Linear Lighting – So Much More Than Straight Lines of Light
Linear lighting fixture design is based on a straightforward concept of using quantities of packaged LEDs in an array in a long, narrow extrusion to create a linear light strip. Linear luminaires are available with optional modifications such as optical lenses and internal reflectors that modify illumination patterns to meet the lighting effects and support glare control required by the lighting practitioner. The luminaire extrusions are available in various shapes, lengths, and finishes. Luminaire installation methods blend with any architectural element in the space. This innovative LED lighting luminaire design is interchangeable in interior and exterior installations.
Illumination engineers and designers on the manufacturing side have taken linear lighting luminaires and created shapes that bend and even meander with invisible couplings, illuminated corners, and unlimited inclinations from ceiling to wall to floor. With this ability, luminaire fabricators can create original designs to meet any dream the lighting practitioner can envision. Enhancing the architectural environment is limitless regarding shape, finishes, and unlimited light distributions. Manufacturers have designed linear luminaires with fully illuminated light patterns, including corners and various angled connections. These improvements give the luminaires unlimited pattern and design abilities. Multi-dimensional custom shapes and design patterns can provide a unique look to the illuminated environment. The adaptability of linear LED luminaires assures a pristine and contemporary appearance that blends with any architectural elements in the illuminated space. Linear fixtures can also assist with acoustic control to improve the ability of occupants to focus and enjoy the space.
Continuous Linear Lighting Systems
Continuous linear lighting systems refer to a family of elongated luminaires that work together with integral LED light strips, creating a balanced and even illuminated environmental distribution. These long and narrow luminaires install end-to-end, creating a seamless light source. The illumination patterns of this lighting system create a consistent, free, and inviting environment. The linear design gives multi-functional illumination, including general illumination, accenting, wall washing, and task lighting. Linear systems are installed on ceiling surfaces, recessed or hung from ceilings, and mounted on walls and furniture.
LED Light Enables Color and Temperature to Linear Lighting Designs
As its primary illumination source, LED gives energy saving, long-lasting, excellent (CRI) color rendering index, flexible (CCT) color correlated temperature, and dimming capabilities in the illuminated space. This flexibility creates a superb lighting source for any lifestyle. The CCT is the visual warmth or coolness of a light source.
- Warm illumination (2700K-3000K) helps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Natural illumination (3500K-4100K) creates a balanced space with improved visual clarity.
- Cool illumination (5000K-6500K) is best for task areas or spaces that require a higher level of visibility and improves memory and focus of occupants in the space.
Applications for Continuous Linear Lighting Systems
These luminaires are a highly flexible LED modular system. Whether integrated with track lighting and made-to-order designs, this lighting system gives unlimited creativity to the interior designer and the lighting specifier. This flexibility provides a refined look to the space illuminated.
The flexibility of continuous linear lighting installed in commercial applications includes retail, office, hospitality, restaurants, and use in high-end residential living spaces. Unlike traditional lighting sources, continuous linear lighting creates consistent, even illumination and eliminates harsh shadows in the illuminated space. This lighting source transforms the visual space to appear larger and more welcoming.
Residential Applications for Linear Lighting
Residential spaces have given LED linear lighting a functional and inspirational appeal to the home. LED linear lighting ceiling coves will add the visual appearance of height to the space, even illumination when required, and the ability to create moods with control flexibility for lumen intensity and optional color changing. Linear units with dedicated optics create wall washing techniques by flattening or enhancing wall textures such as stone, stucco, and wood moldings. Artwork and photography on walls have no damaging UV illumination from LEDs, and optional lensing can reduce significant reflected glare from the artwork back to the observer. Used as lighting under kitchen cabinets, linear lighting can evenly illuminate countertops and task workspaces and enhance countertop materials such as marbles, granites, and solid surface materials. Linear direct/indirect lighting pendants over tables and island areas meet task lighting needs. Then they can control general lighting with optional uplighting for a glare-free ambient lighting source. For grooming, linear lighting in mirrored areas can eliminate shadows, making shaving, hair styling, and applying make-up easier. Using the correct (CCT) LED can ensure that applied personal make-up looks correct as the person transitions from home to the office, an evening out with associates, to a place for fine dining, or a critical social reception.
Commercial Applications for Linear Lighting
In office spaces, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and educational spaces, linear lighting’s illumination flexibility can produce even lighting when reflecting off ceiling tiles, and with additional downlighting capabilities, give excellent direct task lighting below. Units designed with wall washing optics create walls with even illumination. Integrating luminaires with occupancy sensors and dimming controls tied in with natural light can save energy costs and reduce eye strain during the workday. As an indirect illumination source, reducing direct glare on computer monitors and screens will improve visual acuity and comfort. LED linear lighting blends effortlessly into any space and keeps the illumination focused exactly where you want, while maintaining the comfort and productivity of those using the space. LED linear luminaires’ mounting options include suspended, ceiling mounted, recessed, and wall mounted, giving the lighting practitioner all the tools to design and create an energizing environment that flows with the space’s architecture.
This system gives workspaces, architectural features, artwork, bookshelves, and retail spaces smooth illumination as a task lighting source. As an ambient lighting source, linear LED luminaires installed in offices and retail spaces create even illumination to all corners of the room. Linear LED luminaires in office workspaces and private offices have flexible illumination levels that give occupants the illumination intensity flexibility for a focused, productive, and comfortable environment.
Summary
When reviewing linear lighting systems, it is essential to have a product that gives you both flexibility in design and excellent color rendering (CRI), adaptive color temperature (CCT), illumination control, and the energy savings you require. Lumato has created a family of continuous LED linear luminaires with enhanced options to meet and exceed your expectations.