What are Linear Lights?
Why use Linear Lights?
Where to use Linear Lights?
Types of Linear Lights
Linear light styles
How to hang Linear Lights
General hanging height
LED vs Fluorescent
Linear Light buying checklist
Quick buying tips
What are Linear Lights?
Linear lights are best described as lighting fixtures that use long LED bulbs or fluorescent tubes that can be suspended or attached to a ceiling or wall. Often, these are found in offices, lining ceilings with two tube fluorescent bulbs and are generally rectangular in shape. Once you've read through our guide, visit our Linear lighting collection for a selection of lighting options.
Why Use Linear Lights?
This type of light makes for great task lighting in areas that need sharp crisp, constant line of light. They can illuminate a wide space better than some hanging lights. Once only found in commercial settings they are now making their way into homes, providing bright and simple lighting solutions to a space.
Where to Use Linear Lights?
Linear lights are so versatile that they can be used in a multitude of spaces. Depending on the purpose, these lights will make great lighting solutions. They are popular in commercial settings like offices or hospitals due to the illumination benefits of tube bulbs. Commercial venues like pubs, bars and restaurants frequently use linear lights above a bar or even kitchen areas.
They are also commonly found above kitchen islands or work benches, providing light to those tasks that need crisp clear light. They can make a room look and feel wider due to their wide illumination of light. Some modern linear lights have sleek and streamlined architectural designs, allowing you to make a statement.
Types of Linear Lights
Hanging
Similar to a hanging pendant light, this type of linear light features two suspension cords from the ceiling holding a long light fixture. The benefit of hanging linear lights is that it’s height can be adjusted to suit your space.
Flush Mounted/Recessed
These sit flush against the ceiling with little to no space between the fixture. They are the most common type of linear light especially in office buildings where they are usually installed recessed within the ceiling. Recessed linear lighting means the fixture doesn’t take up any space and are well-suited for lower ceilings.
Wall
A close relation to a hanging light, these linear lights are suspended or mounted onto a wall. They work well as task lighting and are used for highlighting signage and feature walls.
Linear Light Styles
Linear lights are not just styled upon those found in office buildings. Since their first inception into commercial and now residential spaces, these lights are increasingly being designed with architectural aesthetics for use as both functional and decorative lighting.
Some linear lights are based on the traditional design, the LED or fluorescent light tube with a frosted cover and recessed installation. Other linear lights have been designed with contemporary or modern styles featuring minimal aluminium materials and thin LED light strips. Regardless of your room décor or theme, there is bound to be a linear light design that will fit in effortlessly.
How to Hang Linear Lights
Deciding how to hang your light of choice does not have to be a difficult task. Always remember, every room is different. The best advice is to get out the measuring tape, a pen and paper, and map out your lighting plan. If you're having trouble ascertaining the perfect height, it's never a bad idea to speak with your local electrician to ask their professional advice. Below are some general hanging tips that can help.
General hanging height
The average height of a ceiling in Australia measures 2.4 metres. As a general rule of thumb, a linear light should be around 30 to 50cm from the ceiling. However, this will need to be adjusted for higher or slanted/raked ceilings and depends on the area the light is being installed in.
Above a table
The best height for linear lights over a table is 70 to 80cm above the tabletop. This leaves enough clearance to avoid anyone bumping into the light while ample illumination is cast over the surface. Ensure that enough space is kept between the edges of the table and the light as well.
LED vs Fluorescent
Two common bulb types found in linear lights are LED and fluorescent, which are frequently available with your lighting purchase. They are very different forms of illumination, with different purposes.
LED
LEDs use state of-the-art technology made from non-hazardous materials and are energy efficient. Technically speaking, LED globes use a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. A typical lifespan for an LED is around 25,000 to 50,000 hours, meaning you will get the most out of these types of bulbs.
Fluorescent
These classic bulbs use low-pressure mercury-vapour gas discharge to produce visible light. They produce light more efficiently than incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan that can range anywhere from 6,000 to 80,000 hours. Some manufacturers are now producing fluorescent tubes that can last for 90,000 hours. This makes these tube bulbs ideal for long use lighting in office spaces or hospitals.
Linear Light Buying Checklist
Quick Buying Tips
- Measure the height of your space to identify the right suspension length for your hanging linear light
- Linear lights provide good task lighting especially over kitchen islands, work benches or tables
- To determine the size of linear light over a table or kitchen island, measure the surface for correct placement and sufficient clearance
- Ensure you know what your light fixture is compatible with as some fixtures do not include a bulb and only require an LED or fluorescent light bulb.