What Is Linear Lighting? Mounting Types, Profiles and Diffuser Choice
Short answer
Linear lighting creates continuous lines of light with LED luminaires in long, slim aluminium profiles. They are surface-mounted on the ceiling, recessed into it or suspended as pendants, and can emit light downwards only (direct) or both downwards and onto the ceiling (direct/indirect). In offices they are used with low-glare micro-prismatic diffusers; in shops and lobbies as lines joined end to end.
Linear luminaires are the most widely used lighting element in modern interior architecture: in offices they follow the rows of desks, in corridors they show the way, and in shops and lobbies they draw graphic lines on the ceiling. When they are thought of as a line of light rather than individual luminaires, they are the type of lighting most in harmony with the architecture.
Mounting types
| Mounting | How? | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Surface-mounted | Directly on the ceiling | Concrete and timber ceilings without a suspended ceiling |
| Recessed | Built into the suspended ceiling, flush with it | Offices and corridors with plasterboard ceilings |
| Pendant, direct | Suspended on wires, light downwards | High ceilings, above tables and counters |
| Pendant, direct/indirect | Light both downwards and onto the ceiling | Open-plan offices, meeting rooms, lobbies |
Profile sizes
The cross-section of a linear luminaire determines both its appearance and its luminous flux. Our Line series datasheet lists four housing types:
| Housing type | Width × height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Slim | 70 × 37 mm | A thin, minimal line |
| Standard | 80 × 50 mm | General use |
| Ultra | 90 × 75 mm | Stronger light |
| Large | 100 × 100 mm | High ceilings, high flux |
Lengths range from 50 cm to 300 cm; longer lines are created by joining luminaires end to end.
Choosing the diffuser
- Opal: Even, soft light; the LED dots are not visible. Corridors, lobbies, decorative applications.
- Micro-prismatic: Directs light in a controlled way and lowers glare. Offices and work areas with screens (UGR ≤ 19 target).
Technical values
- Efficacy: about 100–125 lm/W in the Line series according to the datasheet.
- Colour temperature: 2700K to 6500K and Tunable White options; 4000K is common in offices.
- Colour rendering: Ra > 80 as standard, Ra > 90 as an option.
- Control: DALI, 1-10V, Switch DIM and Triac; optional 1- or 3-hour emergency kit.
Design tips
- Align the lines with the architecture: rows of desks, corridor axes, column grids.
- In open-plan offices, position luminaires so that they do not reflect in screens, not directly above the desks.
- For corners and special shapes, consider decorative linear systems in L, Y, X and square shapes.
- On long lines, plan feed points and emergency luminaires from the start.
Conclusion
With the right mounting type, profile and diffuser, linear lighting is both efficient and in harmony with the architecture. You can explore our linear models and our decorative linear series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mounting types are linear luminaires used in?
Surface-mounted (directly on the ceiling), recessed (into a suspended ceiling) and pendant (on suspension wires). Pendant models can emit light downwards only (direct) or both downwards and onto the ceiling (direct/indirect).
What is the difference between opal and micro-prismatic diffusers?
An opal diffuser spreads light softly and evenly and hides the LED dots. A micro-prismatic diffuser directs light in a controlled way and lowers glare (UGR); it suits office areas with screens.
Can linear luminaires be joined end to end?
Yes. With systems such as Line-Set, luminaires are joined to create a continuous line of light along a corridor or open-plan office; feed points are planned at the design stage.
What are the advantages of direct/indirect pendant linear luminaires?
Because part of the light is reflected from the ceiling, the ceiling does not stay dark, the space looks more open and glare is reduced; they are preferred in open-plan offices and meeting rooms.