Application scenarios of light strips and how to choose them

Light strips, also known as LED light strips, are composed of many LED lamp beads and are mainly divided into soft light strips and hard light strips. LED soft light strips can be cut or bent at will, and the light is not disturbed; while LED hard light strips are easier to fix, but because they are not easy to bend, they are not suitable for irregular areas. LED light strips usually have two types: monochrome and multi-color. Monochrome LED light strips have only one color, while multi-color LED light strips can change colors and switch modes through controllers. At present, they are often used in auxiliary lighting and lighting without main lights. With the increasing popularity, it has gradually become a major trend. Light strips mainly play the role of decoration and atmosphere in home decoration, which can increase the spatial level and the texture of the overall environment. Here are some things about light strips.

1. Types of light strips: low-voltage light strips, frameless aluminum groove light strips, high-voltage light strips, T5 lamp tubes

1.1. Low-voltage light strips

Low-voltage light strips have good flexibility, can be curled at will, can be cut and connected according to needs, and made into different shapes; energy-saving and environmentally friendly, low heat generation, long service life, variable light colors, flexible use, and small size. Light strips with PVC sleeves have better waterproof and moisture-proof effects and can be used in spaces such as bathrooms. The common specifications of the input voltage of low-voltage light strips are DC 12V and 24V. The thickness of its own substrate is relatively small. In order to ensure normal use, the length of the low-voltage light strip is generally about 5-10m. If it is too long, the current passing capacity is poor. Low-voltage light strips require transformers. When installing, consider the location of the transformer. Although low-voltage light strips are slightly more expensive, they have more usage scenarios, not to mention the shapes such as suspended ceilings. It is safer to use low-voltage light strips installed in cabinets, shelves and platforms.

1.2. Frameless aluminum groove light strip

Compared with traditional low-voltage light strips, frameless aluminum groove light strips have more aluminum grooves and PVC diffuser lampshades with higher light transmittance. The light is uniform and soft, without graininess and jaggedness, and has better heat dissipation performance. When installing, after the grooves are cut and fixed on the gypsum board, putty and paint can be applied.

1.3. High-voltage light strip

High-voltage light strips can be directly connected to 220V high-voltage electricity without a transformer, so the length of the high-voltage light strip can be longer, from tens of meters to about one hundred meters. The power is high and the price is cheap, but the light is more dazzling and the risk of electric shock is higher. It is basically not used for home decoration now.

1.4. T5 lamp tube

T5 lamp tube is a tube-shaped light strip with uniform light emission and high brightness. It is easy to install and maintain, but the light length is fixed, the space adaptability is poor, the power is high and the energy consumption is high, and it is not suitable for use as an atmosphere light. It is often used in spaces that require high brightness, such as kitchens and restaurants, and should be used with caution in bedrooms.

2. How to choose a light strip

2.1. The light should be uniform

First, check whether the brightness of the lamp beads is the same. You can directly observe the uniformity with your eyes; secondly, check whether the brightness of the light strip is the same at the beginning and end. Light up the required length side by side and observe directly with your eyes.

2.2. The light color should be consistent

The light color refers to the color (color temperature) of the light. It can also be observed directly by the eyes. If the light color is obviously different, it is still easy to see.

2.3. The color rendering index is greater than or equal to 80

When the light strip is used in a large area, more attention should be paid to the color rendering problem. The color rendering index Ra≥80 is better.

2.4. The light strip should be continuous

Continuity refers to whether there is a shadow in the light and whether there is no break. This aspect will directly affect the effect of the light and can be directly distinguished by the naked eye.

3. Application scenarios of light strips

3.1. Application in entertainment venues

Basically, the most colorful lighting effects are presented in entertainment venues such as stages, bars, and KTVs. LED light strips are the best choice for LED light sources to create atmospheres and shape lighting effects in various entertainment venues because of their diverse and colorful luminous colors. LED light strips create different lighting effects and scenes according to different atmospheres. In these places, light is the most effective in bringing people in.

3.2. Application in home decoration

The modern home decoration style increasingly emphasizes the combination of light effects and furniture. LED lighting tools have basically replaced traditional bulb lighting, and many places use LED light strips to create lighting effects to set off the atmosphere of the entire house layout. The living room ceiling and TV background wall are the parts where light strips are used the most. The effect of using light strips on the ceiling with the main light is a perfect visual experience. In addition, if high-brightness light strips are used, they can also be used as independent lighting sources, which can not only save energy, but also provide gentle lighting effects for time periods when strong light is not used. After using light strips on the TV background wall, the TV light source can be diffused when watching TV without turning on the main light, which has the effect of protecting eyesight. Other places where LED light strips are used for home decoration include bookcases, cabinets, wine cabinets, indoor stairs, etc.

3.3. Hotel decorative lighting application

A hotel is a place for guests to rest. The lighting needs of the entire hotel vary depending on the area and function. Generally, it is divided into lobby lighting, corridor lighting, guest room lighting, conference room lighting, work lighting, decorative lighting, etc. LED light strips are used as decorative lighting applications, mainly to enrich the lighting level of the hotel environment and enhance the design sense of the space. The rational use of LED light strips in hotels can create a comfortable, attractive and functional accommodation environment for guests.

3.4. Supermarket decoration and display props lighting application

The application of light strips in shopping malls is mainly combined with various downlights, spotlights and other lamps. The most common application is scenes such as shopping mall ceiling dark grooves and cabinet display racks. In the scene shaping of shopping mall ceilings and dark grooves, the application of LED light strips can make the space rich in layered beauty and enhance the shopping environment of consumers. In the application of various cabinet display racks, according to the needs of each scene, highlight the product and promote consumers' desire to buy.

3.5. Outdoor engineering lighting applications

With the improvement of living standards, people now pay much attention to the quality of night life, especially going to parks and amusement parks for fun and walking at night, which leads to the corresponding demand for outdoor lighting and lighting effects. Building lighting is an indispensable part of urban lighting, and LED light strips are the most important LED products for building lighting. Street lights are enough for lighting, and LED light strips are used to produce lighting effects. Light strips are used on street buildings, trees, lawns, sculptures, and walkways to create different effects.

3.6. Special effects production applications

Many places need to use lights to create special effects to attract people, such as cinemas, time tunnels, and the exterior of shopping malls. Using controllers to program the desired horse racing effect can make people feel as if they are in the scene.

4. Suggestions on creating a sense of space atmosphere with light strips

4.1. Design of ceiling + light strips

Replace the main light with a recessed lamp, adopt a light strip design with its own hanging effect, combine downlights and spotlights, enrich the top surface, and emphasize a soft, bright, full and sensual atmosphere. This is also the main way of designing without main lights that is more popular now.

If the light strip is designed at the junction of different functional areas, it can also divide the space and complete the transition. Through the contrast of light and dark, a comfortable and harmonious lighting environment is created.

The ceiling board of the living room or bedroom can be designed as such a light strip to create a softer, comfortable, warm and bright living environment.

4.2. The use of light strips in wall modeling design

The wall light strip design is suitable for spaces without complex ceilings. In the background walls of the living room and bedroom, the side walls of the stairs and corridors, the light strip design can also add elegance and introverted temperament to the space area.

The design of the light strip is integrated into the wall. By outlining unique and interesting graphics, the original monotonous wall is also flexible and artistic.

In addition, the light strip can also be matched with decorative paintings and bathroom mirrors, which can not only increase the light, but also play a role in decoration and beautification, highlighting different styles.

4.3. The application of light strip design in indoor space: floor design

The light strip can also be used in places such as under the platform and stairs. Whether it is atmosphere creation, contour lighting or decorative space, the effect is very good.

For example, installing an induction light strip under the bed can not only create a warm and romantic atmosphere, but also act as a small night light, greatly improving the convenience of life.

There is a lighting strip on the stair steps, which not only solves the lighting problem, but also makes the stairs more plastic and artistic.

4.4. The application of light strips in space: indoor cabinets

The design of cabinet light strips is also very common. Placing the light strip on the inside of the cabinet shelf can increase the auxiliary lighting in the dark and weaken the sense of closure in the space.

The backlight of kitchen storage cabinets and hanging cabinets is relatively serious. It is easy to see things when cutting vegetables or looking for items. Installing light strips can solve the problem of insufficient light in the kitchen.