In today’s world, interior design is looking for solutions to create beautiful, functional and different spaces. One of these solutions is the use of intelligent lighting elements. Light cornices, as one of these elements, have been able to attract a lot of attention. These beautiful and practical products, in addition to lighting the environment, also act as a decorative element and give your space a special beauty. In this article from EDC, we intend to fully examine light cornices, their types, advantages, applications and important points when purchasing and installing them.
What is a light cornice?
In the interior design of houses and architecture, the lower part of the wall that is in contact with the floor is usually covered with a strip or board made of wood or other materials, which is called a cornice. In some cases, light cornices are used to create a decorative effect and lighting.
A light cornice is a type of decorative cornice in which hidden light strips are placed. This light is usually installed at the top or middle of the cornice and shines indirectly onto the wall or ceiling. In this way, the cornice not only covers the contact area between the wall and the floor, but also creates soft and attractive lighting in the space.
It should be noted that these cornices are installed in various places such as walls, ceilings, stairs and even cabinets.
Advantages of using a light cornice
The light cornice has many advantages, some of which are mentioned below:
Beautiful lighting: Light cornices help create soft and indirect lighting. By using LED light inside the cornice, you can create a beautiful space in the room.
Hiding cables: One of the important uses of light cornices is to hide electrical cables and other wires. By placing these wires inside the cornice, they are hidden from view and a cleaner space is created.
Protection against moisture and dust: Light cornices prevent moisture from penetrating the wall when washing the floor. They prevent dust from accumulating in the gap between the wall and the floor and hide the joints of tiles and flooring.
Defining boundaries: These cornices create a clear boundary between the wall and the ceiling or floor and bring order to the interior design.
Easy installation and maintenance: Installing light cornices is easier than other decorative elements and they can be easily maintained and replaced if needed.
Covering construction defects: If there are defects in the walls or ceiling of the building, light cornices can hide these defects and help beautify the space.
Types of light cornices
The types of light cornices are:
Types of light cornices by material
Light cornices have the following types by material:
Wooden light cornices
They are known as one of the most luxurious and stylish types of light cornices. Usually, high-quality woods such as oak and maple are used to make these types of cornices, which makes wooden cornices one of the most expensive options among LED cornices. LED strips are installed on these wooden skirting boards in an obvious or hidden way and are often used for luxury Iranian homes with wooden or laminate flooring.
However, due to the wood material, wooden light skirting boards have a shorter lifespan than other types of skirting boards and require more care. Wood is sensitive to moisture, so it should be selected more carefully in places where it may be exposed to moisture or adverse weather conditions.
MDF skirting boards
They are made of medium-density artificial wood and are a suitable option for use in interior decoration. This type of skirting board has good resistance to moisture and is more affordable than other options.
Due to the wide variety of designs and colors available, MDF skirting boards have become one of the most widely used choices in homes. LED strips are installed on these skirting boards and by choosing different colors, they can give a beautiful look to the home space.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) skirting boards
Made of plastic materials, they are an excellent alternative to wooden or MDF skirting boards. Due to their high resistance to moisture and corrosion, these types of skirting boards require less maintenance and can be used without problems in wet environments such as bathrooms, kitchens and yards. Due to their light weight and plastic structure, these skirting boards are very easy to install and can be installed with glue, nails or screws.
PVC skirting boards are available in a variety of designs and models, from classic to modern, and you can choose a design that matches your interior decoration. Economically, PVC skirting boards are generally cheaper than wooden skirting boards and other similar materials.
Ceramic skirting boards
Ceramic skirting boards are one of the oldest and most traditional types of skirting boards that were used in many old buildings to cover the gap between the wall and the floor.
Ceramic light skirting boards are made of ceramic or tile, and some are designed to have an LED strip inside them, acting as a hidden light source. These types of skirting boards are usually more expensive than simple ceramic skirting boards, but overall, ceramic light skirting boards are considered a more expensive option.
Types of light skirting boards by lighting method
Cornice with light line: These types of cornices have light lines that emit light directly or indirectly into the environment.
Ceiling light cornice: Light cornices that are attached to the ceiling and emit soft light to the walls and ceiling are suitable for large spaces.
Cabinet light cornice: Cornices that are installed under or above the cabinet and are used for kitchen lighting.
Types of light cornices by installation type
Surface-mounted light cornice: This type of cornice is installed surface-mounted and can be easily replaced or moved.
Built-in light cornice: These types of cornices are placed inside the wall or ceiling and have a cleaner and more uniform appearance, but their installation is more complicated and requires a specialist.
Applications of light cornices
Some of the uses of light cornices are as follows:
Interior lighting
Decoration and beautification of interior decoration
Lighting of stairs and corridors
Under-cabinet lighting
Public places such as hotels, shopping malls, airports, meeting halls
Commercial spaces, restaurants, stores
Building facade lighting, terrace and courtyard
Installing light cornices
To install light cornices, you must follow the following steps:
Choosing the type of cornice and lighting
First, you must choose the type of light cornice that is to be installed. Cornices are produced from various materials such as MDF, PVC, wood or ceramic. Choosing the type of lighting is also important. LED lights that are installed hidden in cornices are a common option for light cornices.
Measuring and preparing the surface
Before installation, you must measure the wall and floor and determine the exact length of the cornices. It is best to clean the walls and floor of any dust and dirt so that the cornices can be installed properly. If the wall has irregularities or cracks, these defects must be eliminated.
Cutting the cornices
After measuring, cut the cornices to the required lengths. You can use special saws for this. Be sure to calculate the angles of the walls precisely so that when installing the cornices, they fit exactly in the corners.
Installing the LED strip
The LED strips should be installed into the groove or recess designed in the cornice. Make sure that the LED strip fits completely into the cornice and that no excess parts protrude. Route the LED wires in a hidden path towards the power supply.
Securing the cornices to the wall
Now it’s time to install the cornice to the wall. Depending on the type of cornice, you can use special adhesives, nails or screws to install it. If you use adhesive, you need to clean the surface of the wall and cornice and apply the adhesive with appropriate pressure. When installing with nails or screws, make sure that the cornice is properly and firmly attached to the wall.
Connecting to the power supply
After installing the cornice and LED strip, connect the wires to the power supply. It is recommended to use a power supply with the appropriate voltage for LED strips. If you need to adjust the lighting, you can also use the relevant controls.
Final testing and adjustment
After the cornices are fully installed and the LED strips are connected, turn on the power supply and test the lighting. Make sure that the lights are illuminated evenly and without creating shadow spots. Do this if you need to make final adjustments, such as aligning the cornices or adjusting the light intensity.
Final care and maintenance
Finally, you need to make sure that the cornices are installed correctly and the LED strips are fixed in place. To extend the life of the LED strips and prevent damage, it is necessary to clean the cornices and check the lighting system from time to time.
Important points when buying a light cornice
When buying a light cornice, pay attention to the following:
Material and resistance: Depending on the place of use, the material of the cornice must be resistant to moisture, heat or impact.
Type of lighting: Depending on your needs, the cornice can provide direct or indirect light.
Installation method: Surface-mounted light cornices are easy to install, but installing built-in cornices requires a specialist.
Price of light cornice
The price of a light cornice varies depending on the material, type of lighting, and size. Factors such as the manufacturer’s brand, material of the cornice, type of installation (surface-mounted or recessed), and type of lighting have a direct impact on the final price. In general, MDF light cornices are more expensive due to their higher quality, while PVC cornices are more affordable.
