The same light can look completely different depending on where you put it. Take a porcelain vase. Light in front brings out the glaze and makes the surface look smooth and glossy. Light behind it creates an artistic glow that outlines its shape. LED strip lights are easy to install and very flexible, so they work in almost any room and can create just as many moods. Keep reading to find out where to put yours to get the most out of them.
Behind a Mirror, Facing the Wall
Ever thought about installing LED strip lights behind a large floor mirror instead of in front of it? Picture a statement mirror in your living room. It adds style and makes the space feel bigger, but a bare mirror can feel a little flat. Lights on the front would be too bright and ruin the mood.
Instead, stick the strip to the back of the mirror frame, facing the wall. The mirror seems to float, and the glow washes over the wall as soft background light. Leave a gap of an inch or two between the mirror and the wall so the light has room to spread.
Try Lamomo COB LED strip lights here. Their silky light and warm brightness give the area a distinctive look without the spotty dots you get from standard strips.
Under Kitchen Cabinets, Near the Front Edge
The space under kitchen cabinets is often full of shadows, which makes everyday cooking harder. Plenty of people add LED strips here, but where exactly under the cabinet should they go? It’s worth testing all three spots:
Toward the back, against the wall. This lights up the backsplash and creates a soft, decorative wash. But the countertop where you actually work stays dim, and glossy tile can bounce back visible dots of light.
Toward the front edge. This is the winner for most kitchens. The light falls across the whole counter and cuts down the shadow your own body casts while you chop. The strip also stays hidden behind the cabinet lip, so you see the light and not the hardware.
Directly on the countertop edge. This is the brightest and most dramatic option, but the strip is exposed and the light can create glare and hot spots on the surface. It’s also more likely to get splashed. It works better as a design statement than as a task light.
The same light can look completely different depending on where you put it.
Behind a TV Console
“See the glow, not the strip” is the golden rule for TV backlighting. Unlike the single-color accent lighting in other rooms, most people want color effects behind the TV. That means the light needs to be continuous, with no dots and smooth color transitions.
Wipe the back of the TV or console clean first so the adhesive sticks. Then peel off the backing and press the strip on evenly, keeping it a few inches in from the edges so it stays out of sight. Power it on and test the colors with the remote. Finally, turn on the TV and adjust the light to match what’s on screen. Warm tones work well for movie nights, and brighter, bolder colors suit gaming.
Under the Bed Frame, Set Back From the E
