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What are LED Skirting Boards?

LED skirting boards are a type of skirting board that has integrated LED lights. 

There are two main types of LED skirting boards:

Buying LED Strips / Spools For Your Skirting Board

There are two main types of LED spools: SMD & COB

SMD stands for surface-mounted device, and COB stands for chip-on-board. 

SMD lights are made up of small, individual LEDs that are mounted on a surface. COB lights are made up of a single, large LED chip that is mounted on a substrate.

• SMD lights are more versatile than COB lights. They can be cut to any length, and they can be used in a variety of applications, such as signage, architectural lighting, and automotive lighting.

• COB lights are more durable than SMD lights. They offer a more even light distribution, and they are less likely to fail.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between SMD and COB lights:

Which LED Is Best For Skirting Boards?

SMD LEDs are typically the most suitable for interior home use with skirting boards, however both SED and COB lights have advantages. Consider the features of both and how they relate to your space.

• SMD lights: SMD lights are a good option for skirting boards because they are versatile and can be cut to any length. This makes them easy to install and customize to fit the exact length of your skirting boards. SMD lights are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good option for budget-minded homeowners.

• COB lights: COB lights are a good option for skirting boards because they are durable and offer a more even light distribution. This can create a more attractive and uniform lighting effect on your skirting boards. COB lights are also more energy-efficient than SMD lights, which can save you money on your energy bills.
  
  

  Room	Vibe	Best LED Type
  Living room	Create a warm and inviting atmosphere.	SMD lights
  Kitchen	Create a safe and functional working environment.	COB lights
  Bathroom	Create a spa-like atmosphere.	COB lights
  Bedroom	Create a soft and soothing atmosphere.	SMD lights
  Office	Create a focused and productive working environment.	COB lights

  Ultimately, the best type of LED light for you will depend on your specific needs and application. If you need a versatile light that can be used in a variety of applications, then SMD lights are a good choice. If you need a durable light with a more even light distribution, then COB lights are a good choice. It's also worth considering the  paint colour and finish of your skirting boards, as light will react differently to satin, gloss or eggshell finishes.
  
  

How Much Do LED Lights Cost To Run?

The amount of electricity used by an LED strip light depends on its length, density, and size of LEDs. Longer, denser, and larger LED strips use more electricity. Connecting multiple LED strips together also increases electricity use.

- Based on the  Energy Price Guarantee 2023, the cost of electricity is capped at 34p per kWh.

- On average a 1 metre LED strip with 60 LEDs uses around 7.2 watts of electricity per hour. 

- If you use a 1 metre strip of LEDs for 6 hours a day, you will use 42.3 watts of electricity per day - or 15.8kWh (1577w) per year.

To calculate the cost to run LED strips, you can use the following formula:

Cost = (Length of strips in meters) x (Power consumption per meter in kWh) x (Hours used per day) x (Cost of electricity per kWh)

For example, if you have a 10-meter LED strip that consumes 7.2 watts per meter and you use it for 6 hours per day, the cost to run the strip would be: 

10m x 0.0072w x 6h x 0.34p = £0.15 per day

10 Metres of LED Strip, running for 6 hours a day: £0.15 per day / £1.05 per week / £4.20 per month / £50.4 per year

How To Reduce LED Lighting Costs

• Choose high-quality LED lights. Cheap LED lights may be tempting, but they often use more energy and don't last as long. Look for LED lights that have a high lumen output per watt (lm/w) rating.

• Use dimmer switches. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your LED lights, which can help to save energy.

• Turn off lights when you leave a room. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to remember to turn off lights when you leave a room, even if you're just going to be gone for a few minutes.

• Use motion sensors. Motion sensors can be used to automatically turn on and off lights when people enter or leave a room. This can be a great way to save energy in areas where lights are often left on for long periods of time, such as hallways and stairwells.

Light Up Your Space

LED lighting is becoming more trendy, and what better way to integrate this into your home aesthetic than the skirting boards.  Skirting boards have a long and traditional history, and LED lights are modern. Combine these two design elements for a contemporary lighting fusion. Choose from premade LED skirting or take control over every aspect with an LED applicable skirting board.

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