Each space sets its own requirements for lighting. Several key features determine whether a particular LED fixture is suitable for the intended installation area. LED lights are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of environments. When selecting a fixture, it’s important to consider factors like the purpose of the space, how the lighting will be controlled, and the installation method. Read our tips on how to choose the right LED lights for every room.
Choosing the right LED light isn’t just about maximizing watts and lumens—modern options also allow you to influence the atmosphere, comfort, and energy efficiency of a space. This article covers the key factors for choosing the perfect LED lighting for your home.
The role of temperature and humidity in selecting LED lights
Are you planning new lighting for your bathroom, kitchen, terrace, or yard? Each space has its own lighting requirements, and it’s important to choose fixtures that meet those needs.
As a general rule, lights used in wet areas must be able to handle moisture. Also water shouldn’t be able to reach any electrical parts. Lights that are safe for wet areas, can always be used in dry spaces too—but not the other way around. That’s why at LedStore, we’ve focused on using high-quality materials and making sure our lights are well-sealed. Many of our LED lights work well in both wet and dry areas. This means so you can keep the same clean, stylish look throughout your home.
Bathroom and WC LED lights
Due to moisture, lighting must be properly protected. For example, LED lights placed near the shower need to be well sealed to withstand splashes and steam. In bathrooms, a minimum rating of IP44 is recommended, which means the light is protected against water splashes. Our designers can recommend the best lights for your bathroom, taking into account the required safety distances from water sources.
Outdoor lighting
LED lights used in yards and on terraces are exposed to extreme weather conditions—frost, rain, and direct sunlight. All our outdoor lights are made of either powder-coated and/or anodized aluminum or stainless steel. For outdoor use, it’s best to choose LED fixtures with an IP65 or IP67 rating. This ensures they can withstand moisture, rain, and dust.
Kitchen LED lights
Bright, focused lighting is needed above worktops, while softer lighting in the dining area helps create a comfortable atmosphere. If the worktop light is near steam or grease, make sure it’s heat-resistant and easy to clean. A sealed aluminum profile with a cover offers the best protection for LED strips in the kitchen.
Hobby and workspaces
If the area is used for tasks that require precision, the lighting should be bright and well-directed. This to reduces eye strain. In spaces where there’s a lot of dust in the air, it’s best to choose lighting solutions that are easy to clean and dustproof.
Always remember to check the IP rating of the light – it tells you how well the fixture resists moisture and dust. Lights that are water- and dustproof are always suitable for dry and cleaner spaces, but not the other way around!
LED lights are compatible with different control methods
How do you want to control your LED lights: with a wired switch or dimmer, a remote control, or a smart system? Today, LED lights can be controlled in many different ways. The best option for you depends on whether you prefer simple manual control or smart, programmable features.
- Traditional wired control: A wall switch-operated setup is a simple and commonly used solution. Nearly all of the lights in our selection can be used as basic on/off versions or dimmed with a wired dimmer. In this case, the light’s power supply is typically a TRIAC driver.
- Wireless control: This allows you to control lights using remote controls or motion sensors. Our selection includes a wide range of wireless control options using RF (radio frequency) technology. A wireless lighting setup is created by pairing the light source with an RF transformer that has a built-in receiver, and an RF controller, which can be either a handheld remote or a wall-mounted unit. The wall-mounted controller can be placed anywhere—even over an unused wall box to cover up an old switch location.
- Smart control and home automation: LED lights can be integrated into a smart home system, allowing you to control lighting automatically, set timers, or adjust the color temperature to match the mood or activity. All of our lights that support wireless control are also compatible with home automation. The technologies used include Zigbee and/or Tuya. In addition to lighting, our selection includes several stylish smart home control panels and other smart home products.
What about brightness and color temperature adjustment?
Lighting control naturally adds more comfort and atmosphere to any space. Dimmable LED lights offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust the brightness to suit different situations. That’s why we recommend slightly oversizing the total light output rather than underestimating it—especially when dimming is available. After all, nothing is more frustrating than a brand-new lighting setup that doesn’t provide enough light!
Color temperature adjustable CCT lights allow you to change the tone of the light from warm white to cool daylight. If you want to use this feature actively, the control method becomes an important factor in your lighting plan. A standard dimmer alone won’t work with CCT lights—you’ll need a controller that also allows for color temperature adjustment.
However, we also offer a wide range of lights where the color temperature can be set during installation by choosing from three to five preset options. This makes it easier to balance color temperatures during setup, but the setting remains fixed in the installation area, and during use, the light can only be dimmed.
We offer a control solution for every use case. In addition to the options mentioned above, our range also includes support for DALI and 1–10V potentiometer dimming. For advanced users, it’s even possible to build your own Zigbee smart lighting system using a Conbee 2 USB stick hub connected to your own server.
How the installation method affects your choice of LED lights
In LedStore’s LED selection, we’ve also prioritized ease of installation—and we have hands-on experience with installing every one of our fixtures!
The way a light fixture is installed can have a big impact on how much time and effort the installation takes. Your choice of light also depends on whether you want it to be discreetly recessed into the ceiling or stand out as a visible part of your interior design.
Surface-mounted LED lights
Ceiling lights are easy to install and work well in many spaces without the need for major renovations. For example, our surface-mounted ceiling lights include a built-in drivers and are installed directly onto a junction box and connected to mains power. LED strip lighting is also a convenient surface-mounted option when used with a matching aluminum profile. However, it’s important to plan for the placement of the low-voltage connection cable at the end of the strip and where the driver will be located.
A detail to keep in mind with surface installations: mounting lights on a log wall can be challenging, as it’s often difficult to hide the wiring. That’s why it’s important to plan the lighting during the construction phase so that cable routes can be built into the logs. If there are enough power outlets, movable lights like table and floor lamps work well as additional lighting in log homes.
Recessed LED lights
Recessed lights require enough installation depth and drilled mounting holes. The result is clean and modern, with power supplies hidden above the ceiling. For indirect lighting, grooves or light coves are often built into the structure. This requires planning to ensure a functional and visually appealing result.
Tip: During the planning stage, consider whether you want the lighting to be a visible design element or to blend in discreetly with the space. This way, you can choose the right installation method before you start.
Summary: LED lighting for different spaces
When choosing LED lighting, it’s worth considering the following:
- Room requirements – moisture resistance, brightness, and purpose of lighting
- IP rating – ensures that the light fixture can withstand the environmental conditions.
- Control options – do you prefer a wall switch, a remote control, or smart control?
- Installation method – surface-mounted or recessed lighting?
- Wiring types – mains voltage vs. low voltage affects installation flexibility.
You’ll find detailed information about these features in the product descriptions! We know our lighting solutions inside and out, so feel free to reach out with any questions you have. We also offer lighting design and installation services for the LED lights you purchase. Explore our services online or visit us in-store!
The list below features products mentioned in this article.
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Welcome to Lamppukauppa LedStore’s showroom to explore lighting possibilities and design the perfect solution for your space. We serve a wide range of customers—consumers, resellers, and businesses alike.
You’ll find us at Mesikukantie 16, 01300 Vantaa (Koivuhaka).
Feel free to contact us by phone at +358 45 251 4510 or by email at myynti@ledstore.fi.
