designed for uninterrupted lines of light.

Let the lighting purpose dictate the type and brightness of the light source. Use the following luminous flux values per meter of LED strip as a reference:

A) Ambient light or highlighting objects/furniture: up to 600 lumens per meter (200 lm/ft)

Line of light for ambient

LED strips for lines of light with up to 600 lm/m

 

B) General residential lighting: up to 1200 lumens per meter (400 lm/ft)

General lighting with lines of light

LED strips with high LED count, for continuous lines of light up to 1000 lm/m:

LED strips for lines of light with up to 1200 lm/m

 

C) General commercial/business lighting or workplace lighting: up to 2900 lumens per meter (700 lm/ft)

General lighting for commercial and business applications or workplace lighting

 

LED strips for line of light up to 2900 lm/m:

Full spectrum LED strips with CRI98+ with SunLike Tri-R technology from Toshiba and Seoul Semiconductor for the most natural lighting possible, up to 2000 lm/m:

For example, consider a living room measuring 20 sqm with a 2.5 m height requiring general lighting:

  • Lines of light with 600 lm/meter: at least 10 meters (32 ft) total length
  • Lines of light with 1000 lm/meter: at least 6 meters (19 ft) total length
  • Lines of light with 2400 lm/meter: at least 2 meters (6 ft) total length

3. Simplify LED Strip Installation and Minimize Auxiliary Components

LED strips should be easy to install over long distances and require minimal auxiliary items like wires, connectors, screws, or transformers. Opt for a large capacity transformer instead of multiple smaller ones to minimize the number of components.

4. Position Lines of Light to Reduce Glare

Numerous lines of light within a space can cause glare, which may impact well-being or productivity. To mitigate this issue, place lines of light at the edges of a space, enabling the light to uniformly wash down a wall.

Lines of light for reduced glare

5. Choose High-Quality LED Modules or Strips with Optimal Light Spectrum and Color Rendering Index (CRI)

For general lighting purposes, select LED strips or modules that closely mimic daylight in terms of spectrum or color temperature. LEDs with full spectrum technology, such as Nichia Optisolis and Seoul Semiconductor SunLike, offer near-daylight spectra and top CRI scores.

 

Observe the following CRI guidelines:

  • Minimum CRI80 for work and living spaces (e.g., office, living room, dining room, bedroom)
  • Recommended CRI98+ for optimal color rendering and visual comfort.
Image

Spectrum of Nichia Optisolis LED

6. Install Long-Lasting LED Modules or Strips with Minimal Color Shift and Excellent Lumen Maintenance

Choose durable LED light sources with minimal color shift over time, particularly for large installations. If the light source's brightness fades too soon or the color temperature changes, the entire installation may need to be replaced to maintain uniform lighting.

For example, if "LEDs 1" are used initially, and their light changes as demonstrated in the image on the right, replacing only some sections with "LEDs 2" will worsen the lack of uniformity, as shown in the image below.

7. Opt for Dimmable Lines of Light to Enhance Flexibility and Comfort

To cater to different lighting needs and preferences, select dimmable LED strips or modules for lines of light installations. Dimmable lighting allows for better control over brightness levels, reducing glare, and ensuring optimal visual comfort for various tasks and activities. 

We recommend the Casambi dimming system, an innovative wireless lighting control solution specifically designed for LED light strips and other smart lighting products. It operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, enabling users to control and adjust their lighting systems directly from a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch without the need for complex installations or additional hardware.

The key advantage of the Casambi dimming system is its user-friendly interface, allowing for easy customization of lighting settings, including dimming, color temperature adjustments, and scene creations. The system supports smooth and flicker-free dimming, ensuring optimal visual comfort and a pleasant ambiance.

8. Utilize Appropriate Aluminum Profiles and Translucent Covers

Selecting suitable aluminum profiles and translucent covers is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effect. The aluminum profile should be designed to facilitate easy installation and provide adequate heat dissipation to extend the LED strip's lifespan. The translucent cover should evenly diffuse light, prevent hotspots, and minimize glare.

9. Integrate Smart Controls for Enhanced Customization and Energy Savings

Incorporate smart controls, such as motion sensors, timers, and mobile app integration, to further customize the lighting experience and save energy. These controls allow users to adjust lighting based on their needs, preferences, and occupancy patterns, leading to increased energy efficiency and convenience. Here also, the Casambi system is our recommendation. 

A significant benefit of the Casambi system is its scalability and adaptability. It is suitable for both small residential projects and large-scale commercial installations, with the ability to control multiple lighting fixtures and create various lighting zones.

Additionally, the Casambi system offers compatibility with a wide range of LED drivers and modules, making it a versatile choice for different lighting applications. Its energy-saving features, combined with the convenience of wireless control, make the Casambi dimming system a popular choice for those looking to enhance the functionality and efficiency of their LED light strip installations.

10. Plan and Measure Accurately Before Installation

Before installing lines of light, create a detailed plan that includes measurements and layout. Accurate planning ensures a seamless installation process and prevents the need for adjustments or re-installation later. Additionally, consider potential obstacles, such as furniture or structural elements, that may impact light distribution and make necessary adjustments to the layout.

 

Lines of light offer endless design possibilities and flexibility in both residential and commercial settings. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can create visually appealing, energy-efficient, and comfortable lighting environments that cater to various needs and preferences. With careful planning, selection, and installation, lines of light can enhance the overall aesthetics, functionality, and ambiance of any space.

For linear fixtures as lines of light, you can choose from recessed or surface place aluminum profiles:

 

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