LED strip lights have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to add ambiance and style to homes, offices, and public spaces. They are easy to install, energy-efficient, and come in a variety of colors and styles.
However, sometimes the bright and colorful lights can be distracting or overwhelming, especially if they are placed in the wrong location. That’s where the art of hiding LED strip lights comes in handy.
In this article, we will explore the question of whether or not to hide LED strip lights, as well as how to hide LED strip lights and different tips to hide them effectively in different locations like walls, ceilings, cabinets , mirrors, and more.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a range of ideas to creatively conceal your LED strip lights, so that you can enjoy the benefits of ambient lighting without the distractions.
Should LED Strip Lights Be Hidden?
LED strip lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and energy efficiency. However, some people may wonder whether they should be hidden or not.
Hiding the LED strip lights can give a more polished and professional look to your lighting design. By hiding the light source, you can create a more subtle and indirect lighting effect, which can be more pleasing to the eye. It can help to prevent unwanted glare or hotspots in the room.
However, hiding LED strip lights may require additional time, effort, and cost to install compared to leaving them exposed. If not done properly, hiding LED strip lights may create an uneven or patchy lighting effect. Depending on the location of the LED strip lights, hiding them may not be necessary or practical.
Before deciding to hide LED strip lights, consider the following factors:
- The location of the LED strip lights: Depending on where the LED strip lights are placed, it may be more or less important to hide them. For example, LED strip lights under a cabinet may not need to be hidden, whereas those on a ceiling may benefit from being concealed.
- The desired lighting effect: If you want a subtle, indirect lighting effect, hiding the LED strip lights may be necessary. However, if you prefer a more dramatic or exposed lighting effect, leaving them visible may be preferable.
- The overall design aesthetic: The decision to hide LED strip lights should also take into account the overall design aesthetic of the room. Hiding the lights may be more appropriate in a modern or minimalist design, whereas leaving them exposed may work well in an industrial or rustic space.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights With 6 Ways
The most optimal way to conceal LED strip lights is by utilizing the drop-down roof mountings that are already present in your room.
However, another effective method is to use coving to provide additional space to hide and set up your strips.
You can purchase aluminum coving which is a strip of aluminum that has a downturn to place your LED strip lights and a raised lip to conceal them from view. The lip is low enough to allow the soft and subtle glow to shine through while remaining hidden from view.
This solution looks great as it conceals the dark-colored strip with dotted lights and adds a certain sense of mystery and romance to the light source. Sometimes, less is more!
Another similar solution is to purchase flexible LED profiles that come in a variety of options depending on your project’s requirements.
A LED profile completely houses the LED strip, and the light emits through a diffused surface, creating a stunning glowing effect throughout the room. Hiding the LED light strips can also reduce the frustration of concealing wires later.
As explained below, there are various ways to mask LED light strips to avoid direct light while creating a serene atmosphere in the environment.
In order to hide LED strip lights and their wires, you will need to use a few tools. Here are some essential tools to prepare before getting started.
- Skirting board
- Measuring tape
- Sharp scissors
- Double sided wall tape
- Screw driver
- Aluminum coving
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On Your Floor Trim Molding
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On Your Floor Trim Molding
To hide LED strip lights on your floor trim molding, you can follow this method. First, install the LED strip lights on your floor trim molding. Next, to conceal them, you will need to utilize a skirting board.
Ensure that the skirting board is higher than the floor trim molding. Apply wood glue on the edge of the board and place it just below the LED strips to prevent bright light from hitting the floor. Hold the skirting board in position for about 30 seconds to ensure it sticks together.
This will result in your LED strip lights being hidden behind the floor molding and above the skirting board, illuminating your wall. If you use RGB LED strip lights, the color variations will create an even better glow. The length of the LED strip lights you need to buy depends on the number of rooms you want to illuminate and the size of each room.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On Your Ceiling
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On Your Ceiling
Hiding LED strip lights on your ceiling is a similar process to hiding them on the floor, using LED tape can make the process easier and more effective.
One ideal solution for hiding LED strip lights is to use an LED decorative 2000mm cove pack, which creates a subtle and effective profile for concealing your LED strips. This cove pack can be installed about 400-500mm from the ceiling, making it a great option for hiding LED strip lights through skylights and ceiling lamps as well.
LED strip lights are an excellent solution for illuminating spaces where skylights and other lighting fixtures may not be practical due to limited ceiling space. These lights are lightweight and easy to install, making them a simple yet effective lighting design choice.
The LED strip light can be mounted onto the cove with a small notch to conceal the entire cable, creating a seamless and polished look.
There are many LED cove packs available for purchase to assist with this method. If you require additional assistance or ideas, it is recommended to consult with a designer for more options to effectively hide the LED strip lights.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On The Bottom Of Your Cabinet Counter
LED strip lights are a great addition to your kitchen lighting design, as they can be easily hidden along the sides or behind your cabinets. Whether you install them on top or underneath your cabinets, they can add a beautiful glow to your countertops, making it easier to cook and bake.
The length of the LED strip lights you need for this purpose depends on the size of your kitchen and the size of your cabinets. You can purchase a 16.40-foot roll and cut it to the desired length for your cabinets. With the simple installation of LED strip lights, your kitchen can have a whole new ambiance and style.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights Around Or Behind The Mirror
How To Hide LED Strip Lights Around Or Behind The Mirror
The LED strip light is the only thing that sets apart a regular mirror from your favorite makeup mirror. When planning to hide it, you need to consider where you want to install it – in a bedroom or in a wet room like a bathroom.
If you’re installing it in a bathroom, make sure to choose a waterproof LED strip. However, if you’re planning to use it in your bedroom makeup mirror, you don’t have to worry about this and can save some money.
One way to hide LED strip lights is to install them behind your mirror or customize your dressing table. The look will depend on your personal preference, but keep in mind that your mirror frame should be at least 9.8 mm wide to accommodate the lights. Once installed, the LED strip lights can add a stylish and attractive touch to your area.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On The Bottom Of Your Bed
How To Hide LED Strip Lights On The Bottom Of Your Bed
During the day, natural light floods into your home, but at night, you have the opportunity to create a unique and calming atmosphere with LED light strips. Installing an RGB LED light strip under your bed can add a soothing and relaxing ambiance to your bedroom.
For this purpose, the ideal bed frame should be around 9.9mm wide, and a 10-meter roll of LED strip lights should be enough for most bed sizes, depending on their width and length.
You can hide the lights by placing them directly under your bed or by creating a cave around your bed using the bed frame. This creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom and adds an extra layer of illumination.
How To Hide LED Strip Lights Behind Your TV
How To Hide LED Strip Lights Behind Your TV
There is a significant contrast between the TV screen and the dark room, which can cause eye strain. However, using TV background lights can help to reduce contrast and create a relaxing atmosphere. Adding a backlight can brighten up the entertainment area and enhance the room’s mood.
To achieve this effect, the length of the LED strip light will depend on the size of the TV. For smaller TVs, a 1m or 3m LED wire is recommended, while larger sizes will require LED strips of 5 meters or more.
Hiding the strip lights behind the TV is simple and easy – just place them directly using double-sided tape or wood glue. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of backlighting without any visible wiring or fixtures.
Conclusion
Hiding LED light strips is a crucial element of home design that can enhance the functionality and visual appeal of any space. This article has given you some creative ways to understand better how to hide led strip lights. Each method has its advantages and can be utilized in different settings, depending on personal preferences, design style, and budget.
Installing LED light strips is an excellent way to add ambient lighting to a room without the need for additional lamps or fixtures. Hiding them can prevent them from being an eyesore while also adding an extra layer of visual interest.
When selecting the best method for hiding LED light strips, it is vital to consider the overall design aesthetic of the room and your personal preferences. With proper installation and attention to detail, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home or commercial space that is both functional and visually appealing.
