Linear LED Lighting

A linear fixture puts light in a line instead of a circle. Over a kitchen island, a conference table or a long reception desk, that shape simply fits the surface better than a round pendant does.

Three ways to mount them

• Suspended — hung on cables, adjustable in height. The most common choice over islands and tables.
• Surface mounted — fixed to the ceiling where there is no room to hang.
• Recessed — set into the ceiling so only a slot of light shows. The cleanest look and the most involved install.

Sizing to the surface below

Aim for a fixture about two thirds the length of what it lights. A 72-inch island suits a 48-inch linear fixture. Centre it on the surface, not on the room — those two are rarely the same point.

Hanging height

Add 3 inches for every foot of ceiling above 8 feet.

Up, down, or both

Down-only throws light on the work surface. Up-and-down fixtures also bounce light off the ceiling, which softens shadows and makes a room read as brighter without raising the wattage. In an office, up-and-down is usually the better call.

Related

Joining runs for a whole floor plate? See commercial ceiling lights. For hidden indirect light instead of a visible bar, look at cove lighting.