Long wall light ideas, types and inspirations

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What are Long Wall Lights?

Long wall lights, also known as linear wall lights or wall-mounted strip lights, are fixtures designed to provide elongated illumination along walls. These lights typically consist of elongated strips, often featuring LED technology, that can be mounted horizontally or vertically on walls. These lights come in various lengths and styles, featuring a linear or strip-like design that allows for even distribution of light. Long wall lights find applications in a variety of spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, backyard, garden, patio and commercial settings such as offices or retail spaces.

• Linear Design:Long wall lights are characterized by their elongated shape, resembling a narrow strip or bar that extends horizontally or vertically along the wall.
• Mounting Options:These lights can be mounted horizontally along ceilings, walls, or surfaces to create a linear pattern of light.Vertical mounting is also common, offering the flexibility to highlight specific architectural features or provide a modern design element.
• Light Source:Long wall lights often incorporate LED technology for its energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility in producing various colors and brightness levels.LED strips or linear modules are commonly used as the light source, providing a uniform and continuous glow.

Types and Designs of Long Wall Lights

• Long Linear LED Wall Sconces: These are sleek and modern wall lights that feature a linear design with integrated LED technology. They often provide a seamless and even glow along the length of the fixture.
• Long Tube or Cylinder Wall Lights: Tube or cylinder-shaped wall lights offer a contemporary and minimalist look. They can be mounted horizontally or vertically, creating a linear pattern of light.
• Long Wall-Mounted LED Strips: LED strips mounted on a linear fixture provide a flexible and customizable solution. They can be bent or shaped to fit specific spaces and are available in various lengths.
• Long Picture Wall Lights: Designed specifically to illuminate artwork or pictures on the wall, these long lights offer directional and focused lighting. They can be adjusted to highlight different pieces of art.
• Long Architectural Linear Wall Lights: Architectural linear wall lights are designed to complement the overall design of a space. They often have a clean and sophisticated appearance, making them suitable for modern interiors.
• Long Up and Down Wall Lights: These fixtures have a linear design with light emitted both upward and downward. This creates a subtle and elegant lighting effect, especially when mounted vertically along walls.
• Long Flexible LED Wall Strips: Flexible LED strips allow for creative and dynamic lighting designs. They can be bent or curved to follow the contours of walls, providing a unique and customizable look.
• Long Ribbon Wall Lights: Ribbon-like wall lights feature a flowing and organic design. They can add a touch of artistic flair to a space and are available in various lengths and configurations.
• Long Linear Wall Washers: Wall washers are designed to evenly wash walls with light, creating a soft and diffused illumination. Linear wall washers are long fixtures that distribute light over a wide area.
• Long Modern Geometric Wall Lights: Geometric shapes, such as rectangles or squares, are incorporated into the design of these long wall lights. They add a contemporary and structured element to the space.
• Long Integrated Shelf or Display Wall Lights: Some long wall lights come with integrated shelves or display areas, combining both lighting and functionality. These are practical for illuminating and showcasing decorative items.
• Long Art Deco Linear Wall Lights: Inspired by Art Deco design principles, these fixtures often feature elegant lines and geometric patterns. They can be a stylish addition to both modern and traditional interiors.

What are the Pros and Cons of Long Wall Lighting?

Pros:

Long wall lights provide even and uniform illumination along the length of the fixture. This can contribute to a well-lit space without uneven shadows.Long wall lights are versatile and can be used for various purposes, including general ambient lighting, accent lighting, or highlighting specific architectural features.

Cons:

Some long wall lights may require professional installation, especially if they are hardwired into the electrical system. This can add to the overall cost and complexity.Depending on the design, long wall lights may provide general illumination but might lack the ability to direct light in specific directions compared to adjustable spotlights.While there is a variety of designs available, the linear nature of these lights may not suit every design preference or fit well with certain traditional or eclectic styles.

Step-by-Step Guide of Long Strip Wall Lights Installation

Materials Needed:

• Long strip wall lights
• Mounting brackets
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Wire stripper
• Voltage tester
• Wire connectors
• Drill
• Wall anchors (if necessary)

Installation Steps:

• Safety First: Before starting any electrical work, turn off the power to the circuit where you'll be installing the lights. Use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is off.
• Choose the Location: Determine the desired location for the long strip wall lights. Consider the aesthetics and functionality of the lighting in that specific area.
• Mark the Mounting Points: Use a level to mark the mounting points on the wall where you'll install the brackets. Ensure that the brackets are level to achieve a straight and even installation.
• Install Mounting Brackets: Secure the mounting brackets to the wall using screws and a drill. Make sure the brackets are firmly attached to provide proper support for the long strip lights.
• Attach the Long Strip Lights: Depending on the design of the long strip lights, follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach them to the mounting brackets. This may involve sliding the lights into place or securing them using additional screws.
• Connect the Wiring: Carefully follow the wiring instructions provided with the long strip lights. Typically, this involves connecting the wires from the lights to the corresponding wires in the wall. Use wire connectors to secure the connections.
• Secure Loose Wires: Bundle and secure any excess wiring using cable ties or clips to prevent them from hanging loosely.
• Test the Lights: Turn the power back on and test the lights to ensure they are functioning correctly. If there are any issues, double-check the wiring connections and troubleshoot accordingly.
• Final Adjustments: Make any final adjustments to the positioning of the long strip lights to achieve the desired lighting effect. Ensure that they are evenly spaced and aligned.
• Securely Fasten: If the long strip lights have additional securing points or clips, ensure that they are securely fastened to prevent any sagging or drooping.

The Problems Solving for Long Wall Lights

• Use of Diffusers: Consider incorporating diffusers along the length of the strip. Diffusers help distribute light more evenly, reducing hotspots and shadows. They can soften the overall lighting effect for a balanced illumination.
• Frosted Covers: Opt for long wall lights with frosted covers. Frosted covers scatter light, minimizing direct glare and contributing to a more uniform distribution of light. This is particularly effective in spaces where softer, diffused lighting is desired.
• Reflective Surfaces: Place the long wall lights strategically in areas with reflective surfaces. This can help bounce and diffuse light, preventing concentrated brightness in specific spots.

Should Long Wall Lights Face Up or Down?

Uplighting (Facing Up):

Shining long wall lights upward can create a soft, ambient glow that contributes to overall illumination in the room. This is particularly effective for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. When positioned face up, long wall lights can "wash" the wall with light, highlighting textured surfaces or accentuating architectural features. This effect adds visual interest to the space. Upward-facing lights provide indirect lighting, reducing direct glare. This is beneficial for spaces where a more subtle and diffused illumination is desired. This makes it suitable for areas, such as bedrooms or living rooms. Upward-facing lights may cast a portion of light onto the ceiling, visually expanding the space and creating a sense of openness.

Downlighting (Facing Down):

Downlighting is effective for providing focused illumination, making it suitable for task-oriented areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or workspaces. It directs light downward onto specific surfaces.When facing down, long wall lights can be used to highlight artwork, decorative elements, or architectural details on the lower part of the wall.In areas designated for reading or focused activities, downlighting can create a well-defined pool of light, enhancing visibility and concentration.Downlighting often complements modern and contemporary design styles, offering a clean and sleek appearance.

Considerations:

In larger rooms, a combination of uplighting and downlighting may be used to achieve balanced illumination. Smaller rooms may benefit from one dominant direction based on the desired effect.

Long Wall Lights with Surrounding Lights, instead of Shining Up and Down

Long wall lights with surrounding lighting, but not specifically designed to shine up and down, often fall into the category of indirect or ambient lighting. These fixtures create a diffused and soft glow that enhances the overall ambiance of a space. Here are some types of long wall lights with surrounding lighting you can purchase: 

Long Cove Lighting: Cove lighting involves placing fixtures in a recessed area near the ceiling, directing light upward to create a gentle illumination that reflects off the ceiling. This indirect light source provides an ambient glow that surrounds the room.

Long Linear LED Wall Lights: Some linear LED wall lights are designed with diffusers or covers that distribute light evenly along the length of the fixture. These lights can provide ambient illumination across the wall, creating a subtle and indirect lighting effect.

Long Wall Washers: Wall washer lights are designed to "wash" the wall with light, providing even illumination across a vertical surface. While they may have a primary direction, they can create a surrounding glow by indirectly lighting adjacent areas.

Long Indirect Wall Sconces: Certain wall sconces are designed to direct light upwards or downwards, but their design may also allow for some indirect light to be cast around the fixture, creating a surrounding glow.

Long Recessed Wall Lights: Recessed wall lights with diffusers or shields can be installed to create a subtle and uniform glow along the wall, offering surrounding lighting without a strong emphasis on up or down illumination.

Are Long Wall Lights with LEDs good?

LED strip wall lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less power than traditional lighting sources, such as incandescent bulbs. This can result in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Long LED strip wall lights have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. They can last for tens of thousands of hours, which means less frequent replacement and maintenance. They offer a range of color temperatures, from warm to cool tones and low heat emission.

Does a Long Wall Light Suit Outdoors?

Long wall lights can indeed be suitable for outdoor use, but it's essential to choose fixtures specifically designed for outdoor environments.

• Weather Resistance: Ensure that the long wall lights are rated for outdoor use and are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and UV exposure. Look for fixtures with appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) ratings.
• Material Selection: Opt for materials that are corrosion-resistant and durable. Stainless steel, aluminum, and weather-resistant plastics are common choices for outdoor lighting fixtures.
• Ambient and Security Lighting: Install long wall lights along outdoor walls to provide ambient lighting for patios, decks, or entryways. They can enhance the aesthetics of the outdoor space while improving visibility.
• Pathway Illumination: Use long wall lights to illuminate pathways or walkways. Mounting them along exterior walls can create a guiding effect, enhancing both safety and visual appeal.
• Accentuating Architectural Features: Highlight architectural features of the exterior, such as columns, pillars, or textured walls, with long wall lights. This adds a decorative touch to the outdoor space.
• Patio and Deck Lighting: Mount long wall lights on exterior walls near patios or decks. This provides functional lighting for outdoor activities and contributes to the overall ambiance of the space.
• Surroundings Lighting: Consider long wall lights with Surroundings lighting capabilities. This creates a visually interesting play of light on the wall while offering both direct and indirect illumination.
• Entrance Lighting: Illuminate the entrance of your home with long wall lights. This not only enhances the curb appeal but also provides a welcoming and well-lit entryway for guests.
• Dark Sky-Friendly Fixtures: In areas with dark sky regulations, consider fixtures that minimize light pollution by directing the light downward and reducing glare.