What to Look for in Architectural and Linear Lighting Systems
There was a time when you flipped a switch and the lights turned on—one color, one hue, one intensity. Then, premium lighting systems emerged, and how we illuminate our homes changed forever.
Architectural and linear lighting, combined with lighting control systems, offer illumination that transforms with the tap of a button or a voice command. When in expert hands, these systems create layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting, adding depth, emotional responses, and intrigue. Of course, as with all technology, not every lighting system is the same; some offer extreme beauty and capabilities, while others are rather lackluster.
Whether renovating, building new, or upgrading your lighting system, this guide will help you understand what makes high-end architectural and linear lighting worth the investment—and how to ask the right questions before you commit.
SEE ALSO: Warm Dim Vs. Tunable White: Understanding the Future of Lighting Design
Color Rendering & Precision Optics
Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures the accuracy of a light source. The higher the CRI, the more it compares to natural daylight, bringing out an object's vibrant and accurate colors. Lighting with a lower CRI often makes colors look unnatural and dull. In high-end residential projects, 90 and above is the goal.
Precision optics refers to extremely high standards in lighting control, utilizing lenses, prisms, and reflectors to deliver light precisely where it’s wanted, with the desired beam angle and spread. This enables lighting experts to sculpt spaces, eliminate unwanted shadows, and transform the ordinary into the inviting.
Modular, Low-Profile Fixtures
Modern lighting designs prioritize elegance and subtlety, blending into a home’s overall aesthetic. Modular, low-profile fixtures are ideal for residences with a distinct décor. Disappearing into millwork, cove ceilings, toe kicks, cabinetry, and shelves, the result is beautiful illumination from an unseen source.
Custom-Length and Bendable LED Profiles
Bendable LED profiles offer unparalleled design customization and flexibility. These high-impact lighting solutions allow lighting designers to create dynamic and intricate illumination.
Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
Today’s LED lighting is highly efficient, converting up to 90% of electrical energy into light and typically losing only 10-20% as heat. In contrast, incandescent bulbs lose about 90% of electrical energy as heat. This effective thermal management ensures a long lifespan, lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Backlighting, Framing, and Spotlighting
By concealing linear light systems behind panels, furniture, columns, niches, mirrors, and translucent materials, backlighting creates a dramatic sense of depth and dimension. This lighting can also be used to create layers of light, with strategic installation providing soft ambient light that fills the room and accent lighting that draws attention to specific areas.
Highlighting fine art without creating a glare or shadow can be achieved with the right beam spread, distance, and angle. Vibrancy, a feature unique to Lutron’s Ketra—a high-performance LED lighting system—enhances the appearance of artwork, textures, and colors through the use of tunable white light and the manipulation of spectral power distribution.
Layered Lighting Design
Combining task, accent, and ambient light creates layers of light that bring a room to life. When done correctly, it sets the desired mood while also providing the ideal illumination for every activity. With a few adjustments, you can totally transform a space.
Smart Control Compatibility
When you integrate your architectural lighting system with smart control, the magic begins to happen. You can program scenes defined by moods or events, such as ‘Relax’ or ‘Entertain.’ When you press the corresponding button, the lighting transforms for the occasion. Warm dimming allows light to transition from the color of bright daylight to a warm, amber glow. With smart control, you can create your ideal lighting with the touch of a button or voice command.
At SB Comm, our lighting design and automation experts combine the latest features in advanced LED lighting systems with the ease of smart lighting control. To learn more about the limitless possibilities in today’s architectural lighting, contact SB Comm.
