LED Ceilings - Our experts provide 3 of the best solutions for illuminated ceilings
There are several options when it comes to LED ceilings and if you’ve got a large ceiling area to cover with an expanse of even light, it can be hard to know what the best solution is.
We’ve put together an objective comparison of the three main contenders – backlit acrylic panels, backlit fabric panels and backlit stretch ceilings - highlighting their design appeal, merits and limitations.
This article highlights the key similarities and differences between each product.
If you need a more detailed comparison, with more specification information, then you can download our side-by-side comparison table here.
'LIGHTFIELD'
LED Backlit Acrylic Panels
'RAFT'
LED Backlit Fabric Panels
'STRETCH'
LED Backlit Stretch Ceiling
If you’re looking for a quick summary, here’s our take-away:
• Ultra slim
• Easy to install and maintain
• Limited maximum size
• Easy to install
• Very robust
• Better suited to higher ceilings
• Clean, frameless and modern feel
• Great value across large areas
• Requires specialist installation
Diving a bit deeper into each product, let’s first look at what they all have in common:
• Made to measure, bespoke to your dimensions
• Even illumination and perfectly diffused light with no hotspots, striping, pin pricks of visible LEDs or shadowing
• Typical Colour Rendering Index of 85 CRI as standard, with 90 CRI+ also available
• Available in a variety of temperatures and colours: White 2700K – 6500K • Tuneable White 2200K – 6500K • RGBW
• Reinforced collared cut-outs can be added to allow for ceiling fixtures & existing structures such as wayfinding devices, sprinklers & smoke detectors
• Clean Installation
• Choice of 1-10 dimmable, DALI, TRIAC & DMX drivers and compatible w/ standard controllers - Lutron, Creston, Control4 etc
• Emergency lighting functionality can be integrated into the lighting panels
• Each option is also available for wall mounting, meaning you can tie wall and ceiling lighting features together
• Guaranteed to run for 50,000 hours
Now that you’ve ticked these things off your list, it’s time to look at what makes each solution for LED ceilings different.
LIGHTFIELD
LED Backlit Acrylic Panels
An ultra-slim, framed LED Lighting panel with diffused, even lighting to an acrylic front face
• Popular applications: retail and commercial spaces
• Largest recommended panel size: 1.5m x 2.4m
• Product depth: 25mm
• Weight: 14kg / sqm
• Front face: 3mm opal acrylic – optional finishes available
• Frame: 16.7mm anodised aluminium – optional finishes available
Advantages
• Low profile – a super slim solution where space is at a premium
• Panels can be locked together & maintain perfect alignment with integrated coupling system
• Optional upstands to hide wiring and driver to provide a clean finish
• Prefabricated unit that’s easy to install for your electrical contractor or fitting team
• Easy to clean
• Lighting element easily accessible for maintenance
Considerations
• Heavier than other products at 14kg/sqm
• Limited maximum size
• Lower delivered lumens/w than other options at 55 lumens/w
RAFT
LED Backlit Fabric Panels
A robust, framed LED Lighting panel with diffused, even lighting to a stretched fabric front face
• Popular applications: retail, commercial, residential, hospitality
• Largest recommended panel size: 5m x 6m
• Product depth: 125mm
• Weight: typically 10kg/sq.m – varies with size
• Front face: PVC fabric or polyurethane-coated polyester canvas – optional finishes available
• Frame: 2mm anodised aluminium – optional finishes available
Advantages
• The stretched fabric surface provides seamless and smooth finish
• Perfect for covering large areas with even panelled lighting
• Front face fabric comes in a large range of colours and finishes and can also be printed with any high-resolution design or image
• Panels can be locked together and maintain perfect alignment with integrated coupling system
• Double fabric layer available to prevent shadows from dust and insects
• Easy intallation by electrical contractor for panels up to 1.8m x 4m
• Acoustic layer available
• Lighting element easily accessible for maintenance
• High lumen output and high efficiency
Considerations
• Frame depth means that it is best suited to higher ceilings
• Not as cost effective as Stretch ceiling on largest spaces
• Panels over 1.8m x 4m need to be installed by specialist team
Links and downloads
Download Raft Data Sheet
Download Product Comparison PDF
Visit our Raft Product Page
STRETCH
LED Backlit Stretch Fabric
A backlit fabric membrane which is heat stretched across a concealed perimeter frame
• Popular applications: retail, commercial, residential, hospitality, public spaces
• Coverage area: up to 50sq.m in a single piece. (5m width)
• Product depth: 90mm – 300mm as standard. Where space is limited, a thinner 35mm option is available
• Weight: typically 4.5kg/sq.m – varies with size
• Front face: PVC fabric or polyurethane-coated polyester canvas – optional finishes available
• Frameless appearance
Advantages
• Perfect for covering large expanses with a seamless, uncluttered modern aesthetic
• Cover whole ceilings or shaped ceiling sections
• Front face fabric comes in a large range of colours and finishes and can also be printed with any high-resolution design or image
• Great for hiding ugly or messy ceilings
• Double fabric layer available to prevent shadows from dust and insects
• Acoustic layer available
• A cost-effective solution for sizeable ceiling spaces
• Can be installed within the ceiling void or proud of the existing ceiling surface
Considerations
• Location needs to be clear of all other services for installation
• Lighting maintenance requires removal of front fabric section to access the lighting panels
• Installation by specialist team required
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