The use of light and various lighting effects can be called a favorite technique of many decorators and interior designers. At the same time, they use not only the necessary functional lighting, but also a variety of decorative lighting, such as a garland-curtain. In the light of modern developments and numerous improvements in the production of lighting systems, LED light sources have become very popular.
What is the essence of LED lighting
The device of each LED lamp provides for the presence of an anode and a cathode, as well as an active semiconductor crystal and a reflector. When electricity is supplied, the current passes from the anode to the cathode and provokes the appearance of optical radiation.
LED light sources can be both lamps for traditional chandeliers with a classic base, and a variety of bulbs for auxiliary lighting and illumination. Also, LED lamps are presented by manufacturers as strips with evenly spaced LEDs or as a garland (light curtain for indoor and outdoor lighting).
Advantages of LED lighting
The main argument in favor of LEDs is their efficiency and extremely long service life, up to 100,000 hours. In addition, they are characterized by the following qualities:
- No delay when turned on. They light up instantly and work with stable brightness.
- Their lifespan does not depend on the number of on / off cycles, as with traditional lamps.
- Because LED lamps do not have filaments or other sensitive components, they are vibration resistant.
- Safety due to the absence of high voltage and overheating of the LEDs during operation. The average operating temperature of the device is about 60 degrees.
- Ability to function in a very low temperature environment.
In addition to everything, LED lamps are classified as environmentally friendly lighting products, as they do not contain toxic and hazardous substances (mercury, phosphorus).
Using LED lamps for decorative lighting
Backlight and decorative lighting have several functions:
- Drawing attention to individual elements of the interior or exterior.
- Zoning space and organizing partial lighting.
- Masking imperfections of surfaces (light curtain-fringe).
- Emphasize the status of the institution (hotel, retail or office space).
- Decoration of the room, creating a festive atmosphere.
LEDs can be placedin the form of a luminous strip in niches or on ledges, as spotlights or retractable elements, as well as a curtain garland on a wall or in a building opening. In addition, trees decorated with shimmering garlands look very attractive.
LED light curtain
One of the ways to decorate the interiors and facades of buildings looks rather unusual and extravagant, which consists in placing a long garland with threads hanging down in the form of a fringe. As a rule, the material for the manufacture of a flexible loop-base of the garland is plastic or silicone, its standard length is two meters.
The LED light curtain can be equipped with fringes of various lengths, up to several meters. When choosing this decorative lighting system, it is worth paying special attention to the length of the hanging threads. It is advisable to measure the height of the wall or opening to be decorated. If necessary, you can assemble a light curtain of any length. At the edges of the base of each garland there are special connectors that allow you to connect several elements of the same type (up to 20 units) into a chain.
Types of LED curtains
Based on the purpose of the garland, its location, as well as the personal preferences of the owner of the room and his financial capabilities, choose monochrome or color lighting. Multi-color curtain light can be equipped with a controller.
This device allows you to select, fix and, if necessary,quickly change the flickering mode of the lamps. Curtain elements can burn with a steady light or flash at a certain frequency and intensity. Also, garlands can have lamps of various configurations.
There is a type of curtain called "fringe".
This system includes a standard loop base and LEDs hanging from cords. The difference between the fringe curtain is that these cords are of unequal length. As a rule, manufacturers use the alternation of long curtain elements with short ones. This light curtain is used to decorate cornices, walls, roofs and windows. It is placed directly along the top line of the decorated plane.
Shape of lamps in LED curtains
Often, LED garlands consist of classic round lamps. Sometimes manufacturers use oblong, square or flat lamps, as well as in the form of stars or hearts.
Curtains with large lamps in the form of tubes or cones have a rather elegant and unusual look. Being in the selected dynamic mode, such lamps create the effect of falling drops or a meteor shower. Garlands with a large number of lamps that shimmer and create the effect of flowing water look extremely attractive. They are called so: light rain. A curtain of this type is installed on vertical planes, in niches, around columns or along glass showcases in commercial premises, cafes or restaurants. This model is suitable for creatingvoluminous sculptures and sagging ceilings.
LED garlands for street lighting
Taking into account the peculiarities of operation of LED curtains when illuminating the exterior of buildings, the developers provide waterproof structures. Their body and all connections are hermetically sealed, so there is no need to remove the light curtain during rain and snow. And the ability of LEDs to work at very low temperatures allows them to be used for New Year's decoration of many objects:
- Facades of houses.
- Canopies and roofs.
- Fences.
- Trees and bushes.
Models designed for outdoor use, like other curtains, can be multi-color, monochrome, with or without a controller. They can also have different dynamic flicker modes or generate even lighting.
Speaking about the possibility of decorating trees, it is worth noting that the light curtain with LEDs used for this purpose is much more convenient than the traditional strip with LED lamps. This model is easier to mount, remove and change the location of the decor on the branches.
Installation of outdoor curtain
LED strings designed for outdoor use can use batteries or a traditional home network connection as a power source. Their installation consists in fixing the base train along the upper edge of the vertical plane that is planned to be decorated. You should first take measurements and make sure that the length of the curtain matches the width of the decoratedsurfaces. Fixing the curtain can be carried out using any available fasteners: staples, clips, cords, wire.
It should be noted that the light curtain on the windows, facades and roofs of tall buildings should only be installed with the participation of specialists. Here, knowledge of the methods and methods of high-rise electrical installation and lifting equipment is needed.
However, placing lights on a porch, railing, low fence or bushes can be done on your own.
Installing indoor LED curtain
When planning the location of LED lighting in a house or apartment, you should study the lighting standards for residential premises. Excessive brightness of light sources can be tiring for the eyes. However, this issue is resolved by using a curtain with a controller and a function to control the brightness of the glow.
The light curtain on windows, walls, columns or niches is mounted using various fasteners. For this purpose, wire clips, double-sided tape, suction cups, or other available materials are suitable. Before fixing the curtain, you need to carefully calculate the area to be decorated and compare their results with the dimensions of the curtain. It should be noted that the insufficient length of the hanging elements of the curtain is just as unacceptable as the excess. In both cases, the garland will not fulfill its decorative function. If the sizes do not match, the decor will look sloppy, unaesthetic and violate the stylisticinterior integrity.
In conclusion
Thus, the LED curtain allows you to give a festive and elegant look to almost any room. A variety of types of such garlands opens up wide opportunities for decorating residential and office premises, retail, hotel and entertainment organizations. The advantage of outdoor LED curtains, of course, is their frost resistance, waterproofing and ease of installation. With their help, facades of buildings, trees, columns and fences can be illuminated. Regardless of the type of curtain, its installation must be done carefully and efficiently. Sometimes these jobs require a professional electrician.
