Linear lighting

Linear lighting spreads light along a line instead of from individual points. LED tape set into an aluminium profile, suspended linear pendants and slim recessed strips in the ceiling are the familiar examples. The line of light also draws the geometry of the room: it lengthens a corridor, picks out a wall, or makes a change in ceiling level readable.

Where and how it is used

In offices, suspended linear fittings over desks give even general light. In homes you see concealed coves in suspended ceilings, strips under kitchen wall units and step lights on stairs. The practical points are well known. An opal diffuser hides the individual LED dots, a profile that draws heat away extends LED life, and corners and joints need to be detailed early so the line does not break. Drivers and access panels should be shown on the drawings, which is easy to forget.

Linear light in visualization

In a render, linear light is usually modelled as a thin emissive material or a long area light. With concealed coves you read the light by its glow on the wall and ceiling, so that wash has to look right, not the source itself. In office design especially, the rhythm of linear fittings does much to make a space feel orderly and calm.