LED Lighting Options: A Complete Guide
Compare warm vs cool LED options, understand colour rendering, and learn optimal placement strategies for display cabinet lighting.
Proper lighting transforms a display cabinet from simple storage into a professional showcase. LED technology offers numerous advantages including energy efficiency, low heat output, and excellent colour rendering.
Advantages of LED Lighting
LED lights have become the standard for display cabinet illumination due to their many benefits over traditional lighting technologies.
- Minimal heat emission protects sensitive items
- No UV radiation damage to colours and materials
- Energy efficient with long lifespan
- Dimmable options for adjustable ambiance
Understanding Colour Temperature
Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes the warmth or coolness of light. Different temperatures suit different display contexts:
- Warm White (2700-3000K): Creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Ideal for wooden cabinets and antiques.
- Neutral White (3500-4100K): Balanced lighting suitable for most display applications.
- Cool White (5000-6500K): Crisp, daylight-like illumination. Best for jewellery and modern displays.
Placement Strategies
Where you position lights affects the visual impact of your display:
- Top-mounted: Even illumination from above, most common approach
- Shelf-edge: Highlights each level individually
- Base lighting: Creates dramatic uplighting effects
- Combination: Multiple positions for layered lighting
Choosing LED Strips vs Spotlights
LED strips provide even, diffused lighting across shelves, while spotlights create focused beams to highlight specific items. Many installations combine both for optimal effect.