LED lighting – why you should put your faith in this lighting technology

LED technology is highly modern, economical and, of course, environmentally friendly. This technology has become an integral part of the lighting world. And why? Because it offers so many compelling advantages that simply cannot be ignored.

  • Enjoy great savings with LEDs – these bulbs consume 90% less energy than traditional light bulbs and hence are more energy efficient.
  • Is the environment close to your heart? This energy-saving lighting solution is completely mercury-free and, thanks to its long life, produces very little waste.
  • Sick of constantly changing bulbs? It’s a thing of the past with long-life LEDs (up to 50,000 hours). LED bulbs last a lot longer than other bulbs
  • Immediate 100% brightness – this is ideal for lights with motion detectors. With LEDs, the lights shine at 100% brightness as soon as they are switched on.
  • LED bulbs come in different colour temperatures, so they are suitable for all purposes
    Smart lighting relies on LEDs and offers fun, convenience and safety.
  • LED lighting emits very little UV radiation.

LED lighting is extremely popular, both in the home and workplace, and it is easy to see why, it is energy efficient, durable, and emits a better quality light than halogen or fluorescent bulbs.

What kinds of LED bulbs are there?

LED lighting is safe and useful for both indoor and outdoor use.

The bulbs come in a number of different shapes and colours, from decorative candle bulbs to focused mirror reflectors. However, most of the time LED bulbs are grouped by the base/socket types, which are: Edison Screw Bulbs (E27, E14, E40), Bayonet Bulbs (B22, B15) and Spotlights (GU10, G9, G4, GX53, MR16).

LED Bulb A60 9W A60 LED Plastic Bulb B22 Dimmable - Samsung Chip 3000K 6W LED Candle Filament Bulb Clear Cover E14

5W G9 LED Plastic Spotlight 15W AR111 PAR Bulb Recessed 40 degree Beam G53 12V

Which LED lights are available for outdoors?

There are a number of ways that LED lights can be incorporated into your garden or other outdoor space. Here are some examples:

  • LED wall lights – LED lighting for the wall
  • LED ceiling lights – LED lighting on the ceilings of gazebos, summer houses, and canopies.
  • LED bollard lights are good for garden pathways for safety in the dark
  • LED pendant lighting is used in sheltered balconies and terraces.
  • LED solar lights are a great energy-saving alternative to main electricity.
  • LED outdoor spotlights are good for showing house façades and plants.
  • LED recessed floor lights, illumination for flowerbeds, lawns and driveways.
  • LED pillar lights are also good for pathway safety, and for terraces and walls.
  • LED Street Lights are great lighting solutions for streets, parking lots, airports and large industrial outdoor areas.
  • LED Floodlights are perfect for domestic outdoor lighting purposes such as garages, driveways, gardens, as well as commercial premises.

LED lighting is a great option because it is low energy but creates really bright light which is perfect. We expect to see more vintage-style lighting making an appearance in people’s gardens. For those looking for more effective garden lighting, we think LED floodlights will be huge, they will provide bright lighting meaning people can enjoy their gardens well into the night. They also double as a wonderful safety feature.

Which LED lights are available for indoors?

LED lighting is useful in the home or business, it is good for the environment and more cost effective to run than more traditional forms of lighting. Indoor LED lighting comes in the following forms.

  • LED ceiling lights that are suitable for all domestic rooms as well as commercial premises.
  • LED wall lights – used mostly for creating a warm ambient, suitable for living/ dining area, restaurants, hotels.
  • LED spotlights are perfect for task lighting, and help improve focus in offices, and kitchens.
  • LED pendant lights are great to create a modern and relaxing atmosphere mostly used in domestic lighting and the hospitality industry.
  • LED floor lamps are perfect for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
  • LED table lamps for a relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms.
  • LED furniture lights are used mostly in kitchens and living/ dining rooms.
  • LED string lights are used mostly for decorative purposes.
  • LED batten lights are perfect for illuminating active work areas, such as garages, kitchens, offices, and industrial and commercial premises.
  • LED decorative lights can be used everywhere where the addition of personalisation is desired.

What kind of LED lighting is best for the kitchen, office, bathroom, bedroom, living room, dining room & hallway?

The fact that LED lighting comes in so many forms means it can be difficult to know what will go best where. For example, in the kitchen, you will want a LED bulb with high brightness to be able to properly see while cooking. You will also either want a larger bulb or multiple bulbs to ensure the whole room is illuminated. At Smart Lighting Industries we recommend ceiling and pendant lighting for the kitchen as it allows the light to cover the largest area. For increased lighting, you also may want to consider under cabinet lighting to truly illuminate and modernise your kitchen.

If you are looking for LED lighting for the office you will want to ensure that it is modifiable. It has been proven that optimising office lighting can lead to a reduction in sick days. Having a bright light all day is not natural for humans and can cause headaches and trouble sleeping so being able to modify lighting to more closely follow circadian rhythms can help with this. Having a bright light in the morning can help with waking up but having the option to dim the lighting in the afternoon can help with maintaining focus. For lighting that contributes to increased productivity and employee wellbeing, as well as fitting the aesthetic of your office we also offer bespoke lighting solutions.

Much like the kitchen, in the bathroom, you’re going to want full illumination with bright ceiling lights. You can also make your bathroom stand out with the addition of mirror lights and spotlights.

Bedroom lighting can be difficult, you will need something functional, but also cosy. Often LED lighting in the bedroom should follow the rest of the room’s decor. Chandelier lighting greatly complements a more traditional feel, whereas LED strip lights and spotlights cater to a more modern bedroom.

Living room lighting requires a lot of consideration, it’s where a lot of time is spent and the choice of lighting needs to be versatile enough to with all the activities that take place. You will want lights that can be bright enough to illuminate the room for board games and reading, but also an option of low lighting for movie nights and conversing. Floor-standing lamps can also be a nice decorative addition.

Pendant lighting lends itself well to the dining room as a well-placed light can become the centrepiece of the room. It is also a room that needs to be well lit to ensure people can clearly see what they are eating. Wall lighting around the room is also a good way to make sure the entire room can be lit up.

Hallway lighting should be inviting, often hallway lighting isn’t thought about much, but it is the first impression that people get as they enter your home. Pendant and chandelier lighting are a great way to showcase your style.

What colour LED lights are best for the kitchen, office, bathroom, bedroom, living room, dining room & hallway?

Different colours and “temperatures” of lighting work well for different locations. For example, in the kitchen, it is often best to have a cool white light that doesn’t distort the colours of the food being prepared, this helps with making sure food is cooked properly.

In the office it is good to have the option for multiple colours of lighting, the main working environment should be a cool white to encourage productivity, but breakout and meeting rooms can often benefit from warmer lighting which can help employees to feel more comfortable and relaxed.

In the bathroom, cool white lighting is practical and makes the room feel clean, but having the option for warmer lighting can also be a nice addition to add to the relaxation of bath time.

The bedroom is a great place to get more experimental with lighting. A warm light adds to the cosiness and can help with winding down before bed, but multicoloured LED strip lights can also be a fun addition to modern-looking bedrooms.

Utilising warm ambient lighting in the living room is a great way to keep a comfortable feel in the room and can help people to relax.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of LED lights?

There are many pros to LED lighting, they are more customisable than other traditional lighting sources, they are better for the environment as they use less power, and they are also longer lasting. LED lighting is also safer and the bulbs don’t heat up as much. One con of LED lighting is that there is a higher initial cost, but this pays for itself in energy savings

How long do LED lights last? How often do LED lights need to be replaced?

Standard LEDs have a use time of around 50,000 hours and dimmable LEDs can last. around 100,000 hours. For comparison, a halogen bulb usually lasts 1,000 to 2,000 hours. This means with LED lighting you may only need to replace it every 10 years.

Do LED lights use a lot of electricity?

LEDs use less energy than other light types, but offer the same, if not better, lighting output.

Can LED lights be left on 24/7?

LEDs are perhaps the best type of light to choose if you need a bulb 24/7; they are highly efficient, cool and durable. But despite this, they will dim over time, and you will of course pay for every unit of electricity you use. It’s better to fit timers if you need lights on at different times of the day or for more extended periods.

How much do LED lights cost?

The cost of an LED light varies based on size and wattage, however, normal household bulbs will be between £4 and £50.

Do you need a special switch for LED lights?

For dimmer LED lighting you will require a dimmer switch in order to control the output of the light.

What should I look for in LED lights? How can you tell the quality of LED lights?

Quality LED lighting will be consistent in colour, whether that is on the cooler or warmer side of the spectrum. The bulb of a quality LED light will also not heat up and will cost less to run.

Conclusion

Besides being incredibly energy efficient, LED lights are fast becoming incredibly popular thanks to their multi-purpose capabilities. Available in bulbs, strips and panels, they sit perfectly with any decor. LED bulbs come in multiple different styles, from vintage-esque to ultra-modern.

The large glass LED bulbs which cast a soft orange glow have been incredibly popular over the past few years, and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere soon.

This year will see a great increase in the number of shapes and styles of these types of bulbs available. They look instantly chic on a low-hanging light fitting and add a touch of glamour to any home. It looks likely there will be an increase in LED panels, which are a great option for larger spaces seeking a minimal finish, or for spaces in need of extra lighting.

creative lightingvintage bulbs