LEDS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN HOME INTERIORS

It is common knowledge that lighting is an essential feature of interior design. Various types of lighting
may be used effectively to enhance your home and make it more functional. Light emitting diodes, or
LEDs, have long been used in motor vehicles and exterior lighting applications, but have really taken off
in interior home design. Lighting manufacturers often offer their most popular fittings with regular bulb
and LED options. LED light fittings, in general, are more expensive than the older technology.
LED light bulb consists of a semiconductor (which comprises a solid material) and glass or translucent
plastic forms the casing for this semiconductor, which is inserted into a bayonet type or normal screw
type light fitting. It works like this – electricity passing through the semiconductor causes electrons to
move; this in turn produces energy emitted in the form of light. The brightness of light depends on the
quantum of electricity. Interior designers use them extensively in high class bars and hotels and their use
in homes is now quite common place.
LED may be used throughout the home in various ways. The principal advantages of LED lights are as
follows.
1. LED lights are long lasting., making it cost effective and low on maintenance. Studies show that
LED lights can burn for 60,000 hours., giving them a massive lead over florescent lights (10,000
hours) and incandescent lights (800 – 1,500 hours). Though LED lights are not cheap, the fact that
they last for a long time make them a cost-effective option
2. LED lights come in an array of colors, shapes and shapes. LED lights also have the ability to reflect
true color. They are compact and sleek as well and maybe used in almost any place in your home.
3. LED lights are hardy and durable – they don’t break easily.
4. LED lights help in cutting down energy consumption. It uses much power than some other types
of lighting. LEDs also emit less heat as compared to halogens. As such, LED lights do not raise the
temperature within the space (thereby helping in cutting down electricity bills) nor will it cause
accidental fires and burns (when touched). It is environment friendly and aids in reducing the
carbon footprint.
5. LED lights can even work on low-voltage power source. It produces instant light at a flick of a
switch unlike halogens and fluorescent lights. When it comes to UV emissions, it is almost nil in
the case of LEDs.

LED lights may be used for ambient, task, accent as well as decorative lighting. LEDs may be used within
cabinets and under cabinetry in spaces like bathrooms and kitchens in various designs. Many effects can
be created with LED lights.
They may be used within beautiful light fixtures on the ceiling, wall sconces, etc. Within pendants shining
down on kitchen or bathroom counters or even other spaces., they provide excellent accent or task
lighting. They may be used as up-lighters in lamps or decorative table bases and down lighters above
tables, counters and above accent pieces like sculptures, etc.

LED strip and rope lighting in various colors may be used as concealed lighting within cabinets, below
ledges and edges of tables and counters in the kitchen, bathroom or even bar counters. It may be used in
recessed ceilings as well, creating beautiful effects.
LED lights are ideal for decorative lighting during festivals like Diwali and Christmas.

Beautiful lamps (table and floor or wall) and LED lighting pair well to create stunning interiors. LED lights
may be used in chandeliers and other decorative lighting. Niches and shelving within walls also come alive
with LED lighting – various moods may be created by using different colors or by turning up or toning
down the lighting.
LED lighting is ideal for light fixtures that are not easily accessible – like high ceilings, chandeliers that are
hung very high, recessed ceiling lights, etc. as they are long lasting, saving the trouble of changing them
often.
LED lights are an ideal option for lighting interiors of wardrobes as they emit very less heat and you need
not worry about accidental fires and burns.
LED strip lighting may be used below edges of the steps in staircases or even along the railing – these
create beautiful effects as well serve practical purposes.
Screens made of glass or wood or any other type of room dividers, etc. may be enhanced further with
backlighting or inbuilt LED lighting. These screens would enhance the interiors of the home.

LED lights also make excellent accent or focal lights for paintings and other artworks. LED lights do not
distort the true color of the accents and they also come in many sizes making them ideal for concealed
lighting.
LED lights are ideal for spaces in your home where the lights need to be left on throughout the night – like
the staircase area, outside the main door and porch, areas like corridors and passageways, etc. as they do
not burn out easily and they also emit less heat.