Power and style for the kitchen with LED strips

Small-sized and energy-efficient LEDs enable more diverse lighting than ever before. For years, the kitchen has not had to rely on traditional fluorescent and ceiling lighting. Once the pots, pans and cutting boards have been cleared away, the kitchen can seamlessly be converted from a work space into a living space through different adjustable and versatile lighting solutions.

For builders of new premises, within the framework of budgetary restrictions the world of lighting is open and renovators also have plenty of alternatives. In cooperation with lighting-, electrical- and kitchen design professionals, a room can certainly become a well-functioning and wonderful entity.

LED strips are handy and popular because of their ease of installation, efficiency and diverse possibilities for use. However, when you fit an LED strip as a kitchen work light, you must remember a few rules of thumb:

• An LED strip emits a bright, spot-like light, so it must be installed so that it does not dazzle directly or off surfaces like a shiny worktop. With an LED profile, the sharp spot-like nature of the light can be softened and installation also becomes easier.
• An LED strip or profile can be hidden from direct view by making a groove or false bottom on the lower surface of a cupboard.
• If you want to fit the strip on the lower back corner of a cupboard, use a Corner profile, so that the light will hit the worktop at a 45° angle and will not dazzle.
• In order to make the light harmonious with no distracting shadows forming on the worktop, fit the LED strip along the entire length of the cupboard. If the cupboard ends in an open space and you are using an LED profile, remember to secure the end piece of the profile in order to achieve a finished look.
• Wiring should be done as imperceptibly as possible. Any leftover piece of LED profile can if necessary be used in a cable groove.
• The light intensity of the LED strip must be stronger, the darker the kitchen surfaces are. On worktops, the light intensity should be approx. 300 - 500 lx, which will give good visibility and cooking ingredients will look fresh and enticing.
• Light in a warmer shade will make the general atmosphere yellow, whilst excessively cold light gives a sterile and even bluish impression. Light colour also affects the appearance of ingredients. With regard to light directed at worktops, stick to a white colour temperature of approx. 3000 - 4000 K.
• LED strips are also suitable for bathrooms and toilets. Read more about moisture classifications profiles and strips.

An LED strip may be used as an indirect source of light, for example on top of or behind cupboards, as a result of which the light is reflected softly off walls and the ceiling over the whole room, without being reflected or dazzling. Consider with designers the possibility of adjusting light according to need an atmosphere.