Lighting designer Q&A: 5 common problems of led strip decoration
author: Ivan Huang
2022-01-09
Is the linear light strip bright enough? Does it have to be a ceiling? How to fix it? I heard that the wall with aluminum trough light strip is easy to crack? ... As basic lighting, the decorative effect of linear light strips is beautiful and high-end, and more and more people like it. Although it seems that the threshold for installing light strips is high, it is actually not that difficult to achieve. Today, Hanron is here to answer the linear light strip questions that everyone often asks.
1. Is the linear light strip not bright enough? How to choose the size?
Many people are very satisfied with the decorative effect of linear light strips, but the biggest worry is that the brightness of the linear lights is insufficient.
Let's make a conclusion first: If you want to use a linear light strip as the basic lighting, the brightness is completely no problem.
In the international interior design industry, there are more and more cutting-edge design cases that only use linear light strips as the main lighting of the space. The point is: as long as you choose the right lights and design them well, linear light strips can take on the responsibility of basic lighting in the space.
- It is more and more common to use only linear light strips as the main lighting space design
- 1cm wide VS 5cm wide linear light strips
① If you want the light strip as auxiliary lighting, it has both decoration and basic brightness. This is the most common demand, and it is recommended to choose a style with a width of 1cm and a 6w/meter. This style of linear light has beautiful proportions and decent brightness.
It won't be very bright and is suitable for auxiliary lighting. If only this kind of light strip is used for bedroom lighting and corridor lighting, the brightness is no problem; but if only this kind of light strip is used in the living room, it will feel too dark, and it usually needs to be used together with key lighting sources such as downlights or floor lamps.
Note: 1cm wide, 6w/m linear light strip is most commonly used
② If you want the light strip as the main lighting, and the space is no longer equipped with downlights. It is recommended to choose a style with a width of 5cm and 20w/m as the main lighting. Hanglong Lighting reminds everyone that the light strip as the main lighting has relatively high requirements on the lighting design and layout. Different light strip combinations are required, and the design must be combined with the lifestyle of the occupants. It is recommended to consult a professional lighting designer.
Even if such a high-brightness light strip is used as the main lighting, in order to ensure sufficient illumination for fine operations in areas such as sofas, coffee tables, and desktops, it is recommended to use special key lighting sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, chandeliers, etc. No downlights.
As a linear light strip for wall decorative lines, it is recommended to choose a style of 1cm wide and 3w/m
2. Do linear light strips have to be suspended ceilings? Is it difficult to install?
Of course not, not all linear light strips need to be ceilings. There are several common linear light strip installation types, and there are still many types that do not require ceilings:
①Ceiling structure hidden lights (requires ceiling).
Usually, a slit is left on the edge of the large flat ceiling for the installation of the light strip and the light outlet. This design not only keeps the ceiling simple and flat but also maximizes the beauty of linear light strips.
- Ceiling structure hidden lamp
②The curtain box hides the led strip (no ceiling is required).
As the name implies, the linear light strip is hidden in the curtain box. Many apartment types come with their own curtain box, which saves a lot of trouble in the installation of the light strip. The combination of lighting and curtain fabrics adds a warm and comfortable quiet atmosphere.
- Curtain box hidden lamp
If there is no curtain box, it is not troublesome to make a curtain box. The curtain box does not exist to hide the led strip, but it makes the top of the curtain more beautiful and avoids light leakage. At the same time, it is also an excellent place to hide the led strip light.
- It is very simple to install a curtain box, which improves the appearance, avoids light leakage, and can hide lights
③ Local ceiling lights (partial ceilings are required).
Partial ceiling is one of the most traditional ways to hide led strips. It is not necessary to make a full ceiling. Usually, a partial ceiling is made around the ceiling, which can hide led light or install embedded spotlights. The advantage is that it can provide basic lighting that is soft and not dazzling, but the disadvantage is that the wall ash is easy to fall off, and the design is not so simple and beautiful.
- Partial ceiling lights
④Hidden the led strip light with an aluminum profile (no ceiling required).
Putting the led strip in an aluminum profile is now a popular way of the light strips. If the ceiling has a suspended ceiling, install it with a slot on the ceiling; if the ceiling does not have a suspended ceiling, it can be installed directly on the ceiling (without affecting structural safety). The advantage is that the installation position is not limited, and the design is more indirect and beautiful. The disadvantage is that it is relatively troublesome to slot if the ceiling is not used.
- Hidden the led strip light with aluminum profile, no need for ceiling
In general, linear light strips do not have to rely on the ceiling to exist. Without a ceiling, there are still many ways to play with linear light strips. Especially with the aluminum profile (there are many types of led strip with aluminum profile, which will not be described here), the installation restrictions and installation difficulties of the light strip are greatly reduced.
The situation that needs to do the ceiling seems to be more troublesome. But whether it is a partial ceiling or a full ceiling, it may be necessary to take into account the various needs of hiding central air conditioners, embedded lamps, hidden pipes, etc. By the way, it is very simple to hide a linear light strip, and it can make the effect of the ceiling play to the extreme.
3. How to repair the damaged linear light strip? How to hide the transformer?
The current mainstream light sources are LEDs, which have relatively high stability and long lifespan. The light source itself is actually not prone to problems. However, household linear light strips are usually low-voltage light strips, and a transformer must be used to convert household high-voltage electricity to low-voltage. The current transformer technology is also relatively mature and not prone to problems, but the stability is not as high as that of durable LED light sources. Usually linear lights bring problems, mostly because of transformers.
Therefore, lighting designers will suggest that the transformer should not be sealed in the ceiling during installation, but should be hidden in a place where it is easy to maintain, such as the central air-conditioning access port, the light trough, the top of the cabinet, the curtain box, etc.
- Transformers for linear light strips, it is recommended to hide them in a place where they can be easily repaired
If the installation location of the light strip is not good to hide the transformer, you can use a flexible wire to pull the power out to connect the transformer and hide the transformer in a place where it is easy to maintain.
- The flexible cord is connected to the transformer, and the transformer is hidden in a place where it is easy to access
Some friends may be worried: although LEDs rarely have problems, no one can guarantee 100%. If there is a problem with the lamp beads, what should I do?
In fact, this problem is very easy to solve. The low-voltage linear light strip can be cut and spliced at will. If the lamp bead is damaged, it can be cut and spliced (there is a special light strip interface). The PC cover of the led strip can be easily disassembled and installed manually, and maintenance is not difficult.
- The linear light strip can be cut and spliced, and the PC cover of led aluminum profile can be easily removed and installed
4. How to choose the color temperature of linear light strips?
The lighting in the home space is mainly comfortable, and the color of the household linear light strip is usually between 3000k-5000k. In the same space or the same usage scene, it is recommended to select the same color temperature. If you use a 3000k spotlight, the linear light strip is best matched with the same color temperature.
- Different light color temperature
Different space scenes have different requirements for color temperature. For example, the living room space has higher requirements on the brightness of lighting, and it is recommended to choose a color temperature of 3500k-4000k; the bedroom needs a more warm atmosphere, suitable for a brightness of 3000k-3500k. As the decorative lines of the public space, you can choose a whiter color temperature such as 4000k-5000k, which is more visually fashionable.
As basic lighting or ambient lighting, the light strip can be warmer 3000k-4000k, and the decorative light strip can be white 4000k-5000k
5. If the rigid led strip(led strip install in aluminum profile) is placed on the wall, will the wall be easily cracked?
The rigid led strip(led strip install in an aluminum profile) is the mainstream type of household light strip at present. The installation method is relatively simple: after slotting, the light strip is pre-buried and fixed, and then the putty is leveled and painted.
Some decoration masters worry that this installation method may cause the risk of wall cracking in the later stage. The problem is easy to solve, just stick a layer of textured paper after pre-embedding the aluminum groove, and then apply ash and paint to avoid cracking.
The above are the linear light strip problems that our friends often ask about. I don’t know if they have solved your doubts. If there are more incurable diseases about linear light strips or no main lights, leave a message to us and we will try our best to answer your questions~
1. Is the linear light strip not bright enough? How to choose the size?
Many people are very satisfied with the decorative effect of linear light strips, but the biggest worry is that the brightness of the linear lights is insufficient.
Let's make a conclusion first: If you want to use a linear light strip as the basic lighting, the brightness is completely no problem.
In the international interior design industry, there are more and more cutting-edge design cases that only use linear light strips as the main lighting of the space. The point is: as long as you choose the right lights and design them well, linear light strips can take on the responsibility of basic lighting in the space.
- It is more and more common to use only linear light strips as the main lighting space design
- 1cm wide VS 5cm wide linear light strips
① If you want the light strip as auxiliary lighting, it has both decoration and basic brightness. This is the most common demand, and it is recommended to choose a style with a width of 1cm and a 6w/meter. This style of linear light has beautiful proportions and decent brightness.
It won't be very bright and is suitable for auxiliary lighting. If only this kind of light strip is used for bedroom lighting and corridor lighting, the brightness is no problem; but if only this kind of light strip is used in the living room, it will feel too dark, and it usually needs to be used together with key lighting sources such as downlights or floor lamps.
Note: 1cm wide, 6w/m linear light strip is most commonly used
② If you want the light strip as the main lighting, and the space is no longer equipped with downlights. It is recommended to choose a style with a width of 5cm and 20w/m as the main lighting. Hanglong Lighting reminds everyone that the light strip as the main lighting has relatively high requirements on the lighting design and layout. Different light strip combinations are required, and the design must be combined with the lifestyle of the occupants. It is recommended to consult a professional lighting designer.
Even if such a high-brightness light strip is used as the main lighting, in order to ensure sufficient illumination for fine operations in areas such as sofas, coffee tables, and desktops, it is recommended to use special key lighting sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, chandeliers, etc. No downlights.
As a linear light strip for wall decorative lines, it is recommended to choose a style of 1cm wide and 3w/m
2. Do linear light strips have to be suspended ceilings? Is it difficult to install?
Of course not, not all linear light strips need to be ceilings. There are several common linear light strip installation types, and there are still many types that do not require ceilings:
①Ceiling structure hidden lights (requires ceiling).
Usually, a slit is left on the edge of the large flat ceiling for the installation of the light strip and the light outlet. This design not only keeps the ceiling simple and flat but also maximizes the beauty of linear light strips.
- Ceiling structure hidden lamp
②The curtain box hides the led strip (no ceiling is required).
As the name implies, the linear light strip is hidden in the curtain box. Many apartment types come with their own curtain box, which saves a lot of trouble in the installation of the light strip. The combination of lighting and curtain fabrics adds a warm and comfortable quiet atmosphere.
- Curtain box hidden lamp
If there is no curtain box, it is not troublesome to make a curtain box. The curtain box does not exist to hide the led strip, but it makes the top of the curtain more beautiful and avoids light leakage. At the same time, it is also an excellent place to hide the led strip light.
- It is very simple to install a curtain box, which improves the appearance, avoids light leakage, and can hide lights
③ Local ceiling lights (partial ceilings are required).
Partial ceiling is one of the most traditional ways to hide led strips. It is not necessary to make a full ceiling. Usually, a partial ceiling is made around the ceiling, which can hide led light or install embedded spotlights. The advantage is that it can provide basic lighting that is soft and not dazzling, but the disadvantage is that the wall ash is easy to fall off, and the design is not so simple and beautiful.
- Partial ceiling lights
④Hidden the led strip light with an aluminum profile (no ceiling required).
Putting the led strip in an aluminum profile is now a popular way of the light strips. If the ceiling has a suspended ceiling, install it with a slot on the ceiling; if the ceiling does not have a suspended ceiling, it can be installed directly on the ceiling (without affecting structural safety). The advantage is that the installation position is not limited, and the design is more indirect and beautiful. The disadvantage is that it is relatively troublesome to slot if the ceiling is not used.
- Hidden the led strip light with aluminum profile, no need for ceiling
In general, linear light strips do not have to rely on the ceiling to exist. Without a ceiling, there are still many ways to play with linear light strips. Especially with the aluminum profile (there are many types of led strip with aluminum profile, which will not be described here), the installation restrictions and installation difficulties of the light strip are greatly reduced.
The situation that needs to do the ceiling seems to be more troublesome. But whether it is a partial ceiling or a full ceiling, it may be necessary to take into account the various needs of hiding central air conditioners, embedded lamps, hidden pipes, etc. By the way, it is very simple to hide a linear light strip, and it can make the effect of the ceiling play to the extreme.
3. How to repair the damaged linear light strip? How to hide the transformer?
The current mainstream light sources are LEDs, which have relatively high stability and long lifespan. The light source itself is actually not prone to problems. However, household linear light strips are usually low-voltage light strips, and a transformer must be used to convert household high-voltage electricity to low-voltage. The current transformer technology is also relatively mature and not prone to problems, but the stability is not as high as that of durable LED light sources. Usually linear lights bring problems, mostly because of transformers.
Therefore, lighting designers will suggest that the transformer should not be sealed in the ceiling during installation, but should be hidden in a place where it is easy to maintain, such as the central air-conditioning access port, the light trough, the top of the cabinet, the curtain box, etc.
- Transformers for linear light strips, it is recommended to hide them in a place where they can be easily repaired
If the installation location of the light strip is not good to hide the transformer, you can use a flexible wire to pull the power out to connect the transformer and hide the transformer in a place where it is easy to maintain.
- The flexible cord is connected to the transformer, and the transformer is hidden in a place where it is easy to access
Some friends may be worried: although LEDs rarely have problems, no one can guarantee 100%. If there is a problem with the lamp beads, what should I do?
In fact, this problem is very easy to solve. The low-voltage linear light strip can be cut and spliced at will. If the lamp bead is damaged, it can be cut and spliced (there is a special light strip interface). The PC cover of the led strip can be easily disassembled and installed manually, and maintenance is not difficult.
- The linear light strip can be cut and spliced, and the PC cover of led aluminum profile can be easily removed and installed
4. How to choose the color temperature of linear light strips?
The lighting in the home space is mainly comfortable, and the color of the household linear light strip is usually between 3000k-5000k. In the same space or the same usage scene, it is recommended to select the same color temperature. If you use a 3000k spotlight, the linear light strip is best matched with the same color temperature.
- Different light color temperature
Different space scenes have different requirements for color temperature. For example, the living room space has higher requirements on the brightness of lighting, and it is recommended to choose a color temperature of 3500k-4000k; the bedroom needs a more warm atmosphere, suitable for a brightness of 3000k-3500k. As the decorative lines of the public space, you can choose a whiter color temperature such as 4000k-5000k, which is more visually fashionable.
As basic lighting or ambient lighting, the light strip can be warmer 3000k-4000k, and the decorative light strip can be white 4000k-5000k
5. If the rigid led strip(led strip install in aluminum profile) is placed on the wall, will the wall be easily cracked?
The rigid led strip(led strip install in an aluminum profile) is the mainstream type of household light strip at present. The installation method is relatively simple: after slotting, the light strip is pre-buried and fixed, and then the putty is leveled and painted.
Some decoration masters worry that this installation method may cause the risk of wall cracking in the later stage. The problem is easy to solve, just stick a layer of textured paper after pre-embedding the aluminum groove, and then apply ash and paint to avoid cracking.
The above are the linear light strip problems that our friends often ask about. I don’t know if they have solved your doubts. If there are more incurable diseases about linear light strips or no main lights, leave a message to us and we will try our best to answer your questions~