Lighting a Room With Low Ceilings? LED Lights Can Help!

May 31
05:58

2012

Peter Jenny

Peter Jenny

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Lighting a room with low ceilings can be a challenge, especially if you want to preserve its visual appeal. With the extensive range of LED Lighting options now available, rising to the challenge, and saving money in the process, has never been easier.

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While low ceilings are often associated with period properties and cottages,Lighting a Room With Low Ceilings? LED Lights Can Help! Articles usually in combination with wooden beams, it is not uncommon to find them in modern houses as well. In the former they lend character and charm, but in the latter they are an impracticality.

The problem, according to experts, is finding fixtures that provide enough light, without creating an obstruction. Your fittings should allow a vertical distance of at least 6ft 8inches from the floor in order to prevent collisions. That means there isn't any room for the more traditional, low-hanging luminaries and certainly no chandeliers, otherwise you may find your houseguests bumping their heads. This won't do your houseguests or your expensive fittings any favours.

Instead, use flush or semi flush fittings. These sit flat against the ceiling and create more headroom. There are plenty to choose from and all are compatible with LED Lighting.

A stylish and discrete option are LED Downlights. Downlights come as either fully integrated units or as a separate bulb and fixture combination, which recess into the ceiling. Circular holes are cut into the ceiling into which the fittings are inserted. As older buildings can be a huge fire risk, so it is important to make sure all your fittings are fire-rated. You will also have greater piece of mind as LEDs generate less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.

LED Strip Lights are quite a recent innovation and are often overlooked when it comes to domestic designs, but they will do the job just as well. Their small and compact design makes them perfect, particularly amongst wooden beams where there isn't much space.

If you prefer traditional design, try using wall sconces as an alternative to traditional luminaries. These help create the illusion of height by projecting light up the walls and across the ceilings. A similar effect can also be achieved with floor standing lamps. These can be used in combination with Tiffany-style lamp shades and fabric drapes to create a nice bohemian feel. Because LEDs remain cool, you won't need to worry about unpleasant scorch marks either.

Remember, avoid using bulbs with a narrow beam angle as these will create too much glare. Opt instead for wide angle bulbs, such as the GU10 24 SMD LED.

By paying close care and attention, you will find that where once your room felt oppressive and claustrophobic, it now seems charming and comfortable. See what you can do with LED Lights today!

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