Types of Panel Lighting
Types of Panel Lighting
Panel lighting is a great solution for residential and commercial spaces. These lights are designed to replace traditional fluorescent ceiling fixtures and can be mounted in a variety of surfaces.
For example, you may see panels installed in drop ceilings to help light up grocery and convenience store shelves. These lights typically have a high CRI so that the colors of products pop in clear, bright light.
Flat Panels
Flat panels are the most common form of panel lighting, especially in commercial applications. They’re typically installed as drop ceiling lights that seamlessly fit into existing suspended grids or as surface mount fixtures that require a bezel kit to attach them to finished ceilings.
The LED light emitted from these fixtures is widely diffused rather than concentrated, so 20 watt led tube light it’s easier on the eyes than fluorescent bulbs. This can help prevent common ailments that employees under traditional fluorescent lights often experience, including headaches and neck pains.
They’re also available with battery backups as an option, making them even more convenient to use. If you’re looking to upgrade your commercial spaces with sleek and effective LED ceiling lights, flat panels are an excellent choice. They’re also easy to install and can be quickly fixed if you experience any problems with them. They’re an attractive and cost-efficient alternative to T8 fluorescent troffers and are ideal for replacing them in offices, schools, retail spaces, and convenience stores.
Recessed Panels
LED panel lights are very thin, and they can fit easily into any ceiling. Their design also reduces the energy costs associated with operating traditional bulbs or tubes. They are also glare-free and ideal for any functional space such as hallways, bathrooms, utility rooms, warehouses, schools, offices, town halls, or any other area where high quality lighting is required.
When paired with the right design elements, recessed panels can make a dramatic difference to kitchen and bathroom designs. They are especially effective when used in combination with subway tiles and contemporary fixtures. They are a great choice for homeowners who want to combine modern and transitional style elements.
The recessed panel door style can be made from a variety of materials, including solid wood, or medium density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is a good choice for paint grade projects because it has a smooth surface and it is easier to cut. The MDF material also resists warping better than solid wood. The recessed panel can also be made from a composite material that is covered with a wood veneer.
Slab Doors
Slab doors are simple, flat panel cabinet door designs that complement a wide range of kitchen styles. They also allow other design features, like vibrant granite counters or a custom hood, to stand out and demand attention.
Large slab cabinet doors can be constructed in a variety of ways, but wood is the most common material. For the best results, homeowners and do-it-yourselfers should consider choosing a pre-hung door. This option comes already inserted inside a frame and includes hinges, making installation easier and faster.
In contrast, a solid wood slab door must be hung in a frame and may require panel lighting additional building work to ensure a tight fit and avoid binding or sagging. The most cost-effective option is to choose a pre-hung slab door. These door systems feature durable LVL core and HDF face with true stile and rail construction. They are available in a variety of design options, including raised and recessed panels, and offer sound reduction. The doors can be painted or stained to match your home’s decor.
Edge-Lit
Edge-lit panels feature a LED light source along the perimeter, typically protected by a protective aluminum covering. This type of panel lighting is ideal for warehouses with shelving because it produces evenly dispersed light, resulting in fewer to no shadows that hinder visibility between shelves.
The inward facing LEDs of an edge-lit light panel are channeled through a built-in diffusion layer, producing minimal shadows, eliminating hot spots, and creating a soft and pleasant lighting environment. This creates a premium lighting experience that can elevate your photos, videos, and virtual meetings to the next level.
With a sleek profile and flexible installation options (drop ceiling, surface mount, or suspension), these LED flat panels are a versatile option for any space. They use fewer LEDs to produce the same amount of light as back lit panels, saving you money in both initial investment and long-term energy costs. This also allows them to be thinner, giving the fixture a more refined appearance.
Back-Lit
Back-lit panels feature a light source that is recessed into the panel itself, with light coming out of all sides. These lights have a much higher lumen-per-watt ratio than edge-lit LED panels, so they are more effective at lighting up large spaces.
They can be installed in standard drop ceilings, as well as surface mounted to walls or suspended using junction boxes and cable-mounting kits. They are also incredibly thin, giving them a sleek look that is both attractive and functional.
The LEDs inside of back-lit panels use a metal body to act as a heat sink, which is important because the LEDs generate a lot of heat that needs to be dissipated. This prevents the LEDs from overheating and shortening their life span.
Back-lit LED panels do not need a light guide plate, which saves on manufacturing costs and can help to avoid diffuser discolouration. Back-lit panels like our Kingston and Ashley range do not produce strobe or glare, which makes them better for classrooms, where teachers need to be able to see their students clearly.