People should install LEDs in kitchens, as they 'future-proof' a house ★★★★★

Published on: 11/02/2011

People intending on installing a new kitchen this year may want to install a fixture type of light.

This is because - according to a lights designer - LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are due to have a very big year.

Victoria Lee, who works at lighting consultancy and design firm Light IQ, said that although the popularity of LEDs will rise with "reckless abandon" this year, some consumers need convincing.

"It's such a big learning curve for the public; I think it's going to take a long time to come around to the idea of LED downlights," she said.

"We've been having to go round to clients with samples and say, 'look, these are really, really good'."

New legislation, introduced in October, means that 75 per cent of all wiring and lighting in new-build houses must be environmentally friendly.

Ms Lee also said that installing LED lighting is cost-efficient, "regardless of price", because it is a way of future-proofing your kitchen.