Energy-saving and incredible light effects together in one solution
Light is a fundamental component in our houses. However, due to urbanization, the presence of natural light in domestic environments tends to be less and less. In the past years, interior designers have developed many different lighting solutions for both domestic and work environments. Among all the several possibilities, LED lights are one of the favorite choices since they combine energy-saving and style. Moreover, they allow balancing light intensity and color to customize the environment.
"Luci d'artista" - Light festival
In the 70s, the world of design got shaken up when Joseph Kosuth started to use neon strip lights to create artworks: The longevity of Kosuth's works proves how incredibly outstanding their visual appeal was. Today, the Contemporary Art Museum in Rivoli Castel (near Turin, Italy) hosts many pieces of this artist.
The idea of placing light strips on walls was warmly welcomed by the public and influenced interior design choices until the early 2000s. Nowadays, LED is preferable to neon since it is a more ecological choice and allows significant savings.
What does a LED strip look like?
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are optoelectronic devices that use semiconductor materials to produce photons spontaneously. A single strip is composed of different parts, including a printed circuit board and a chip, both welded to a support. They are powered by electricity like normal light bulbs. Usually, they are between 2 and 10 mm wide, while their length can vary according to the necessity. That means, it is possible to have both short LED strips for small light spots (i.d. mirrors) and meter-long strips, usually applied on walls for soft illumination.
LED in design: features and solutions
Recently, the production of furniture pieces and components with integrated LED lighting systems has raised. So, bookshelves, cupboards, tables, mirrors: they often include incorporated very versatile LED modules that can take many forms.
LED strips differ for their color temperature ranging from a warm white light (less than 3300K) to a neutral light (between 3300K and 5300K) and up to a cold white light (more than 5300K).
To add special visual effects, RGB LED strips can be installed. Unlike monochromatic lights, they can create different shades and entirely change the room look. Moreover, most LEDs are dimmable, allowing great customization.
LED strips are pretty recent elements, but they have developed a lot in the past years, becoming a flexible and functional solution. That opens up a world of new lighting solutions, including floor lighting, with LEDs put together inside the skirting boards.
Advantages of LEDs in interior design
Many reasons make LEDs one of the most popular light solutions in recent years. The main advantages do not include only the high versatility due to their modularity. LED lights also allow energy-saving, and strips are produced respecting the environment: LEDs do not contain any toxic or harmful material while their light does not emit UV or IR rays.
The lifespan of a LED light is practically endless: you can forget all those annoying bulbs that can burn out at any moment, leaving the room in the dark.
Lastly, LEDs allow for various creative solutions through the regulation of the color tone and light stream.
Backlit profiles: skirting boards and wall protection
Flooring illumination is one of the last new entries in the interior design world. Besides their distinctive aesthetic trait, they also have many practical uses. They are fundamental in accommodation facilities where they are used to lit corridors during the night without disturbing the guests in the rooms. In working places, floor lights often signal emergency routes and exits, allowing saving many lives in case of fire.
Moreover, floor LEDs have spread in domestic environments too, not only for design reasons but also to softly illuminate rooms where children sleep.
To install LED lights inside the skirting boards, complete safety of all components, both the electrical and the furniture ones, must be guaranteed. The profile must safely hold the electronic component. Thus, DIY, self-made solutions must be avoided.
Trafil offers different possibilities for backlit with LED skirting boards and protection profiles that ensure components and installation safety.
Check our catalogue to look at the different options that combine floor finishing and illumination: soft lights will add a wonderful touch of innovation and practicality to any room.
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