Have you ever experienced eye strain and even headaches due to the harsh lighting at your place? Yes, we’ve all been there. Luckily, you’re about to discover what might just be the perfect solution for that problem: diffused LED lights!
Let’s see what diffused LED lights are and how they differ from the LED lights that you already have in your home. Keep reading to learn about LED light diffusion and why they’ve quickly become a favorite choice of interior designers, homeowners, and businesses.
The LED Revolution
Let’s start with a quick overview of an innovation that has revolutionized the lighting industry and technology across the globe: LED lights. LED stands for “Light Emitting Diode” which is a solid-state type of lighting technology that uses semiconductors to emit light.
Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED lights are much more energy-efficient. They can use up to 500% less energy than compact fluorescent bulbs and 2,000% more energy-efficient than standard light bulbs.
LED lights are also known to be more durable, environmental-friendly, versatile, and user-friendly compared to traditional fluorescent and incandescent lights.
What Is Light Diffusion?
Now, let’s inject a bit of science here and find out what exactly light diffusion is.
Have you ever noticed how your bedroom lights up in the morning with only a single window? That’s a basic application of light diffusion. When harsh sunlight passes through a semi-transparent barrier, the light softens and spreads out more evenly.
The general purpose of light diffusion is to bend and spread intense light to create a softer and more widespread effect. As a result, the luminance becomes more comfortable to the eye, and unwanted hard shadows are more controlled.
Diffused LED Lights vs Clear LED Lights
Now, going down to the main topic: What are diffused LED lights? How do these differ from clear LED lights?
Diffused LED light refers to a light that’s emitted from a LED source and then dispersed through a light diffuser. These lights are designed to showcase a softer and evenly distributed luminance of light.
Clear LED light, on the other hand, refers to light that’s emitted directly from the LED source without further diffusion. Unlike diffused LED, it is encased in a transparent material to emit sharp and intense beams of light.
The primary difference between these two types of LED lights lies in the transparency of their cover. Diffused LEDs are ideal for ambient lighting, accent lighting, retail displays, and outdoor lighting. On the other hand, clear LEDs are ideal for decorative and task lighting.
Diffused LED Lights: What Are the Advantages?
LED light as it is, offers many benefits. Still, did you know that diffused LED lights can give you further advantages that will surely make you switch? (sorry…pun intended)
Let’s take a look at the advantages of using diffused LED lights:
Eye Comfort
Eye strain and headache no more! Diffused LED lights emit soft lighting that isn’t harsh to the human eye. Diffused LEDs can help prevent eye strain and discomfort, making them an excellent choice for a stress-relieving space.
Cost-Saver
Diffusing LED light is a great way to cut back the number of LEDs you may need to use. By dispersing the light, you can lessen the number of individual diodes needed to achieve a certain level of illumination.
Aesthetics
Diffused LED lighting can be a powerful tool to create visually striking effects and a more dynamic lighting system that will improve the aesthetic appeal of any space.
This is why playing with diffused LED light installations across all types of spaces is a no-brainer for interior designers and decorators of today’s modern era.
Versatility
Diffused LED light can be used in a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used as ambient lighting, accent lighting, and even task lighting. From bathrooms to offices, gardens to walkways, the possibilities are endless.
Diffused LED light is indeed a revolutionary lighting solution, customizable to fit the specific needs of any space.
Common Applications of Diffused LED Lights
Now that you know the various uses of diffused LED lights, let’s specify some of the popular applications of this innovative tool to jumpstart your planning.
- Ambient lighting: ceiling lights, lamps, recessed lighting
- Accent lighting: cupboard lighting, artwork lighting, entertainment lighting
- Task lighting: light table, study lamps
- Photography: light boxes, ring lights
- DIY projects: costumes, neon signages, lamps
Diffusing LED Lights at Home: Your Next DIY Project
Yes, you can either buy one or DIY one! To add a little bit of fun, here are some crafty ways to diffuse your LED lights at home.
Use LED Diffusers
There are variants of LED diffusers readily available in your local store, which you can use to revamp your LED lights at home the professional way.
Here are some of your options to professionally diffuse your LED lights:
- Anti-glare diffuser
- PMMA optical diffuser
- Transparent diffuser
- Tempered glass diffuser
- Satin diffuser
- UV-stabilized polycarbonate diffuser
- Opaque diffuser
Warning: Use the DIY diffusers at your own risk. LED lights produce heat and can blow-up! Only diffuse low-wattage bulbs and use the diffused lights under observation.
A Lick of Paint
Diffuse your LED lights in just a snap! To do this, make sure your paint is heat-resistant for safety measures. Paint a thin layer of paint straight to the bulb cover or any cover of your choice, making sure that the light can still pass through the coat of paint.
Good Old Paper
Yes, you can even use paper to diffuse light! To do this, you need to use heat-resistant paper such as parchment. This method is ideal for panel LED lights and light boxes for photography, but you can always explore!
Lamp It Up
Reuse your old lampshade from the attic with a fresh LED light! Lampshades effectively hide harsh bulb lights that create a more pleasing and welcoming atmosphere in your space.
Mr. Hot Glue
You know it’s about to be fun when it involves that handy-dandy glue gun! This method is commonly used on LED strip lights. You can make lamps, costume accents, wall decors, and so much more with this combo.
The Fabric Method
You can create stunning light pieces with those fabric scraps in your drawer! To do this, make sure that the fabric you’ll use isn’t too thick so the light from your LED can still pass through and create soft luminance, ideal for DIY lanterns and decorative light pieces.
