Five ways to use LED strip lighting

Key points: How to use LED lighting

Before choosing your LED strip lighting, keep these points in mind:

• Choose an LED light strip that suits the location, available power source and type of light you want.
• Measure the installation area before buying and only trim a strip at the manufacturer’s marked cut points.
• Apply adhesive-backed strips to a clean, dry and suitable surface, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Select a product specifically suitable for damp or wet areas when adding LED strip lighting to a bathroom.
• Use a licensed electrician if the installation requires hardwired electrical work.

Highlight shelves and benchtops

By day, your carefully curated floating shelves and display units look spot-on, but the magic is lost when the light fades. And it’s hard to keep your kitchen stylish and functional when overhead cupboards block light from reaching the benchtop.

Under-cabinet LED lighting in neutral white is a quick route to a custom-built look. Measure the space first and check that the strip’s power source and length suit the location. Clean and dry the surface, then apply a dotless LED light strip along the underside of a shelf lip or kitchen cupboard, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

This gives you a smooth line of supplementary light across the surface while putting favourite pieces in the spotlight.

Get a movie-night upgrade

It’s a familiar ritual – lights down, remote in hand, movie queued up to play. But a bright screen in a dark room can create an uncomfortable contrast, while the black rectangle tends to dominate the space when it’s switched off.

Take the edge off both with LED strip lights behind the TV. A strip running around the back edge can cast soft light on the rear wall, while compatible colour-changing LED strip lights may offer settings that respond to on-screen content.

Check the product requirements before buying, as smart functions may depend on a compatible app, device or system. Position the strip and cable so they don’t block the TV’s ventilation openings.

Wake up wardrobes and cupboards

Having lots of storage is the dream, but deep wardrobes, linen cupboards and pantries can become a nightmare if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Give yourself a head start with sensor cupboard lighting.

Attach a battery-powered or USB-rechargeable strip with a built-in motion sensor inside the cupboard, following the product instructions. It can light the space when the door opens, with no switch to reach for.

The hands-free operation comes in handy when you’re dressing for work, hunting for an ingredient mid-recipe or grabbing something from the laundry cupboard, washing in hand. Because a motion-sensor light switches off automatically, it also avoids staying on when the cupboard isn’t in use.

Give your ceiling a glow-up

Ceiling lighting in a living area can be a challenge. Bright LED downlights may feel like too much when it’s time to wind down, while one central light can leave parts of the room underlit.

Ceiling cove lighting creates indirect ambient light by hiding the LED strip from direct view. If you already have a suitable ceiling recess or shelf ledge, measure the full run and choose a strip that suits the length and available power source.

A long run of dotless lights can give you a smoother result with fewer joins. Warm white can create a cosy feel, while a dimmable strip lets you adjust the brightness if the product and controller are compatible. If the project involves altering a cornice, working at height or hardwired electrical work, consider whether it’s safer to use a qualified trade.

Make a feature of it

LED strip lighting can highlight the shapes, textures and design details you want to stand out. Concealed behind a suitable mirror, shelf or piece of furniture, it can create a soft glow and reduce hard shadows.

Flexible strips can follow curves, but check the product’s minimum bend requirements and installation instructions rather than forcing it around a tight corner. Also make sure the strip, cable and power source can sit securely without being pinched or damaged.

In a bathroom, choose a product specifically suitable for the intended location and follow its installation instructions. A high colour rendering index, or CRI, can help colours appear more natural, which is useful around a mirror.

Choose LED strip lighting for your space

Ready to try one of these LED strip lighting ideas at home? Measure the area, check the power source and choose a strip suited to the location, then browse the LED strip lighting range online or compare options at your local store.

Frequently asked questions

Can every LED light strip be cut to size?

No. Only cut an LED strip if the manufacturer says it can be trimmed, and only cut at the marked points. Cutting in the wrong place may damage the strip or stop part of it from working.

Why won’t my adhesive LED strip stay in place?

Dust, moisture, grease or an unsuitable surface can stop the adhesive from bonding properly. Clean the mounting area with a suitable cleaner, let it dry completely and follow the preparation and curing instructions supplied with the product.

Can I use LED strip lighting in a bathroom?

Only use a strip that the manufacturer identifies as suitable for the intended bathroom location. Check the product instructions before installation, keep the power source within its permitted location and use a licensed electrician for hardwired electrical work.

What colour LED strip is best for a kitchen?

Neutral or cool white can provide clearer supplementary light over a working surface, while warm white creates a softer effect. LED strip lighting should complement the kitchen’s main task lighting rather than automatically replace it.

Do smart LED strips work with every television or app?

No. Smart controls, colour matching and sync features depend on the product and its compatibility requirements. Check the product information for supported apps, devices, connections and any additional equipment before buying.