Why strip lighting isn’t just for display boards
LED strip lighting is an easy to install, cheap to run and highly versatile lighting solution that can help illuminate anything from dark pathways to internal storage spaces. With many of us seeing this form of illumination usually around display boards, the real benefits of...
LED strip lighting is an easy to install, cheap to run and highly versatile lighting solution that can help illuminate anything from dark pathways to internal storage spaces.
With many of us seeing this form of illumination usually around display boards, the real benefits of LED strip lighting and neon flex are often overlooked, so that’s why we’ve created this guide. It offers a wide range of application ideas as well as giving you everything you’ll ever need to know about the various types of strip lighting and neon flex available from BLT Direct.
Before we get started giving you some inspiration on how to use LED strip lighting and neon flex around your home or business, here is a brief explanation of the types available.
LED Strip Versus Neon Flex
Both options offer a versatile way to inject a little extra illumination and are easy to cut, angle and install, so it’s really a matter of personal preference which variety you go for. However, neon flex isn’t as flat as its LED strip lighting counterparts, so if you are thinking of using it to light up hallways, paths or areas of high traffic, then LED strip lighting would be a far better option. The tubular nature of neon flex can create a trip hazard.
For walls or accent lighting away from the floor, both LED strip lighting and neon flex offer a good lighting solution, but neon flex can be easily curved and moulded to create a plethora of shapes making it an excellent choice.
LED Strip Lighting Voltage
When you're looking to place your order for new LED strip lighting for a new project, it's essential to understand the voltage options.
BLT Direct stocks both 12v and 24v LED strip lighting, and the difference between the two is that the 12v is suitable for illuminating strips of up to 6 metres.
Anything longer will lead to a voltage drop towards the end of the strip that will be less bright, so it’s a good idea to opt for a 24v version and a compatible driver if you need to illuminate longer lengths.
Luckily for you, BLT Direct supplies everything you will need to get started on your LED strip lighting project, with our excellent value strip lighting kits containing strip lights and driver to help you get started as soon as your product lands through your letterbox.
Indoor or Outdoor?
LED strip lights and neon flex come in both indoor and outdoor versions, so it's important that you choose the right type for your project.
The outdoor LED strip lights are impervious to the elements and offer a robust solution to outdoor lighting whatever the British weather decides to throw at us, whereas the indoor LED strip lights are more suited to inside homes and commercial premises.
Neon flex is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so regardless of the length and colour you choose, you can install it anywhere you like without having to worry that the weather is going to ruin your lighting handiwork.
Colours and Colour Temperatures
As you’d expect from this type of lighting, there is an amazing array of colours to choose from. From vibrant reds, purples, blues and greens to natural daylight whites for a more subtle approach, both neon flex and LED strip lights come in a rainbow of vibrant shades and colour temperatures for a more subtle lighting look.
If you’re unsure on which colour temperature to choose, our handy guide can help you select the perfect option for your needs.
Now that we've discussed the different types of LED strip lighting and neon flex let's have a look at a few of the ways that both varieties can used for some illumination inspiration.
Doorways and stairs
If you have a few areas in your home or business that could use brightening up or just want to avoid slips and trips on steps, then LED strip lighting offers the ideal solution.
Not only does this type of lighting draw attention to the fact that there is a step coming up, but it also helps visitors and staff see the step depth property.
Hallways
If you have an elderly relative or own a bar or nightclub, illuminating corridors or hallways can help reduce the potential for slips and trips and help light the way to bathrooms or other essential areas without burning a big hole in your annual energy budget.
Easy to fit, both neon flex and LED strip lighting and be cut to any size and angled to accommodate corners, making it an attractive and cost-effective lighting solution.
Storage space
One of the most on-trend ways of brightening up wardrobes, cupboards and under stairs storage areas, LED strip lighting and neon flex offer an impressive level of lumens that can help illuminate dark spaces and transform seldom used areas into useful storage areas.
You can upgrade a storage space or wardrobe in just a few hours with one of our LED strip lighting kits, so it’s the ideal indoor DIY project to try your hand at over the weekend.
Brighten up your outdoor areas
Not only are LED strip lighting kits and neon flex handy to have around the house or commercial premises, but they can also help transform outdoor areas too.
From a safety perspective, these lighting solutions can help to illuminate paths, borders and any potential hazards that could use a little additional lighting.
For more aesthetic purposes, LED strip lighting and neon flex can be used to upgrade decking areas, beer gardens and even flower and shrub borders. Neon flex is particularly useful for decorating fence panels for parties and can also help illuminate trees and large shrubs during the festive period thanks to its rainbow of available colours and versatility.
If you’d like to find out more about our extensive range of LED strip lights, strip lighting kits of neon flex lighting solutions, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to advise you on the best products for your accent lighting needs.
