10 Striking Ways to Use LED Lights
Enhance the look, functionality and energy efficiency of your home with these bright LED lighting ideas
Natasha Saroca
3 September 2018
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
Do you need to add energy to a lacklustre living room, set the mood in your bedroom or highlight a standout design feature? Then you might like to call upon the unique powers of LED lights – or light-emitting diodes – to help you create the look and vibe you wish to achieve. Not only do these long-lasting, energy-efficient lights lend high-impact style and character (and, in some cases, colour) to any space, they can also provide task, ambient and accent lighting, allowing you to create a functional and effective lighting plan for your home, too. The practical and visually punchy spaces below showcase some of the many ways you can incorporate LEDs into your interior and exterior scheme. Take a look and see which of these bright ideas suit your space and decorating style.
1. Back-lit brilliance
Want to make a bold design statement in your kitchen? Consider incorporating an LED back-lit bench or backsplash into the space, like the ones that take a starring role in this contemporary cooking zone. Thanks to its unique finish, mesmerising pattern and radiant green hue, the gem-like acrylic glass used for the backsplash and front panel of the bench adds an injection of vivid colour and visual drama to the otherwise restrained scheme – an effect that is amplified by the LED lights that lie behind and illuminate the surface. Take note of how the back-lit backsplash and bench not only enhance the look but also the atmosphere of the entertainer’s kitchen, and infuse it with a laid-back-meets-luxe vibe.
Want to make a bold design statement in your kitchen? Consider incorporating an LED back-lit bench or backsplash into the space, like the ones that take a starring role in this contemporary cooking zone. Thanks to its unique finish, mesmerising pattern and radiant green hue, the gem-like acrylic glass used for the backsplash and front panel of the bench adds an injection of vivid colour and visual drama to the otherwise restrained scheme – an effect that is amplified by the LED lights that lie behind and illuminate the surface. Take note of how the back-lit backsplash and bench not only enhance the look but also the atmosphere of the entertainer’s kitchen, and infuse it with a laid-back-meets-luxe vibe.
2. Night light
Why choose an ordinary bedhead when you can opt for one that makes a bold design statement and doubles as a night light? When designing your illuminated bedhead, select LED lighting with a dimmer switch so you can control the brightness and mood of the space.
Wondering how to choose the right bedside lights?
Why choose an ordinary bedhead when you can opt for one that makes a bold design statement and doubles as a night light? When designing your illuminated bedhead, select LED lighting with a dimmer switch so you can control the brightness and mood of the space.
Wondering how to choose the right bedside lights?
3. Colourful corridor
If your hallway is looking a little blah but you’re not too keen on cluttering the walls with art, photos and other wall accents, or covering it in patterned wallpaper or coloured paint, consider beautifying and brightening up the thoroughfare with an LED light installation. This cool corridor shows this high-energy design trick in action – it’s a great solution for those who prefer their walls free of embellishments but desire a scheme that’s colourful and packs a visual punch.
If your hallway is looking a little blah but you’re not too keen on cluttering the walls with art, photos and other wall accents, or covering it in patterned wallpaper or coloured paint, consider beautifying and brightening up the thoroughfare with an LED light installation. This cool corridor shows this high-energy design trick in action – it’s a great solution for those who prefer their walls free of embellishments but desire a scheme that’s colourful and packs a visual punch.
The led strips also emit a cool white light, which comes in handy when the owners are in the mood for a more restrained and colour-free scheme.
Not a fan of coloured LED lights? As you can see looking at this elegant traditional-style dining area, this high-impact look is just as effective when you use LEDs that emit a warm yellow or cool white glow, rather than lively tones. Also, take note of how the illuminated cove ceiling makes the room appear larger, adds a modern touch to the refined scheme and draws attention to the decorative moulding that lines the ceiling.
4. Kerb appeal
Now here’s a home that will never fail to stop passers-by in their tracks. Here, strip lights line the base of each of the oversized tread plates that lead up to the front door. Notice how they instantly attract the eye and draw the line of sight up from the sidewalk to the landing, resulting in an entry that oozes street appeal and an inviting vibe. Practical, too, the strip lights also ensure that each step is clearly visible so visitors can climb the stairs safety after dark.
Learn how to light up your front entrance
Now here’s a home that will never fail to stop passers-by in their tracks. Here, strip lights line the base of each of the oversized tread plates that lead up to the front door. Notice how they instantly attract the eye and draw the line of sight up from the sidewalk to the landing, resulting in an entry that oozes street appeal and an inviting vibe. Practical, too, the strip lights also ensure that each step is clearly visible so visitors can climb the stairs safety after dark.
Learn how to light up your front entrance
5. Tall and handsome
Do you find your room lacking when it comes to size and style? If so, look to this cool and clever living area for design inspiration. Here, an LED lighting strip that sits below the raised wall panel and runs from one side of the room to the other helps enlarge the space visually, as the illuminated linear strip draws the eye upwards and outwards, making the room look bigger than it really is. The LEDs also act as accent lighting and highlight the contrast between the top and base of the feature wall. And as you can see, they help infuse the scheme with a hint of glam sophistication and a mellow, welcoming ambience, too.
Do you find your room lacking when it comes to size and style? If so, look to this cool and clever living area for design inspiration. Here, an LED lighting strip that sits below the raised wall panel and runs from one side of the room to the other helps enlarge the space visually, as the illuminated linear strip draws the eye upwards and outwards, making the room look bigger than it really is. The LEDs also act as accent lighting and highlight the contrast between the top and base of the feature wall. And as you can see, they help infuse the scheme with a hint of glam sophistication and a mellow, welcoming ambience, too.
6. Form and function
In this head-turning bathroom, LED lights are used to enhance the look, mood, functionality and safety of the space. Two LED strips that line the upper section of the vanity mirror draw the eye into the bathing area (which helps add depth to the room, making it appear larger in size) and toward the spectacular mosaic feature wall. The lights also provide practical lighting and ensure the mirror is well-lit, making shaving and putting on make-up a breeze. Meanwhile, two colour-changing LED strips positioned below the benchtop and wall-mounted cabinet elevate the look and mood of the bath zone, while doubling as nifty night lights, too.
Here’s how to use LED strip lighting at home
In this head-turning bathroom, LED lights are used to enhance the look, mood, functionality and safety of the space. Two LED strips that line the upper section of the vanity mirror draw the eye into the bathing area (which helps add depth to the room, making it appear larger in size) and toward the spectacular mosaic feature wall. The lights also provide practical lighting and ensure the mirror is well-lit, making shaving and putting on make-up a breeze. Meanwhile, two colour-changing LED strips positioned below the benchtop and wall-mounted cabinet elevate the look and mood of the bath zone, while doubling as nifty night lights, too.
Here’s how to use LED strip lighting at home
7. Statement ceiling
Colour-changing LED ceiling lights are guaranteed to draw the eye sky high. Use them in tandem with a show-stopping ceiling treatment – such as the oversized circular panels that line the ceiling of this living zone – for a fun, dynamic look that instantly commands attention and oozes loads of visual drama. When party time is over and it’s back to business, switch the LED lights to a colour-free setting so they can deliver ambient or accent lighting to the space.
Colour-changing LED ceiling lights are guaranteed to draw the eye sky high. Use them in tandem with a show-stopping ceiling treatment – such as the oversized circular panels that line the ceiling of this living zone – for a fun, dynamic look that instantly commands attention and oozes loads of visual drama. When party time is over and it’s back to business, switch the LED lights to a colour-free setting so they can deliver ambient or accent lighting to the space.
8. Bright display
A great accent lighting option, LED strips or tape will elevate the look of any open shelving display, as you can see looking at this contemporary living zone. Here, LED lights illuminate each of the cubby holes in the recessed display unit and help transform the two storage nooks into attention-grabbing architectural features. The LED accent lights also allow the homeowners to showcase their treasured collectibles, photos and other objects that deserve to be in the limelight in style.
A great accent lighting option, LED strips or tape will elevate the look of any open shelving display, as you can see looking at this contemporary living zone. Here, LED lights illuminate each of the cubby holes in the recessed display unit and help transform the two storage nooks into attention-grabbing architectural features. The LED accent lights also allow the homeowners to showcase their treasured collectibles, photos and other objects that deserve to be in the limelight in style.
9. Party central
Are you a keen entertainer who regularly hosts Friday night drinks, huge birthday bashes and kids’ slumber parties at home? Set the mood for your next soiree by kitting out your kitchen and meals area – aka party central –with mood-boosting, conversation-starting LED lights.
While the lights – which run along the top and bottom of the wall cabinets, kickboards and underneath the island benchtop in this kitchen – help create a festive, energetic atmosphere and add a shot of lively colour to the neutral-toned space, they also make the room appear to swell in size. How? Thanks to the lighting strips, the ceiling, cabinets and benchtop look like they’re floating, which creates an open, airy feel and tricks the eye into thinking the walls are taller than they really are.
Are you a keen entertainer who regularly hosts Friday night drinks, huge birthday bashes and kids’ slumber parties at home? Set the mood for your next soiree by kitting out your kitchen and meals area – aka party central –with mood-boosting, conversation-starting LED lights.
While the lights – which run along the top and bottom of the wall cabinets, kickboards and underneath the island benchtop in this kitchen – help create a festive, energetic atmosphere and add a shot of lively colour to the neutral-toned space, they also make the room appear to swell in size. How? Thanks to the lighting strips, the ceiling, cabinets and benchtop look like they’re floating, which creates an open, airy feel and tricks the eye into thinking the walls are taller than they really are.
As you can see, the contemporary kitchen looks just as impressive (and still party ready) when the coloured LEDs are turned off.
This is a great design trick to try outdoors, too, as you can see looking at this poolside entertaining zone. Here, an aqua-tinged LED strip light runs along the length of the roof from where a rain curtain also falls, adding to the luxe, resort-like vibe and visual appeal of the alfresco space. Another lighting strip lines the top of the mirrored backsplash, which not only adds another splash of interest to the scheme but also provides task lighting for the food prep zone below.
Check out these fabulous seating arrangements
Check out these fabulous seating arrangements
10. Arresting accent
A clever way to incorporate LEDs into your interior or exterior scheme is to use the lights to highlight interesting architectural details such as ceiling treatments, staircases, recessed niches and accent walls, like the back-lit floating feature wall that’s the hero of this sophisticated living room.
A clever way to incorporate LEDs into your interior or exterior scheme is to use the lights to highlight interesting architectural details such as ceiling treatments, staircases, recessed niches and accent walls, like the back-lit floating feature wall that’s the hero of this sophisticated living room.
Read more:
Which Light Is Better: LED or CFL?
Tell us:
Would you try any of these dramatic looks in your home? Or have you already created a high-impact interior scheme using LEDs? Tell us which ones or post a hi-res photo of your home in the Comments below.
Which Light Is Better: LED or CFL?
Tell us:
Would you try any of these dramatic looks in your home? Or have you already created a high-impact interior scheme using LEDs? Tell us which ones or post a hi-res photo of your home in the Comments below.
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This is a very timely article for me - some brilliant ideas! have a client who is obsessed with the idea of mood lighting for our next luxe apartment project. I am already planning to use a back lit resin for the bar, but thanks for some extra inspiration! :)
Wow, it's like turning your home into a contemporary gallery!
Great insights. I really liked the second idea about using LED lights to control the brightness and mood of the space. Such an innovation. I happen to work in an office which recently underwent complete lighting renovation. We got new LED lights (I think they're called mood lights) from SeniorLED. These LED lights come with amazing features like low-high dimming capabilities, diverse color palates, scheduling, wireless control etc. They light up the space in a go and are super energy-efficient. Not to mention the awesome price they come with. BTW, totally loved your content. You've earned a new reader. Keep shining.