In her previous blog, Rafaela has already shown the importance of using compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent lamps but I want to point out another type of lamp that is also energy efficient and can be used in a scheme to fantastic effect; the LED lamp.

An LED lamp is defined as:

"A type of solid state lighting (SSL) that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
as a source of illumination rather than electrical filaments or gas."

1. LEDs are solid state devices which have no filaments or glass tubes to break enabling them to be robust and shock resistant.

2. They have a very long life; a typical life for an LED can be 50,000 hours (5 years+) to 100,000 hours (11 years+) continuous operation.

3. LEDs do not waste energy as a filament does which has to be first heated until white hot to emit light.

4. They are low voltage; LEDs can operate from as little as 5 volts but can easily be configured to work from a wide range of voltages to suit specific designs or available power supplies.

5. There is no colour fade as an LED is designed to emit a specific wavelength of light. They do not rely on coloured filters or gels to produce a specific colour which could fade over time.

6. LEDs are low maintenance and require no servicing during their life.

7. LEDs are physically smaller than many traditional light sources and allow unobtrusive slim line designs to be made.

8. LEDs are a sealed unit and do not need to be changed, unlike fluorescent or filament bulbs, therefore the product design is simplified. This also makes the unit tamperproof and vandal resistant.

9. The slighter higher initial cost of LEDs is off-set against the heavily reduced running costs, extended lamp life and the ability to use only the required amount of light as opposed to either having all lights on or all lights off.


Here are some unique lighting ideas using LED lamps that will inspire you to transform you home aesthetically and purposefully.

Skylights allow natural daylight into spaces that may otherwise be dark and lifeless. The windows in these double-height stairwells provide a swath of natural light during the day, while at night the subtle lighting creates a unique feature. The use of LEDs is ideal in these situations as the accessibility for changing lamps is awkward.

A bathroom must have a flexible lighting scheme, ranging from excellent task lighting in the mornings to soft, gentle, relaxing light in the evenings. The addition of LEDs offer an additional source of light combined with a point of interest. Here LEDs have been used as uplighters to provide a soothing low-level light around the bath which not only provides an ethereal setting but can also act as a night light. The LEDs accentuate the materiality and form of the bath, creating an important feature in the bathroom.

It is important not to forget exterior lighting. A well-lit garden becomes a superior and dominating space at night. Having different levels and layers of light enables a dynamic and interesting scheme. Coloured LEDs have been fitted underneath glass panels in the ground which accentuates the architectural detail, complimenting the foliage and providing a clearly lit path for people using the space. The LEDs can be colour changing to create different moods and scenes.

I Love LEDs!

Natasha Hamilton Dick.