If you’ve ever been to a club or watched the latest Broadway play, you must have taken note of the beautiful washes of color against the wall or stage. This is achieved with DMX technology and wall washers. Wall washers are now being used in a variety of commercial lighting applications such as lighting interiors and exteriors of buildings, illuminating billboards, and creating attractive booths at tradeshows. LED wall washers are powerful, compact, portable and plug-and-play, and as their name suggests, they can light up a huge amount of space. They also offer the advantage of high-powered lighting without the high heat and high power consumption of older lighting technology. Here are some ways you can enhance your business with DMX technology and wall washers.
What is DMX?
DMX is the technology used to control everything from the colors of lights to timing and dimming. With full-color RGB wall washers, DMX controllers can play custom-created patterns that are programmed using computer software.
An example of a DMX controller is the Apollo from Elemental LED, which comes with PC-compatible computer software for user-friendly custom lighting programming. The Apollo is an economical option that offers both DMX and PWM output, and has memory to store your DMX commands. The dual control allows the Apollo to command two different DMX devices while driving three channels of PWM to control non-DMX devices like RGB strip lights.
DMX lighting simplifies large lighting installations by not having to have several dimmer switches and complicated wire gauge calculations and installations. DMX allows lighting designers and installers to simply place power where they want lights and perform an infinite amount of daisy chains creating what is known as a DMX universe. Meaning, wall washers can be daisy-chained together so that they all work in sync off of one controller.
You can also use wall washers by themselves without a DMX controller. All washers operate as standalone fixtures that can be controlled manually with pre-programmed color patterns and lighting effects. This is common for architectural accent lighting and other static lighting that has no need for light variance.
How can I integrate wall washers and DMX into my installation?
Architecture
If you are an architect you can use wall washers to highlight certain parts of your design. You can light interiors or exteriors of buildings with a full palette of colors or color patterns. From a distance your building can be seen with colors to represent and celebrate different occasions.
For example, Remax lit the exterior of their Southern California headquarters using eight 24” RGB LED Wall Washers. Anyone driving through Interstate 5 near Newhall, CA can see the entire back of the building lit up in washes of red, white and blue.
Conventions and Tradeshows
You can create an attractive booth at a tradeshow or convention with wall washers and DMX controllers. Wall washers brighten and create eye-catching, sophisticated booths, drawing attendees your way. Additionally, DMX controllers can be used to create custom light shows, or can be set to music, transforming your booth into a disco floor.
For example, West Coast Customs worked with Skype to create a memorable mobile lounge booth in an Airstream. They used the Apollo DMX Color Controller along with a 1 Meter RGB LED Wall Washer with a 45-degree angle, and a DMX Decoder with XLR Ports to light up the Skype sign on top of the Airstream. The Skype Lounge was a big hit at one of its first stops, Comic-Con. Even from a distance people could see the brand thanks to the glowing, colorful light created by the wall washer, which helped Skype stand out in a sea of booths.
Businesses & Retail Displays
If you’re a restaurant or other business owner, you can instantly create mood lighting with DMX lighting. Place a wall washer anywhere you want to highlight, whether a VIP lounge, a themed room or in the lobby for a grand entrance. Just select the color you want, adjust the dimming, and give the whole room a wash of color from warm orange to cool purple. There is no need to monitor several dimmer switches—you can just pick your location, plug it in and change the whole feel of the room.
Using wall washers adds an intense splash effect and breaks up the norm of using artwork or plants as decor. Using a large wall washer at an entryway can simulate a red carpet Hollywood premiere for dinners parties, creating an A-list dining experience. Smaller wall washer units can be used to highlight paintings or sculptures. 5 Star Island, a rental resort venue in Miami, used several Rectangular RGB LED Wall Washers and PAR 64 RGB Wall Washers to light up their villas, palm trees, and fountains. The effect was nothing short of luxurious.
How can I get started with wall washers and DMX lighting?
ledhut8 has resources to get you started on a DMX and wall washer installation. First, view this Color-Changing Wall Washer Installation and Programming tutorial on how to program DMX wall washers.
has resources to get you started on a DMX and wall washer installation. ledhut8 has several different models of wall washers to choose from. Browse different features including shape, size, projection distance, beam angle and price. You can also view thorough wiring diagrams and detailed instruction sheets so you can see how easy the installation will be.
ledhut8 also has a selection of low-cost, user-friendly DMX controllersand a variety of accessories including DMX decoders and transmitters.
ledhut8 has dedicated product specialists and Account Managers who can help you figure out the best lighting solutions for your commercial needs. If you have a large-scale project or idea but are not sure how to get it done, ask our experienced and specialized Account Managers and they’ll be able to provide support throughout all stages of your project’s development.
Stand Out from the Pack
Wall washers and DMX lighting have come a long way from just lighting up performances and dance floors. They now offer memorable and sophisticated solutions for businesses that want to stand out. Whether you’re an architect, designer, fabricator or business owner, consider integrating wall washers and DMX lighting into your design and installation. You don’t need to be a professional lighting designer to create amazing color effects that will make your business the one to watch.
2014年2月14日星期五
Reused Cardboard Transforms into Versatile LED Desk Lamp
Anything that can be made from recycled materials always catches my eye, especially these days. My nonprofit organization, RuckusRoots, is currently running a recycled art program called TRASHformation at Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles. We are constantly looking for new ideas, and so I was thrilled to spot this inventive and very eco-friendly DIY lamp, created by Instructables member Jesse Harrington Au.
LED lights home
Jesse used a CAD program called Autodesk Inventor 2012 to sketch out a 3D rendering of what he wanted his lamp to look like. He then used a laser cutter to cut flat pieces of cardboard into shapes that he glued together to form the 3-dimensional lamp. (Here are the full instructions.)
LED lights home
Once he affixed all of the pieces (using plain old Elmer’s white glue), Jesse drilled a hole in the back of the lamp and fed a small piece of spiraled LED strip through the hole. Cool-running LED strip lights are perfect for a cardboard lamp like this one, as they don’t get hot enough to create a fire hazard. This nifty LED lights home and office spaces just as well as any store bought lamp world, and adds a fun, fresh DIY feel to any room. I will definitely show this lamp to the kids I’m working with this week. Though we won’t be using a laser cutter, it’s a good example of one way to create a 3-dimensional shape using flat materials. We have collected a lot of thrown away cardboard on campus, which is waiting to be turned into something cool. Stay tuned!
LED lights home
Jesse used a CAD program called Autodesk Inventor 2012 to sketch out a 3D rendering of what he wanted his lamp to look like. He then used a laser cutter to cut flat pieces of cardboard into shapes that he glued together to form the 3-dimensional lamp. (Here are the full instructions.)
LED lights home
Once he affixed all of the pieces (using plain old Elmer’s white glue), Jesse drilled a hole in the back of the lamp and fed a small piece of spiraled LED strip through the hole. Cool-running LED strip lights are perfect for a cardboard lamp like this one, as they don’t get hot enough to create a fire hazard. This nifty LED lights home and office spaces just as well as any store bought lamp world, and adds a fun, fresh DIY feel to any room. I will definitely show this lamp to the kids I’m working with this week. Though we won’t be using a laser cutter, it’s a good example of one way to create a 3-dimensional shape using flat materials. We have collected a lot of thrown away cardboard on campus, which is waiting to be turned into something cool. Stay tuned!
2014年2月4日星期二
Modular, Waterproof LED Fixtures from Smart and Green
French Connection is a new collection of colorful, versatile LED light fixtures from a French design company called Smart and Green. The line features all kinds of unique LED home lighting options, from light-up ottomans to illuminated, waterproof orbs that can float in the pool, perfect for LED cove lighting. Some are even pieces of glowing furniture, which would give your pool deck a swanky night club effect. All of the pieces are energy efficient and cordless, so you don’t have to worry about putting them next to an outlet. They are also color changing and feature lighting effects like flickering or flashing. These modular pieces can be combined in any number of ways, making them truly customizable and unique. See the full collection at Smart and Green.
IKEA Promotes LED Bulbs with Stunning Art Installation in Portugal
Sure, maybe it’s a promotional stunt to familiarize folks with IKEA’s new line of LED light bulbs, Ledare, but that doesn’t make the company’s “LEDscape” installation any less beautiful. Comprised of 1200 LED light fixtures, “LEDscape” was installed in the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon over the holiday season. Created by Like Architects, the piece utilizes exposed bulbs placed at different heights to create an illuminated maze, which celebrates the beauty of energy efficient LED lighting. Viewers can walk around and through it, taking time to reflect on the stunning power of light, and of LED lights in particular.
2014年1月30日星期四
Simple Lighting Upgrades for Retail Businesses
Updating the lighting in your restaurant, bar or other retail establishment doesn’t have to be complicated. RGB LED lighting products offer full-color customization and a simple do-it-yourself application for the average business owner. This article will walk through how Café V, a business in Berkeley, California transformed their entire space with just a few lighting upgrades from ledhut8.co.uk LED.
Color-Changing LED Lighting at Cafe V
ACCENT LIGHTING
The owner of Café V added dynamic, eye-catching accent lighting to the bar area by installing Color-Changing LED Strip Lights under the bar. The strip is densely packed with full-color RGB chips, offering bright, even illumination across the entire perimeter of the bar. The strip light’s extremely slim and low profile form wedged into the tight space under the bar, for a discreet and seamless finish. Application of the strip is quick and easy with the 3M adhesive backing, and it can be easily cut to a customizable length with a scissors.
The lights under the bar are commanded via an Inline Remote Color Controller. This tiny RGB controller integrates seamlessly and discreetly into the wiring of the strip lights. The owners can choose from 20 different colors, 19 modes, as well as control brightness and speed via the remote control. Customers are wowed by the impact these lights make.
Color-Changing RGB LED Lighting at Cafe V
AMBIENT LIGHTING
The preexisting globe ceiling fixtures provided an excellent opportunity for creating ambient lighting throughout the entire space. The owner of Café V replaced the existing incandescent bulbs inside these globes with Remote Control RGB LED Light Bulbs. These bulbs are as easy to use as the previous bulbs, featuring a standard screw-in base. But they pack a lot of additional features, including 16 color options, four color-changing modes and four brightness levels. This means Café V owners can set the mood of the entire space for any event, holiday or season by simply pressing a button tao change the color of their lights.
TRANSFORM A SPACE WITH COLOR
When the accent lighting at the bar and the ambient lighting from the globe fixtures are used together, the owners of Café V create a complete color palette that can be customized for every occasion. The two sets of lights create a big color impact without the permanent investment of painting.
Color-Changing LED Lighting at Cafe V
ACCENT LIGHTING
The owner of Café V added dynamic, eye-catching accent lighting to the bar area by installing Color-Changing LED Strip Lights under the bar. The strip is densely packed with full-color RGB chips, offering bright, even illumination across the entire perimeter of the bar. The strip light’s extremely slim and low profile form wedged into the tight space under the bar, for a discreet and seamless finish. Application of the strip is quick and easy with the 3M adhesive backing, and it can be easily cut to a customizable length with a scissors.
The lights under the bar are commanded via an Inline Remote Color Controller. This tiny RGB controller integrates seamlessly and discreetly into the wiring of the strip lights. The owners can choose from 20 different colors, 19 modes, as well as control brightness and speed via the remote control. Customers are wowed by the impact these lights make.
Color-Changing RGB LED Lighting at Cafe V
AMBIENT LIGHTING
The preexisting globe ceiling fixtures provided an excellent opportunity for creating ambient lighting throughout the entire space. The owner of Café V replaced the existing incandescent bulbs inside these globes with Remote Control RGB LED Light Bulbs. These bulbs are as easy to use as the previous bulbs, featuring a standard screw-in base. But they pack a lot of additional features, including 16 color options, four color-changing modes and four brightness levels. This means Café V owners can set the mood of the entire space for any event, holiday or season by simply pressing a button tao change the color of their lights.
TRANSFORM A SPACE WITH COLOR
When the accent lighting at the bar and the ambient lighting from the globe fixtures are used together, the owners of Café V create a complete color palette that can be customized for every occasion. The two sets of lights create a big color impact without the permanent investment of painting.
2014年1月26日星期日
LED Lights for a Picture Perfect Wedding: Tips from Michele Fox Gott
Wedding season is upon us, and whether you’re organizing the festivities yourself or enlisting the help of a wedding planner, lighting is sure to be a major item on your to-do list. Michele Fox Gott knows a thing or two about creating stunning, well-lit weddings. As the president and founder of Center of Attention Events, her star-studded client list includes Snoop Dogg and Ozzy Osborn, while her design of Niecy Nash’s wedding earned her the number six spot on TLC’s Top 10 Weddings of 2011 (pictured above). “Lighting is a great way to add richness to a wedding without spending a lot of money,” she says.
Fox Gott has found that LED lights are the best choice for almost any wedding application, and that when she presents the options to her clients, “they definitely pick LEDs over the old lights. LEDs are a huge trend in my industry; they’re just easier to work with, and lighting designers get much more out of them,” she says.
Indeed, LEDs provide dynamic, energy efficient ambiance no matter where or when you’re tying the knot. Following are some of Fox Gott’s favorite ways to use LEDs in weddings; read on for a bright start to your even brighter future together!
Transform Any Space with Color
“One of my favorite applications for LED up-lighting is in a white or light-colored room. RGB LED lights can change colors, and white paneling picks up any color you choose. You can go from blue to red to purple, depending on what mood you want to create,” says Fox Gott. Center of Attention events recently employed this technique in the wedding of Rob Dyrdek’s sister, which was featured on the MTV show Fantasy Factory. “We used white fabric during the ceremony, and then transformed the room to a soft pink during the reception,” says Fox Gott.
The Great Outdoors
If you’re working with an outdoor location, Fox Gott recommends playing up the natural beauty that surrounds you, using LED string lights, or LED wall washers. “If you’re working on a tight budget or with a small space, focus on up lighting the trees or architectural elements on the edge of your space. This will make the space seem bigger and create beautiful ambiance,” she says.
It’s All in the Details
Fox Gott also recommends incorporating LED lights in unexpected places, like on the underside of glass tables, or around the periphery of a room. “LEDs are great for small, tight spaces because you don’t need as many lights, they’re more discreet and can fit anywhere,” she says. “I was especially impressed during a recent bar mitzvah that I planned. We used glass tables with embedded LED strip lights, and though the client and I had decided to display purple and blue colors during our initial meetings, she changed her mind the day of the event. Luckily, with the color-changing LEDs, I could switch to the brighter, more playful oranges, greens and yellows she requested with the flip of a switch,” she says.
Colorful Cake
The dessert may come at the end of the night, but it can look beautiful throughout the whole event with a little help from LED lights. “We use directional LED spot lighting on cakes, to really draw attention to them,” says Fox Gott. “It also helps that LEDs don’t get hot, so they won’t cause the cake to melt.”
Curious about what’s next for Fox Gott? So are we! She confided that she is planning a “big celebrity wedding this summer,” but has to keep the details very hush-hush. Be sure to keep an eye on her website, Center of Attention Events, to find out who this secret A-list client might be!
Fox Gott has found that LED lights are the best choice for almost any wedding application, and that when she presents the options to her clients, “they definitely pick LEDs over the old lights. LEDs are a huge trend in my industry; they’re just easier to work with, and lighting designers get much more out of them,” she says.
Indeed, LEDs provide dynamic, energy efficient ambiance no matter where or when you’re tying the knot. Following are some of Fox Gott’s favorite ways to use LEDs in weddings; read on for a bright start to your even brighter future together!
Transform Any Space with Color
“One of my favorite applications for LED up-lighting is in a white or light-colored room. RGB LED lights can change colors, and white paneling picks up any color you choose. You can go from blue to red to purple, depending on what mood you want to create,” says Fox Gott. Center of Attention events recently employed this technique in the wedding of Rob Dyrdek’s sister, which was featured on the MTV show Fantasy Factory. “We used white fabric during the ceremony, and then transformed the room to a soft pink during the reception,” says Fox Gott.
The Great Outdoors
If you’re working with an outdoor location, Fox Gott recommends playing up the natural beauty that surrounds you, using LED string lights, or LED wall washers. “If you’re working on a tight budget or with a small space, focus on up lighting the trees or architectural elements on the edge of your space. This will make the space seem bigger and create beautiful ambiance,” she says.
It’s All in the Details
Fox Gott also recommends incorporating LED lights in unexpected places, like on the underside of glass tables, or around the periphery of a room. “LEDs are great for small, tight spaces because you don’t need as many lights, they’re more discreet and can fit anywhere,” she says. “I was especially impressed during a recent bar mitzvah that I planned. We used glass tables with embedded LED strip lights, and though the client and I had decided to display purple and blue colors during our initial meetings, she changed her mind the day of the event. Luckily, with the color-changing LEDs, I could switch to the brighter, more playful oranges, greens and yellows she requested with the flip of a switch,” she says.
Colorful Cake
The dessert may come at the end of the night, but it can look beautiful throughout the whole event with a little help from LED lights. “We use directional LED spot lighting on cakes, to really draw attention to them,” says Fox Gott. “It also helps that LEDs don’t get hot, so they won’t cause the cake to melt.”
Curious about what’s next for Fox Gott? So are we! She confided that she is planning a “big celebrity wedding this summer,” but has to keep the details very hush-hush. Be sure to keep an eye on her website, Center of Attention Events, to find out who this secret A-list client might be!
LED Lights Breath Life Back into Libraries around the World
Books are weighing heavily on my mind…maybe that’s because they have been weighing heavily on my biceps all weekend. After helping my father move his extensive library of books—some to his new office, some to storage and some to charity—I was struck with how many manuscripts he owned and how many had probably not been cracked open in ages, if ever. That got me thinking about lighting, and how a well-lit library might, in fact, be a more frequently used library.
It turns out others have entertained this thought as well (including artist Airan Kang, who created the stunning digital LED library pictured above). The result is a growing LED lighting trend in libraries around the world, from huge, public collections to private libraries in home residences. Why the shift? Well, LED lights make as much sense for rooms filled with books as they do for kitchens, living rooms, backyards and wine cellars, to name a few. Linear LED fixtures like LED strip lights provide directional lighting that highlights specific objects without emitting UV radiation that can damage delicate materials (like paper). They maintain cool temperatures, thus eliminating heat damage and reducing costs through energy efficiency and a long lifespan. But if that’s not reason enough, LED lights also emphasize the beauty of books, and make them more appealing to readers everywhere. If you don’t believe me, check out the following LED libraries.
Mexico City’s Castro Leal Library won first place at the Mexican Association of Interior Designers’ 2012 AMDI Awards thanks to LED strip lighting installed on the building’s many shelves. Here, lighting serves both form and function: it makes finding books easier, and creates an inviting, contemporary and chic vibe throughout the library.
The Pasadena Central Library reduced its energy bill by 90 percent thanks to LED light fixtures that replaced several 900-watt metal-halide bulbs in the building’s antique pendant fixtures. Not only is the historic aesthetic of the building preserved, but also several thousands of dollars are saved each month in air conditioning, lighting and maintenance costs, as each fixture now uses only 95 watts of power.
And in East Germany, an open air, 24-hour public library is revitalizing an underserved neighborhood with high unemployment and building vacancies ranging around 80 percent. Designed by Karo Architects, the space is built with blocks salvaged from demolished buildings and utilizes an honor system of lending and returning books, all of which are donated. The building is attached to a community green space, and “communal stage, which is used for elementary school plays, book readings, concerts, and cultural events. A volunteer group of residents take care of keeping the books organized and the reading areas clean,” according to PSFK. Energy efficient, green LED lights help keep the library open through the night, not to mention looking quite snazzy around the clock.
It’s a common conception that reading is a dying trend, but with innovative libraries like these popping up across the globe, it’s a sign that things might be turning around in favor of books. If you’re inspired to highlight your at-home book collection with LED lights, please let us know how your renovation turns out!
It turns out others have entertained this thought as well (including artist Airan Kang, who created the stunning digital LED library pictured above). The result is a growing LED lighting trend in libraries around the world, from huge, public collections to private libraries in home residences. Why the shift? Well, LED lights make as much sense for rooms filled with books as they do for kitchens, living rooms, backyards and wine cellars, to name a few. Linear LED fixtures like LED strip lights provide directional lighting that highlights specific objects without emitting UV radiation that can damage delicate materials (like paper). They maintain cool temperatures, thus eliminating heat damage and reducing costs through energy efficiency and a long lifespan. But if that’s not reason enough, LED lights also emphasize the beauty of books, and make them more appealing to readers everywhere. If you don’t believe me, check out the following LED libraries.
Mexico City’s Castro Leal Library won first place at the Mexican Association of Interior Designers’ 2012 AMDI Awards thanks to LED strip lighting installed on the building’s many shelves. Here, lighting serves both form and function: it makes finding books easier, and creates an inviting, contemporary and chic vibe throughout the library.
The Pasadena Central Library reduced its energy bill by 90 percent thanks to LED light fixtures that replaced several 900-watt metal-halide bulbs in the building’s antique pendant fixtures. Not only is the historic aesthetic of the building preserved, but also several thousands of dollars are saved each month in air conditioning, lighting and maintenance costs, as each fixture now uses only 95 watts of power.
And in East Germany, an open air, 24-hour public library is revitalizing an underserved neighborhood with high unemployment and building vacancies ranging around 80 percent. Designed by Karo Architects, the space is built with blocks salvaged from demolished buildings and utilizes an honor system of lending and returning books, all of which are donated. The building is attached to a community green space, and “communal stage, which is used for elementary school plays, book readings, concerts, and cultural events. A volunteer group of residents take care of keeping the books organized and the reading areas clean,” according to PSFK. Energy efficient, green LED lights help keep the library open through the night, not to mention looking quite snazzy around the clock.
It’s a common conception that reading is a dying trend, but with innovative libraries like these popping up across the globe, it’s a sign that things might be turning around in favor of books. If you’re inspired to highlight your at-home book collection with LED lights, please let us know how your renovation turns out!
2014年1月24日星期五
How LEDs Helped Dubai Become the World’s Fastest Growing City
The saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” but the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai just may prove the opposite. Since the city’s decision to expand its economic scope beyond the oil industry in 2003, Dubai has experienced what some are calling an unprecedented boom. From tourism and international business to population and property development, Dubai is growing faster than Jack’s beanstalk.
Erinn Bone works for Alem International Management, a US-based event production company that organizes large-scale events of all types. In his sixteen year tenure with Alem, Bone has been a part of the team responsible for the logistical movement of the Olympic flame for the torch relays of 1996, 2002 and 2004, as well as the the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. The Alem team has also hosted events for international guests of the Dubai World Cup since 2010.
Bone recently returned from the March, 2013 Dubai World Cup which, at $10 million, boasts the biggest purse of any horse race in the world, and he took a minute to discuss how and why LED lights are playing a role in Dubai’s exponential growth.
“In an effort to draw in tourism and international business, Dubai is positioning itself as one of the most architecturally and culturally cutting edge places on the planet; that becomes apparent when you look at the stunning skyline that surrounds you when you’re there,” he says. “LED lights are incorporated into almost every landmark building in the city.”
Bone notes that unlike cities with older architecture, many of Dubai’s buildings were conceived and built with LED lighting as an integrated part of their design. “In older architecture, you can retrofit the buildings to use LED lights, but the structure of many of Dubai’s buildings were designed around the dynamic displays that only LED lights are capable of. The results are mind-blowing, and play a key role in defining the aesthetic that makes Dubai what it is today.”
Following are some of Bone’s favorite architectural sightings in Dubai, and some of his own photos.
Burj Al Arab
The infamous “sail” hotel uses color-changing LED lights along its outer lines as well as throughout its interior panels, and is an unmistakable park of the horizon.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world (2,722 ft) uses RGB LED lights and programmable LED wall washers to create stunning effects on the outside of the building, and is the most recognizable structure on the Dubai skyline.
Dubai International Airport
The Dubai airport is peppered with LED light displays, from the ceilings to the stairs and walkways. “The airport is the world’s first impression of Dubai, and designers have definitely takes advantage of all LED technology has to offer to make sure it’s a good one,” says Bone.
“Dubai represents one of the contemporary architectural wonders of the world,” says Bone, “and LED lights are a huge part of that.”
Erinn Bone works for Alem International Management, a US-based event production company that organizes large-scale events of all types. In his sixteen year tenure with Alem, Bone has been a part of the team responsible for the logistical movement of the Olympic flame for the torch relays of 1996, 2002 and 2004, as well as the the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. The Alem team has also hosted events for international guests of the Dubai World Cup since 2010.
Bone recently returned from the March, 2013 Dubai World Cup which, at $10 million, boasts the biggest purse of any horse race in the world, and he took a minute to discuss how and why LED lights are playing a role in Dubai’s exponential growth.
“In an effort to draw in tourism and international business, Dubai is positioning itself as one of the most architecturally and culturally cutting edge places on the planet; that becomes apparent when you look at the stunning skyline that surrounds you when you’re there,” he says. “LED lights are incorporated into almost every landmark building in the city.”
Bone notes that unlike cities with older architecture, many of Dubai’s buildings were conceived and built with LED lighting as an integrated part of their design. “In older architecture, you can retrofit the buildings to use LED lights, but the structure of many of Dubai’s buildings were designed around the dynamic displays that only LED lights are capable of. The results are mind-blowing, and play a key role in defining the aesthetic that makes Dubai what it is today.”
Following are some of Bone’s favorite architectural sightings in Dubai, and some of his own photos.
Burj Al Arab
The infamous “sail” hotel uses color-changing LED lights along its outer lines as well as throughout its interior panels, and is an unmistakable park of the horizon.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world (2,722 ft) uses RGB LED lights and programmable LED wall washers to create stunning effects on the outside of the building, and is the most recognizable structure on the Dubai skyline.
Dubai International Airport
The Dubai airport is peppered with LED light displays, from the ceilings to the stairs and walkways. “The airport is the world’s first impression of Dubai, and designers have definitely takes advantage of all LED technology has to offer to make sure it’s a good one,” says Bone.
“Dubai represents one of the contemporary architectural wonders of the world,” says Bone, “and LED lights are a huge part of that.”
Artist James Peterson on Sessilanoid and LED DIY for Newbies
James Peterson doesn’t want you to just look at his art, he wants you to experience it. “I want people to have a respite of intrigue and joy, to tap into their inner child, that sweet naïve place where it’s okay to be in awe and just enjoy something,” he says. Thanks in part to color-changing LEDs, the LA-based Peterson’s latest piece, Sessilanoid, undoubtedly achieves this infectious sense of wonder. In Sessilanoid, Peterson used RGB LED strip lights to illuminate an array of translucent, sculptural wall hangings that “mimic the growth patterns of a life form to abstractly represent barnacles,” he says. LED strip lights behind the molded forms respond to a grid of buttons; new color patterns emanate out from the central form and connect to other pieces when participants push the buttons.
Though there is an environmental message behind Sessilanoid, Peterson’s first priority is to get people smiling and talking. “I like to create situations where strangers meet and things are naturally intuitive. The core of everything is enjoyment and conversation between the people interacting with it,” he says.
Peterson believes that art creates a unique environment in which viewers are more apt to initiate and be receptive to discussion. “It gives me the opportunity to share what inspires me without forcing it down their throat,” he says. “I think if you make something beautiful and compelling, people naturally want to ask questions about why you did it, how you did it and the technology behind it.”
Fittingly, technology is a big part of what makes Sessilanoid so effective. “I used LED lights in this piece because I needed something that was low voltage, didn’t get hot and was dynamic and easy to work with,” says Peterson. Though Peterson used a fairly complicated system to create his lighting application, he believes advances in LED technology are making it possible for beginners to experiment with LEDs in similar ways. “I had the luxury of using an architectural lighting component system to run RGB through a DMX controller. It was very versatile and very intuitive and that’s part of why LED is so interesting: it’s dynamic, creates low carbon emissions, is more approachable and is becoming less tech-heavy every day,” he says.
For beginners looking to create custom lighting applications, Peterson recommends beginning with accessible technology. “Arduino platforms are a great place to start. You’re limited to how much material you can push through the system and how flexible you can be, but you can always grow into a more elaborate system once you learn the basics,” he says.
Sessilanoid was recently accepted into Art Basel, the premier international art show for contemporary and modern works, and will be showing at both the Switzerland and Miami exhibitions. If you can’t make it to either of those, watch the piece in action here, and consider helping Peterson raise funds to transport his piece to Art Basal on his Indigogo page.
Though there is an environmental message behind Sessilanoid, Peterson’s first priority is to get people smiling and talking. “I like to create situations where strangers meet and things are naturally intuitive. The core of everything is enjoyment and conversation between the people interacting with it,” he says.
Peterson believes that art creates a unique environment in which viewers are more apt to initiate and be receptive to discussion. “It gives me the opportunity to share what inspires me without forcing it down their throat,” he says. “I think if you make something beautiful and compelling, people naturally want to ask questions about why you did it, how you did it and the technology behind it.”
Fittingly, technology is a big part of what makes Sessilanoid so effective. “I used LED lights in this piece because I needed something that was low voltage, didn’t get hot and was dynamic and easy to work with,” says Peterson. Though Peterson used a fairly complicated system to create his lighting application, he believes advances in LED technology are making it possible for beginners to experiment with LEDs in similar ways. “I had the luxury of using an architectural lighting component system to run RGB through a DMX controller. It was very versatile and very intuitive and that’s part of why LED is so interesting: it’s dynamic, creates low carbon emissions, is more approachable and is becoming less tech-heavy every day,” he says.
For beginners looking to create custom lighting applications, Peterson recommends beginning with accessible technology. “Arduino platforms are a great place to start. You’re limited to how much material you can push through the system and how flexible you can be, but you can always grow into a more elaborate system once you learn the basics,” he says.
Sessilanoid was recently accepted into Art Basel, the premier international art show for contemporary and modern works, and will be showing at both the Switzerland and Miami exhibitions. If you can’t make it to either of those, watch the piece in action here, and consider helping Peterson raise funds to transport his piece to Art Basal on his Indigogo page.
2014年1月23日星期四
BMW District Manager Ryan Bone On the LED Motorcycle Trend
Whether you’re a novice rider or a patch holder in the local Mother Club, you can’t deny that LED lights are making waves in the motorcycle industry. Thanks to both technological innovations as well as decorative appeal, designers and DIY enthusiasts alike are adding LEDs to motorcycles in applications ranging from headlights to ground effects. For those of us who live in the United States, we’ve only experienced the tip of the iceberg, since government regulations have kept many LED advances under wraps on American soil. “Some of the brightest new technology for vehicles involves lighting, such as high-intensity LED headlights, but lagging regulatory approval is leaving U.S. drivers in the dark,” says a USA Today article published last month.
But not all is lost. 12V LED lights have never been easier to install, which means you can take matters into your own hands and pimp your ride in a few easy steps. To discuss motorcycle lighting trends, as well as some very interesting developments in the DIY sector, I spoke with Ryan Bone, the central district sales manager for BMW’s motorcycle division.
Aside from a few exceptions, BMW is prohibited from manufacturing stock motorcycles that incorporate LED headlights and turn signals. “BMW just came out with the 2013 R1200 GS water-cooled bike two months ago, which offers an LED headlight option for the first time ever on any motorcycle,” says Bone. “The main reason we can’t sell LEDs on most motorcycles is that the US Department of Transportation has certain stipulations regarding how much surface area a particular headlight needs to have in order to be compliant in the US,” he explains. These regulations also apply to decorative LED lights, and for that reason, Bone asserts that custom lighting applications for motorcycles are a growing DIY trend, especially in the sport bike segment. “The sport bike demographic is very interested in any customization that will set their bike apart from a factory motorcycle: graphics, colors, lighting, wind screens and ground effects to name a few,” says Bone. And when it comes to lighting, Bone finds that the benefits of LED technology far surpass other lighting options.
–“In terms of headlights, LEDs are great because the color spectrum they emit is similar to sunlight, so it’s less tiring on the eyes at night. Riders have better reaction time and increased safety when riding at night with less fatigue on their eyes,” says Bone. “Also, the light is projected through a glass lens, which creates fewer color fringes.”
–“LED lights run forever, while halogens have to be replaced fairly often,” says Bone.
–“LED lights allow for more design capabilities. The standard halogen you can only put in one configuration, while LEDs you can put in any configuration. They allow for more creativity from a manufacturing and design standpoint,” says Bone.
Indeed, Elemental LED’s waterproof, low voltage strip lights allow for all types of decorative lighting effects, and maximum creative freedom. Use the waterproof color-changing LED strip light, a compact RGB color controller and a portable 12V power supply, for instance, to create stunning, high density ground effects underneath your bike in an array of colors. You can use the same fixtures as accent lights, or around your speakers to highlight your sound system. While some DIY lighting installers use the motorcycle’s own 12V battery to power accent lighting, many do not recommend this, as the large surge of power that the engine battery creates might short-circuit the lights. Using a small, portable and rechargeable battery to power your lights is a safer option.
Be sure to check your state laws before installing LED lights on your motorcycle, however. Though many motorcyclists feel that decorative lights actually keep them safer and more visible to other drivers and riders, “Some states argue that these [kinds of] modifications are distracting and lead to accidents. Others are concerned that, depending upon the color and placement of the LEDs, the lights could cause conventional vehicles to be confused with public safety vehicles at night. Most states have laws prohibiting the use of flashing, spinning, or stroboscopic lighting. Some states prohibit the use of specific colors of lights, such as blue, whether they flash or are lit continuously. All states generally prohibit the use of red lights anywhere except the rear of the vehicle.” (Via LED inside.)
Have you already pimped your ride? Be sure to send us pictures and let us know how the project turned out. Until then, happy riding everyone!
But not all is lost. 12V LED lights have never been easier to install, which means you can take matters into your own hands and pimp your ride in a few easy steps. To discuss motorcycle lighting trends, as well as some very interesting developments in the DIY sector, I spoke with Ryan Bone, the central district sales manager for BMW’s motorcycle division.
Aside from a few exceptions, BMW is prohibited from manufacturing stock motorcycles that incorporate LED headlights and turn signals. “BMW just came out with the 2013 R1200 GS water-cooled bike two months ago, which offers an LED headlight option for the first time ever on any motorcycle,” says Bone. “The main reason we can’t sell LEDs on most motorcycles is that the US Department of Transportation has certain stipulations regarding how much surface area a particular headlight needs to have in order to be compliant in the US,” he explains. These regulations also apply to decorative LED lights, and for that reason, Bone asserts that custom lighting applications for motorcycles are a growing DIY trend, especially in the sport bike segment. “The sport bike demographic is very interested in any customization that will set their bike apart from a factory motorcycle: graphics, colors, lighting, wind screens and ground effects to name a few,” says Bone. And when it comes to lighting, Bone finds that the benefits of LED technology far surpass other lighting options.
–“In terms of headlights, LEDs are great because the color spectrum they emit is similar to sunlight, so it’s less tiring on the eyes at night. Riders have better reaction time and increased safety when riding at night with less fatigue on their eyes,” says Bone. “Also, the light is projected through a glass lens, which creates fewer color fringes.”
–“LED lights run forever, while halogens have to be replaced fairly often,” says Bone.
–“LED lights allow for more design capabilities. The standard halogen you can only put in one configuration, while LEDs you can put in any configuration. They allow for more creativity from a manufacturing and design standpoint,” says Bone.
Indeed, Elemental LED’s waterproof, low voltage strip lights allow for all types of decorative lighting effects, and maximum creative freedom. Use the waterproof color-changing LED strip light, a compact RGB color controller and a portable 12V power supply, for instance, to create stunning, high density ground effects underneath your bike in an array of colors. You can use the same fixtures as accent lights, or around your speakers to highlight your sound system. While some DIY lighting installers use the motorcycle’s own 12V battery to power accent lighting, many do not recommend this, as the large surge of power that the engine battery creates might short-circuit the lights. Using a small, portable and rechargeable battery to power your lights is a safer option.
Be sure to check your state laws before installing LED lights on your motorcycle, however. Though many motorcyclists feel that decorative lights actually keep them safer and more visible to other drivers and riders, “Some states argue that these [kinds of] modifications are distracting and lead to accidents. Others are concerned that, depending upon the color and placement of the LEDs, the lights could cause conventional vehicles to be confused with public safety vehicles at night. Most states have laws prohibiting the use of flashing, spinning, or stroboscopic lighting. Some states prohibit the use of specific colors of lights, such as blue, whether they flash or are lit continuously. All states generally prohibit the use of red lights anywhere except the rear of the vehicle.” (Via LED inside.)
Have you already pimped your ride? Be sure to send us pictures and let us know how the project turned out. Until then, happy riding everyone!
Color-Changing LED Lights Help Restaurant Thrive in Los Angeles
Link-n-Hops is a locally owned LA restaurant founded on a delicious concept: gourmet sausages (with plenty of vegetarian options) paired with hand crafted beers from around the world. The menu is relatively simple: you pick your sausage, toppings, order some fries and a brew to match, and you’re pretty much done. With such a simple idea and a struggling restaurant industry, one might think Link-n-Hops is doomed. But on a recent visit there I realized it’s just the opposite. The place is always packed, and for good reason: it’s affordable, tasty and hip without being snobby.
One thing that helps to achieve this aesthetic are the color-changing LED strip lights installed on the wall that holds the beer taps. The lights provide a welcome, contemporary pop of color in an establishment that otherwise boasts an “industrial-chic” vibe: exposed brick, chalkboard paint, and high, distressed wood beam ceilings. “These under cabinet lights have served us really well,” says the owner of Link-n-Hops, Andy Hasroun. “They were easy to install and change color by pressing a button. That comes in handy on big nights when we have a street fair or something going on outside.”
The lights also help to highlight the array of taps behind the bar, emphasizing the restaurant’s simple but effective business model. “They’re low voltage, so they add a lot of pizzazz without being expensive,” adds Hasroun.
“Atwater has changed a lot over the last seven years, and we’re proud to be a part of its revitalization,” Hasroun says of the small, East LA community in which Link-n-Hops, and Hasroun’s other business, 55 Degree Wine, are located. And judging by the public’s response, I’d say they’re pretty happy to have him, too.
If you want to revamp or beautify your small business like Hasroun, be sure to check our Elemental LED’s selection of color changing strip lights.
One thing that helps to achieve this aesthetic are the color-changing LED strip lights installed on the wall that holds the beer taps. The lights provide a welcome, contemporary pop of color in an establishment that otherwise boasts an “industrial-chic” vibe: exposed brick, chalkboard paint, and high, distressed wood beam ceilings. “These under cabinet lights have served us really well,” says the owner of Link-n-Hops, Andy Hasroun. “They were easy to install and change color by pressing a button. That comes in handy on big nights when we have a street fair or something going on outside.”
The lights also help to highlight the array of taps behind the bar, emphasizing the restaurant’s simple but effective business model. “They’re low voltage, so they add a lot of pizzazz without being expensive,” adds Hasroun.
“Atwater has changed a lot over the last seven years, and we’re proud to be a part of its revitalization,” Hasroun says of the small, East LA community in which Link-n-Hops, and Hasroun’s other business, 55 Degree Wine, are located. And judging by the public’s response, I’d say they’re pretty happy to have him, too.
If you want to revamp or beautify your small business like Hasroun, be sure to check our Elemental LED’s selection of color changing strip lights.
2014年1月22日星期三
How To Enhance Your Home Art Displays with LED Lights
I recently went to the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (LACMA) to check out the Stanley Kubrick exhibit. Anyone who has enjoyed a Kubrick film knows that the iconic director had an knack for blending flawless composition, impeccable writing and darkly twisted storylines into some of the most important cinematic tales of our time. I wondered if a museum exhibit could do a master like Kubrick justice, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that it did.
The show features props, re-worked scripts, letters, costumes and never-before-seen artifacts from nearly all of Kubrick’s pictures, seamlessly guiding spectators through his portfolio of work, honoring each motion picture with a space that encapsulates the feel and message of the corresponding film.
LED lighting, both strip lights and overhead module and puck lights, were part of what made the show so successful. The lights were versatile enough to highlight specific parts of each piece, and dynamic enough to create a classically creepy Stanley Kubrick vibe when needed. Also, the LED lights help to protect the artwork since they emit very low heat.
The success of the Kubrick show got me thinking about how we display and present art in our own homes. Lighting plays an especially important role in accentuating artwork and creating the right ambiance for certain pieces of art. Whether you use LED strip lighting on shelves to accent small trinkets, a super bright module light to up-light a large sculpture, or LED light bars over paintings hung on the wall, a few lighting modifications in your home can turn a drab space into a stunning artsy one in no time!
I talked with Amy Turner, Director of Antiques and Estate Auctions at I. M. Chait Gallery and Auctioneers in Beverly Hills, CA to find out how to best light art pieces in the home. Here are her tips:
1) Avoid direct sunlight: “Never hang a piece near an undressed window or in a place where it can be hit by sunbeams. Nothing damages artwork like UV rays,” says Turner.
2) Light the piece evenly: “For most flat pieces of art, you will want to avoid shadows to best reveal what the artist was going for. Strip lights or light bars mounted above a flat painting will eliminate shadowing, casting even illumination.”
3) Minimize glare: “Most framing shops carry museum glass, which creates no glare and cuts UV rays,” advises turner. Using lighting fixtures that create less glare will help as well. For instance, the SOFTVIEW 58 Mist Resist LED Strip Light combines with our Reign Dimmer Switch to create the perfect low-profile lighting solution for shelves and display cabinets. It produces no glare or reflection, and so is great to use against glass-covered art pieces as well.
The show features props, re-worked scripts, letters, costumes and never-before-seen artifacts from nearly all of Kubrick’s pictures, seamlessly guiding spectators through his portfolio of work, honoring each motion picture with a space that encapsulates the feel and message of the corresponding film.
LED lighting, both strip lights and overhead module and puck lights, were part of what made the show so successful. The lights were versatile enough to highlight specific parts of each piece, and dynamic enough to create a classically creepy Stanley Kubrick vibe when needed. Also, the LED lights help to protect the artwork since they emit very low heat.
The success of the Kubrick show got me thinking about how we display and present art in our own homes. Lighting plays an especially important role in accentuating artwork and creating the right ambiance for certain pieces of art. Whether you use LED strip lighting on shelves to accent small trinkets, a super bright module light to up-light a large sculpture, or LED light bars over paintings hung on the wall, a few lighting modifications in your home can turn a drab space into a stunning artsy one in no time!
I talked with Amy Turner, Director of Antiques and Estate Auctions at I. M. Chait Gallery and Auctioneers in Beverly Hills, CA to find out how to best light art pieces in the home. Here are her tips:
1) Avoid direct sunlight: “Never hang a piece near an undressed window or in a place where it can be hit by sunbeams. Nothing damages artwork like UV rays,” says Turner.
2) Light the piece evenly: “For most flat pieces of art, you will want to avoid shadows to best reveal what the artist was going for. Strip lights or light bars mounted above a flat painting will eliminate shadowing, casting even illumination.”
3) Minimize glare: “Most framing shops carry museum glass, which creates no glare and cuts UV rays,” advises turner. Using lighting fixtures that create less glare will help as well. For instance, the SOFTVIEW 58 Mist Resist LED Strip Light combines with our Reign Dimmer Switch to create the perfect low-profile lighting solution for shelves and display cabinets. It produces no glare or reflection, and so is great to use against glass-covered art pieces as well.
Revolutionary Strip Light Channels Are Here
We are thrilled to announce our new line of CHROMAPATH™ Aluminum LED Strip Light Channels. Much more than just an enclosure, the CHROMAPATH system takes LED strip light installation into a whole new realm of contemporary lighting design. CHROMAPATH is simple to install, fully customizable and creates a clean professional finish every time. Check out these features available at less than half the price of our previous aluminum strip light channel:
CHROMAPATH LED Strip Light Channels Installed in Kitchen- Sturdy and light-weight matte anodized aluminum housing for a beautiful finished look.
- Most affordable, high quality aluminum strip light channel available.
- Revolutionary new mounting system: Clips literally snap into place for an easy, clean and accurate installation the first time, every time.
- Each channel comes in 4-foot (48-inch) sections that can be cut to the exact length needed.
- Three shapes available for every kind of application: SQUARE, DUO and 45°. (4th shape, SLIM, coming soon).
- New DUO shape fits two parallel runs of strip light. Paired with our VALENT™ high-output strip light, you get nearly 1000 lumens of light output per foot (we challenge you to find something brighter than that).
- 45° shape gives you directional light, perfect for display cases and under cabinet installations.
- Interconnector alignment plugs create seamless end-to-end channel connections.
- Clear or frosted lens covers provide protection and/or light diffusion and can be cut to the exact length needed.
- Fits our entire line of LED strip lights
Each channel includes mounting clips, interconnector plugs and end caps. Lens covers, plus additional mounting clips and end caps can be purchased separately. Learn more about the new CHROMAPATH line and how you can create your own custom LED light fixture today.
CHROMAPATH LED Strip Light Channels Installed in Kitchen- Sturdy and light-weight matte anodized aluminum housing for a beautiful finished look.
- Most affordable, high quality aluminum strip light channel available.
- Revolutionary new mounting system: Clips literally snap into place for an easy, clean and accurate installation the first time, every time.
- Each channel comes in 4-foot (48-inch) sections that can be cut to the exact length needed.
- Three shapes available for every kind of application: SQUARE, DUO and 45°. (4th shape, SLIM, coming soon).
- New DUO shape fits two parallel runs of strip light. Paired with our VALENT™ high-output strip light, you get nearly 1000 lumens of light output per foot (we challenge you to find something brighter than that).
- 45° shape gives you directional light, perfect for display cases and under cabinet installations.
- Interconnector alignment plugs create seamless end-to-end channel connections.
- Clear or frosted lens covers provide protection and/or light diffusion and can be cut to the exact length needed.
- Fits our entire line of LED strip lights
Each channel includes mounting clips, interconnector plugs and end caps. Lens covers, plus additional mounting clips and end caps can be purchased separately. Learn more about the new CHROMAPATH line and how you can create your own custom LED light fixture today.
2014年1月21日星期二
Recessed LED Lighting: Product and Installation Ideas
When you’re shopping for LED recessed lighting for cabinets, shelves or accent lighting, you have several options. The form factor and lighting features of each recessed lighting product lends itself to the unique needs of different applications. The compact design of recessed LED lighting means that the light source is invisible, leaving the focus on an area or room, not the lights. Recessed lights can also be easily integrated into new or retrofit construction, which cuts down on time and expense.
Here are a few recessed LED lighting options that you can easily integrate into your home utilizing the LED products in our catalog:
LED Recessed Lighting with Puck For installations where a place to install narrow linear lighting is already present, like in a cove or gap, an LED Strip Light by itself is made to order. About as wide as a pinkie finger and very low profile, LED strip can be easily fixed in place with its own adhesive backing. Strip light provides a long, wide cast of light and is available in a selection of color temperatures and brightness levels that work with any room décor and design style.
LED strip light installed in an Aluminum Channel is another ideal option for a clean, smooth installation of linear lighting. The channel, which can be cut to length, is mounted inside a groove in the underside of a cabinet, shelf or other area in need of light. The groove can be milled out by a contractor or yourself, depending on how comfortable you are with wielding a power tool. After being fitted with a clear or diffused cover, the aluminum channel provides a heat sink for the strip light and protection from dust. LED recessed lighting in this form has a sleek finish that can be hidden from view or be an attractive, visible part of an interior design.
LED Recessed Lighting installation with PuckFor more focused spot lighting, the LED Puck Light is designed for recessed lighting in almost any surface material. Whether lighting under or inside display cases, cabinets or shelves, or in nooks and alcoves, pucks can dramatically light a small area or highlight an object. Puck lights feature spring clips for easy, hardware-free mounting, and also include DC plugs, so they can be plugged in and unplugged easily, and are available in a variety of finishes that coordinate with cabinets and furnishings.
You’ve got several options to choose from when installing recessed LED lighting, and we here at Elemental LED want to help. Call or chat live with one of our product specialists today and we’ll help you figure out which solution is right for your living space.
Here are a few recessed LED lighting options that you can easily integrate into your home utilizing the LED products in our catalog:
LED Recessed Lighting with Puck For installations where a place to install narrow linear lighting is already present, like in a cove or gap, an LED Strip Light by itself is made to order. About as wide as a pinkie finger and very low profile, LED strip can be easily fixed in place with its own adhesive backing. Strip light provides a long, wide cast of light and is available in a selection of color temperatures and brightness levels that work with any room décor and design style.
LED strip light installed in an Aluminum Channel is another ideal option for a clean, smooth installation of linear lighting. The channel, which can be cut to length, is mounted inside a groove in the underside of a cabinet, shelf or other area in need of light. The groove can be milled out by a contractor or yourself, depending on how comfortable you are with wielding a power tool. After being fitted with a clear or diffused cover, the aluminum channel provides a heat sink for the strip light and protection from dust. LED recessed lighting in this form has a sleek finish that can be hidden from view or be an attractive, visible part of an interior design.
LED Recessed Lighting installation with PuckFor more focused spot lighting, the LED Puck Light is designed for recessed lighting in almost any surface material. Whether lighting under or inside display cases, cabinets or shelves, or in nooks and alcoves, pucks can dramatically light a small area or highlight an object. Puck lights feature spring clips for easy, hardware-free mounting, and also include DC plugs, so they can be plugged in and unplugged easily, and are available in a variety of finishes that coordinate with cabinets and furnishings.
You’ve got several options to choose from when installing recessed LED lighting, and we here at Elemental LED want to help. Call or chat live with one of our product specialists today and we’ll help you figure out which solution is right for your living space.
Installing Under Cabinet Lighting
here are a lot of under cabinet lighting products out there, and the variety of features and forms can be bewildering. Not all lights are perfect for every under cabinet application, but each offers features to fit the décor, layout and existing furnishings of a room. When you’re preparing for installing under cabinet lighting, here are several things to keep in mind that will help you choose the right products to fit your installation.
1. Will you be replacing existing fixtures or creating a new installation? How simple do you need your replacement or new installation to be? You have many fixture choices, some of them are 12V DC and require a transformer, while others are 120V AC and connect directly to house power. If you’re replacing a high-voltage 120V fixture, you may want a direct wire LED fixture, which has a built-in 12V transformer and so connects directly to 120V house power. For new construction or if hiding a 12V transformer is not a problem, you will be able to choose from a wider range of 12V fixtures that have a separate power source.
Instaling Under Cabinet Lighting Fixture2. Examine your layout. Does the space where you’re installing under cabinet lighting need a compact light? Will the light source be hidden or should it be visible and part of the design? How long is the space to be lit and does it need continuous lighting?
Under cabinet lights come in several different form factors to fit different types of spaces:
- If you want a low-profile or recessed linear light, LED strip light may be the ideal solution. It can adhere directly to a surface or can be fitted inside a protective aluminum channel. Strip light is a continuous light that can be cut to almost the exact length of a space.
- A similar option is a rigid light bar or series of bars. Light bars are modular lights designed to fit into spaces with size limitations, or to be daisy-chained over several shelves and areas.
- If you want a more focused spot light, an LED puck light or spot module light is the perfect solution for you.
Installing Under Cabinet Lighting Pucks3. What color of white is right? Warm white light goes well with wood and other natural materials, cool white often matches modern or industrial décor, while neutral white provides a plain white light that’s neither warm nor cool. Color-changing RGB light or single static colors can add a festive vibe to a recreation room or home bar.
4. Will you need to dim the light? You may want a light that has a good range of brightness to suit different moods and occasions, or perhaps the space is multi-use, where bright task light is sometimes needed, while at other times a lower light is preferred, like in the evenings. In this case, be sure to choose a dimmable LED light and pare it with a low-voltage dimmer. If you don’t need to dim your lights, determine about how bright the light needs to be, since cost and brightness go hand in hand.
Choosing the right fixtures for installing under cabinet lighting will help you keep costs down, give you more control over your lighting, and add functional, practical light while enhancing the look and feel of your room. Got more questions? Feel free to call or chat live with us anytime Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST. We’re here to help.
1. Will you be replacing existing fixtures or creating a new installation? How simple do you need your replacement or new installation to be? You have many fixture choices, some of them are 12V DC and require a transformer, while others are 120V AC and connect directly to house power. If you’re replacing a high-voltage 120V fixture, you may want a direct wire LED fixture, which has a built-in 12V transformer and so connects directly to 120V house power. For new construction or if hiding a 12V transformer is not a problem, you will be able to choose from a wider range of 12V fixtures that have a separate power source.
Instaling Under Cabinet Lighting Fixture2. Examine your layout. Does the space where you’re installing under cabinet lighting need a compact light? Will the light source be hidden or should it be visible and part of the design? How long is the space to be lit and does it need continuous lighting?
Under cabinet lights come in several different form factors to fit different types of spaces:
- If you want a low-profile or recessed linear light, LED strip light may be the ideal solution. It can adhere directly to a surface or can be fitted inside a protective aluminum channel. Strip light is a continuous light that can be cut to almost the exact length of a space.
- A similar option is a rigid light bar or series of bars. Light bars are modular lights designed to fit into spaces with size limitations, or to be daisy-chained over several shelves and areas.
- If you want a more focused spot light, an LED puck light or spot module light is the perfect solution for you.
Installing Under Cabinet Lighting Pucks3. What color of white is right? Warm white light goes well with wood and other natural materials, cool white often matches modern or industrial décor, while neutral white provides a plain white light that’s neither warm nor cool. Color-changing RGB light or single static colors can add a festive vibe to a recreation room or home bar.
4. Will you need to dim the light? You may want a light that has a good range of brightness to suit different moods and occasions, or perhaps the space is multi-use, where bright task light is sometimes needed, while at other times a lower light is preferred, like in the evenings. In this case, be sure to choose a dimmable LED light and pare it with a low-voltage dimmer. If you don’t need to dim your lights, determine about how bright the light needs to be, since cost and brightness go hand in hand.
Choosing the right fixtures for installing under cabinet lighting will help you keep costs down, give you more control over your lighting, and add functional, practical light while enhancing the look and feel of your room. Got more questions? Feel free to call or chat live with us anytime Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm PST. We’re here to help.
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