LED lighting / cool lighting

jamief · 8 Aug 2007 at 10:59

I've just finished redecorating my spare room, and installing all my gym equipment into it. It is now a multipurpose gym/office, with spin bike, weight bench, rack, weight trees etc and a glass desk with my PC on it.

The walls are a pale blue colour, ceiling white.

I'd like to get some cool lighting for the room, either wall or celing mount. Anyone got any suggestions? I've always liked LEDs. Ideally the lights could be used for

1) Evening when I'm using weights, so need something that *can* be bright

2) Nightime when I'm on PC, so I'd like something very subtle (i.e. a glow around the walls or something.

Anyone any experience of something like this?

DavidQ · 8 Aug 2007 at 12:25

If you search the popular auction site for "mood lighting" you should find what you're looking for.

ScarySquirrel · 8 Aug 2007 at 12:51

I used to (well I still do but I don't sleep in there anymore) have some cold cathode tubes just like the ones you put inside your PC case behind the headboard of my bed. You get an AC adapter and they only cost about £12 or something. Be careful not to break them though

They give off a really cool glow though

jamief · 8 Aug 2007 at 12:54

That sounds like the kind of thing I'm after. The PC case I've got has a few cold cathodes in it already so it gives off a nice blue glow. However I'd ideally like something which can be discreetly mounted maybe around the skirting or something, i.e. not cables trailing everywhere......

MikeHunt79 · 8 Aug 2007 at 13:11

jamief said:
1) Evening when I'm using weights, so need something that *can* be bright

2) Nightime when I'm on PC, so I'd like something very subtle (i.e. a glow around the walls or something.

LED's are perfect for number 2. LED's are very efficient, and you can get them in all sorts of colours so no need for filters.

As for number 1... unless you use a lot of them, you will have a hard time matching the brightness normal lighting. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you will find it more trouble than it's worth. Pop in some OSRAM IRC halogen bulbs and be done with it. :cool:

jamief · 8 Aug 2007 at 13:38

MikeHunt79 said:
LED's are perfect for number 2. LED's are very efficient, and you can get them in all sorts of colours so no need for filters.

As for number 1... unless you use a lot of them, you will have a hard time matching the brightness normal lighting. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you will find it more trouble than it's worth. Pop in some OSRAM IRC halogen bulbs and be done with it.

Maybe I should just go with a normal flush mount light on the roof for #1, and get some leds around the walls for #2.... need to speak to my electrician mate this weekend