2012 Lighting Updates: Should You Invest in LED Lighting?

When it comes to updating our homes, there are certain things we instantly think about: new flooring or that elegant new designer wallpaper, furniture and various other knick-knacks; but what about lighting? In recent years, LED lighting and LED fixtures have grown in popularity, but does that mean you should invest your hard earned cash in these trendy lights?

What are LED Lights?

LED stands for “light emitting diode,” and simply refers to a semi-conductive material that is used to create light. Despite the fact that many companies touting these bulbs as the “latest and greatest in lighting technology,” LED light bulbs have actually been around since the 1960s. In fact, you may have seen them on various items throughout the years, including your alarm clock or that little red light that comes on when you shut off your old stereo system, or perhaps that little red light you see when you hit a button on your remote control.

Do Any Light Fixtures Come Standard with LED Lights?

There are two light fixtures that currently come standard with LED light bulbs: under cabinet lights and outdoor landscaping fixtures (such as pathway lights or garden lights). This is because LED bulbs do not get hot, making them safe for use against wooden cabinetry or for in gardens where plants or other landscaping materials may come in contact with them.

Other light fixtures that may come with LED bulbs include rope lights, outdoor wall sconces, certain chandeliers, newer table lamps or desk lamps, closet ceiling lights and more. As the technology improves, we will begin to see many more light fixtures coming out that exclusively cater to the use of LED light bulbs.

Additional Information on LED Lighting

LED lights are actually used in a variety of places, not just in fixtures for the home. In fact, newer car models and even new traffic lights, are using LED bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs or other more seemingly common types of light bulbs.

Furthermore, these type of lights aren’t just limited to a few different colors like red or white (or clear, if you prefer). LED bulbs can be used to produce a variety of colors on both ends of the spectrum from red to white, blue to yellow, green to purple, pink, orange and every other color in between. This makes them extremely versatile for use in not only fixtures, but other applications as well.

Recent advances have also brought about the OLED, or organic light emitting diode. These newer versions of the beloved LED use an organic semi conductor rather than a silicon-based semi-conductor. However, it may be a while until these particular bulbs become more readily available due to the higher cost of manufacturing them.

In the end, it is up to you to decide if this type of lighting is worth the investment. Companies everywhere are finding ways to save money, including using more energy efficient light bulbs, even if it means more money up front. Therefore, it may or may not be worthwhile to invest in LED lighting and fixtures, only you can decide what is right for you and your home.

Emily Chadwick welcomes you to explore more
http://www.arcadianlighting.com”>light fixture and
http://www.arcadianlighting.com/pendant-lighting.html”>pendant light possibilities at Arcadian Lighting!

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