LED LIGHT BAR for home

3 TIPS TO SELECT the right LED LIGHT BAR

led light bar , led light bar at home

Continuing our last blog‘s discussion around LED lighting, many of you have asked for more details about specific applications. The LED light bar for home is especially popular for modern interiors. This versatile lights offer sleek, energy-efficient solutions for various spaces. Whether upgrading a bathroom vanity or brightening a kitchen island, LED lights for home are ideal. Adding a task lighting under cabinets? Choosing the right LED light bar for home is key. They make a significant difference in functionality and style.

Here are three practical tips to help you choose the perfect LED light bar for home.

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TIP 1 - LED Light in bathroom

When it comes to bathroom vanity lighting, getting the right placement and type of light is key for both functionality and aesthetics. An LED lightbar is an excellent choice for this space, providing bright, even illumination that’s ideal for grooming and self-care. 

Optimal Positioning

For the best results, place the LED lightbar above or beside the vanity mirror. If mounted above, ensure that the LED lightbar covers most of the mirror’s width but never longer. For side mounted LED light bars, position them at face level. This provides balanced lighting both sides of the face. Proper placement  prevents shadows under the eyes, chin, or nose. Overhead lighting alone can cause these unwanted shadows.

Lighted Mirror

LED light bar integrated into a vanity mirror is another great option for a modern approach. It offers a sleek design that enhances both functionality and style. This setup ensures even illumination, eliminating harsh shadows for tasks like makeup application or grooming.

Color Temperature of LED

Maintaining a consistent lighting temperature in the same space is something that we address in our last blog. I usually recommend a 3000K to 3400K color temperature as they mimic natural daylight and offer a clean, bright light for grooming tasks like applying makeup or shaving.

Color Rendering Index of LED

Color Rendering Index (CRI) of an LED light bar measures how accurately colors appear under its light. A higher CRI ensures that colors look more vibrant and true to life, enhancing the ambiance of your interiors. Choose an LED light bar with a CRI of 90 or higher for optimal results.

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TIP 2 - LED Light pendant in kitchen

The kitchen island is a multifunctional space that serves as a hub for food preparation, casual, dining, and socializing. Therefore, lighting needs to be both practical and visually appealing. Choosing the right LED light bar for home can enhance both the look and function of this space.

Contemporary Design Choices

When choosing an LED light bar for home in a modern kitchen, opt for sleek designs with clean lines, metallic finishes, or geometric shapes. These styles complement modern kitchen designs and add a touch of sophistication. Coordinating the finish of your light bar with other fixtures in your kitchen – such as faucets, cabinet hardware, and appliances – creates a cohesive look.

Uplighting and Downlighting for Versatility

There are LED lightbar pendants that offer both uplighting and downlighting features. Downlighting provides focused illumination on the countertop for tasks like food prep, while uplighting adds a subtle, ambient glow to the ceiling, making the space feel brighter, more open and inviting. This combination creates a balanced lighting effect that’s both practical and stylish, especially in a contemporary kitchen setting.

Dimmable for Flexibility

A dimmable LED lightbar allows you to adjust the brightness depending on the time of the day or the occasion. Use full brightness while cooking or cleaning, and dim it down for a more relaxed atmosphere during meals or when entertaining guests.

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TIP 3 - under-cabinet led lights

Under-cabinet lighting is an essential element in any well-designed kitchen or bar area. It provides direct task lighting on the countertop, making food preparation easier while adding a layer of ambiance. Selecting the right LED light bar for home can make a significant impact on both functionality and appearance in these spaces.

Mounting the LED Light Bar

For optimal functionality, mount the LED light bar on the underside of your cabinets at the front edge to evenly illuminate the countertop directly below. This ensures that you get bright, targeted lighting where you need it most – whether you’re chopping vegetables in the kitchen or mixing cocktails at the bar.

Use a Diffuser for a Clean Look

One common issue with under-cabinet LED lighting is the visibility of individual diodes (the tiny light-emitting components). These can create distracting reflections, especially on polished countertops. To avoid this, choose an LED light bar with a built-in diffuser or install a separate diffuser cover. A diffuser softens the light and creates a smooth, even illumination without harsh glare or visible diodes

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As you follow these three tips, don’t forget to consider the advise from our previous blog (click HERE for another quick read) about keeping your lighting temperature consistent throughout your home. It helps create a balanced, comfortable atmosphere that ties everything together.

Choosing the right LED lights for home can significantly enhance the functionality, design, and ambiance of your space. Whether you’re illuminating a bathroom vanity, creating a stylish focal point over the kitchen island, or adding task lighting under cabinets, taking the time to select the right product ensures you’ll enjoy both the practical benefits and aesthetic appeal of this versatile lighting solution.

With these practical tips in mind, you’ll be well equipped to brighten your home with the perfect LED light bar. From proper illumination at the vanity to contemporary designs in the kitchen, the right LED lighting can make all the difference in your home’s overall look and feel.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

If you’re finding it challenging to implement any of the suggestions above, feel free to reach out and schedule a discovery call. We will help guide you through the finer details to ensure you space avoids common design mistakes. Whether you’re refining the lighting or rethinking the layout, our expertise can help you create a cohesive, thoughtfully designed space that’s both beautiful and functional.

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@ Ryan Shapiro Photography
"Esther has been a pleasure to work with... Her professionalism, design sense, and organizational skills are top notch. She has an extensive network of furniture, fabric, and lighting contacts and has made the design process for my new build as seamless as it could be. Even though the house is "done", I'm still working with Esther on several smaller projects to put the finishing touches on and have recommended her to other friends that need design help. You won't be disappointed!"