Linear lighting systems and methods. In one example, two or more lighting elements having an essentially linear or curvilinear shape are coupled together to form a lighting system. Each lighting element includes a group of LEDs arranged so as to illuminate the essentially linear or curvilinear shape of the lighting element. Each element may include LEDs to generate the same color light, and/or LEDs to generate light of different colors. Additionally, each element may include one or more controllers to control the LEDs so as to create a variety of temporal and/or color-oriented lighting effects. The controller(s) may employ one or more of a variety of control techniques to control the LEDs, such as those involving analog control signals or pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signals. The lighting elements of the system may each be configured as a "stand alone" unit working within the system, producing respective lighting effects that may or may not be coordinated with each other. Alternatively, two or more elements of the system may be configured as addressable lighting elements to facilitate coordination of the elements as a networked lighting system. Any of the foregoing linear lighting systems may be used in a variety of interior or exterior, as well as direct or indirect, lighting applications. In one example, such lighting systems are particularly well-suited as replacements or substitutes for neon lighting installations.