LED Lights the Way for Design
Is the light too bright? Do you feel its heat? Are the light fixtures so large they defeat the overall design of the space? Not likely if LED lights are installed in place of traditional light sources. LED, the latest technology in energy efficient lighting stands for Light Emitting Diode – a semiconductor device that converts electricity into light. So what does this mean for the design of retail and hospitality spaces, and most importantly the user experience?
Let’s start with the benefits of LED lighting and then explore the effect on design.
LEDs produce less heat
Well-designed LED systems produce minimal ambient heat, so additional air conditioning isn’t needed to cool the space. This saves money with operating the heating & air system and leads to more cost effective lighting. While producing less heat and no ultraviolet light, LED fixtures also make a good choice for illuminating sensitive objects such as food or artwork.
LEDs are energy efficient
LED lighting is far more energy efficient than incandescent and halogen in similar forms. Lumens/watt (efficacy) have met or surpassed fluorescent in some forms. It is not the LED efficiency that matters most, but the efficiency of the complete system. (i.e. LED + Driver + Dimming Module). Today, LEDs are a good energy choice in the following areas: task lighting, cove lighting, downlighting (definitely in low ceiling conditions). And they are an excellent replacement for compact fluorescent.
LEDs are a sustainable solution
LED lighting provides a sustainable solution with their energy efficiency and favorable product life cycle. Traditional light sources have their lamp life rated by how fast they burn out. LEDs do not burn out – they slowly dim over time. We rate LED usable life is when the light output reduces to 70%. Since most LEDs haven’t existed in their current form for 100,000 hours (11 years), ratings are all estimates.
LEDs are small
Unlike traditional lighting, they can fit into tiny spaces, and maintain a low profile for minimal distraction. With their low profile, you can easily conceal for use in under, over, and in cabinet and shelf lighting.
LEDS allow for creative lighting
With the correct LED lighting, you can change the complete look and feel of a room without changing anything but the lighting. Designers can create different moods within the environment without being held to traditional light sources. Create one feel during the day and then completely transform the look of the room in the evening. Pleasantly alter the customer experience with creative lighting.
LEDs are flexible
LED lighting allows extraordinary design flexibility in color changing, dimming and distribution by combining these small units into desired shapes, colors, sizes and lumen packages. LEDs can produce almost infinite color options, such as, white, deep blue, blue, green, yellow, amber, orange, red, bright re d, and deep red. Colors and lumen output can be customized to meet your design needs.
Whether using white or colored LEDs, you can create unique customer experiences with these customizable lights. Highlight special areas with bright, colorful lighting, or create a soft, mellow mood – it’s all in the LED lighting.
LEDs enhance the customer experience
And since LEDs are small, they can go where no other light source once could. When you walk into a well – lit room and aren’t overwhelmed by light fixtures, it’s likely LEDs have been successfully designed into the space. Next time you’re in a hotel lobby or retail store, check out the lighting – most likely, LEDs have been incorporated into the design. Soft lighting is another option in retail settings, where bright lights may be overwhelming. LED accent lighting on a specific object or shelving area can catch the customer’s eye and actually influence the user experience.
LEDs offer several possibilities for the design and shape of luminaires. Perfect for undercabinet lighting or lighting in the tiniest spaces, LEDs can also be used as recessed lighting or surface lighting. Custom solutions for designers are endless due to the LED’s small size and color options.
LEDs are cost efficient
The perception is that LEDs are costly. As the volume of LED lighting products increase, they are improving in cost efficiency by allowing lower operating expenses for businesses. The lights last longer than their traditional counterparts, while offering customizable options for designers.
The advancement in LED lighting systems not only provides an improvement in energy and cost efficiency, but also provides an answer to the question “What’s the best lighting design for the customer and the environment?”
Specialty Lighting has the long-term answer with its offering of quality stock and custom LED lighting products from portable plug & play downlighting to commercial linear luminaires.
