There are a lot of different ways to light up a room, and one of the most popular methods is by using led strips. Led strips can be used to create a variety of different lighting effects, and they are relatively affordable compared to other types of lighting–both short-term and long-term.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using led strips to light up a room. We will also provide some tips on how to install them for better lighting.
The Pros Of Using LED Strip Lights To Light Up A Room
There are a lot of benefits to using LED strip lights to light up a room. Here are a few of the most notable benefits:
1. You Can Control The Brightness Of The Lights
One of the best things about LED strip lights is that you can control the brightness of the light. This means that you can increase or decrease the lighting depending on your needs.
If you want to create a romantic mood, for example, you can dim the lights. Or, if you want to create a party atmosphere, you can turn up the brightness.
This flexibility is one of the main reasons why LED strip lights are becoming so popular when it comes to lighting up spaces. You can do this by using dimmer switches or controllers.
Dimmers work with your home’s existing wiring, and they give you more control over the light output of your LED strips. Controllers, on the other hand, plug into an outlet, and they offer a wireless way to control the lights.
Most controllers will come with a remote, which makes them even easier to use.
Tip: If you want to save money, look for a controller that has multiple channels. This way, you can control multiple sets of LED strip lights with one controller.
2. LED Strip Lights Can Be Evenly Distributed
Another thing that makes lighting up a room LED strip lights is that they can be evenly distributed. This is especially true if the LED strip light is properly channeled and diffused using an aluminium extrusion.
This ensures that the light is evenly distributed, and it also helps to reduce any hot spots. Hot spots can occur when the LEDs are not properly diffused, and they can cause the lights to appear brighter in certain areas.
If you want to achieve an even distribution of light, make sure that you invest in a good quality aluminium extrusion.
Tip: You can also use diffusing channels to help evenly distribute the light. These are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and they can be attached to the LED strip lights using double-sided tape or screws.
3. They Are Low-Cost And Energy-Efficient
LED strip lights are very low-cost and energy-efficient. This is because they use a fraction of the electricity that traditional light bulbs use.
They also have a longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs, which means that you won’t have to replace them as often.
In fact, LED strip lights can last up to 50,000 hours. This is equivalent to about six years of continuous use.
To put this into perspective, if you were to use your LED strip lights for eight hours a day, every day, they would last for over 17 years.
Tip: One thing to keep in mind is that not all LED strip lights are created equal. There are some that use more energy than others.
To ensure that you are getting the most energy-efficient LED strip lights, look for ones that have a high lumen per watt ratio.
This indicates how much light is produced per unit of electricity used. The higher the ratio, the more energy-efficient the LED strip lights will be.
4. They Are Easy To Install
Installing LED strip lights is a relatively easy process. In most cases, all you will need to do is to stick it up and connect the light to a power source and you will be ready to go.
If you want to get a little bit more creative with your installation, you can use aluminium extrusions to create a channeled look. You can also use them to diffuse the light and create an even distribution of light.
Tip: If you are going to be using aluminium extrusions, make sure that you get ones that are specifically designed for LED strip lights.
This is because some extrusions can cause the light to appear dimmer. Also, make sure that the extrusion is properly sealed so that no water or moisture can get in and damage the LEDs.
5. They Provide A Variety Of Different Lighting Effects
LED strip lights provide a variety of different lighting effects. For example, you can use them to create a gradient effect or change the color of the light.
You can also use them to create a strobing effect or make the light pulse to the music. The possibilities are endless.
Tip: If you want to get the most out of your LED strip lights, invest in a controller. A controller will give you the ability to change the settings and create different lighting effects.
Most controllers will come with a remote, which makes them even easier to use. As you can see, there are many reasons why LED strip lights are a great option for lighting up a room. They are low-cost, energy-efficient, and easy to install.
The Cons Of Using LED Strip Lights To Light Up A Room
While there are some good things about LED strip lights, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
1. Ventilation
Is Important
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using LED strip lights is that ventilation is important.
Although LED strip lights do not produce too much heat, if there is not enough ventilation, the heat can build up and cause the lights to overheat.
Overheating can lead to a decrease in lifespan as well as a decrease in light output.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that there is enough ventilation in the area where you are using the LED strip lights.
If possible, try to use them in an open space so that the heat can dissipate more easily.
2. The Lights Might Not Be Bright Enough
In some instances, the LED strip lights might not be bright enough to light up a room on their own.
This is more likely to happen if you are using lower quality or cheaper LED strip lights. If you find that the LED strip lights are not bright enough, you can try using them in conjunction with other types of lighting.
For example, you can use them under cabinets or behind furniture. You can also use them to accent other light sources in the room.
Where To Install LED Strip Light For Optimal Lighting?
The key to getting good lighting with LED strip lights is to layer them properly.
1. Install LED Strip Lights On The Ceiling
The ceiling is definitely one of the most popular places to install LED strip lights–to better light up your room.
This is because they provide a nice, even distribution of light in the room. You can also use them to create a gradient effect or change the color of the light.
They are also great for accenting other light sources in the room, such as chandeliers or pendant lights.
To better light up a room, install LED strip lights both on the edges and middle section of the ceiling so that the light can be evenly distributed in the room.
And don’t forget to use a diffuser! This will help to distribute the light and prevent any hot spots evenly.
2. Install LED Strip Lights Around The Room’s Perimeter
Another great option for lighting up a room is to install LED strip lights around the perimeter of the room. This will not only provide good ambient lighting but will also help to create a more evenly lit space.
To get the most out of this method, make sure to install the LED strip lights at least 12 inches away from the wall. This will help to prevent any hot spots and ensure that the light is evenly distributed.
You can also use this method to highlight certain architectural features in the room, such as crown molding or fireplace mantels.
Installing LED strip lights around the perimeter of the room is a great way to provide good ambient lighting and create a more evenly lit space.
3. Use LED Strip Lights To Accent Other Light Sources
Another great way to use LED strip lights is to accent other light sources in the room. This can help to add more dimension to the space and create a more layered look.
Some great places to install LED strip lights for this purpose are under cabinets, behind furniture, or even in archways.
When using LED strip lights to accent other light sources, make sure that the strip lights are not too close to the light source. This can create a hot spot and cause the light to appear more concentrated.
Instead, try to position the strip lights so that they are about a foot away from the light source. This will help to diffuse the light and create a more even effect.
If you want to add more dimension to your space and create a more layered look, try using LED strip lights to accent other light sources in the room.
Tips For Installing LED Strip Lights In A Room
Before I wrap things up with this article, I want to leave you with a few tips for installing LED strip lights so you can have a properly lit-up room.
Tip #1
If you want your LED strip lights to be as bright as possible, look for ones that have a high lumen output.
Tip #2
When installing your LED strip lights, make sure that you use the proper power supply. If you are using a 12-volt LED strip light, then you will need to use a 12-volt power supply.
Using the wrong power supply can damage the LED strip light and cause it not to work properly.
Tip #3
Make sure that you clean the surface before you stick on the LED strip light. This will help to ensure that the adhesive sticks properly and prevents any dust or dirt from getting trapped under the light.
To clean the surface, simply use a lint-free cloth and some isopropyl alcohol.
Tip #4
When cutting the LED strip light, make sure that you use a sharp pair of scissors. This will help to prevent the LED strip light from getting damaged or breaking.
It is also a good idea to seal the ends of the cut strip with electrical tape to prevent any moisture from getting in.
Installing LED strip lights is a great way to light up a room. They are low-cost, energy-efficient, and easy to install.
Just keep in mind that ventilation is important and that the LED strip lights might in some cases not be bright enough on their own.
Tip #5
Make sure the diffuser you choose for your LED strip lighting is not going to produce a “hotspot”. A hotspot is an area that is noticeably brighter than the surrounding areas.
This can be caused by using a diffuser that is not wide enough or by having the LEDs too close together.
To avoid this, make sure to use a diffuser that is at least as wide as the LED strip light and that the LEDs are spaced out evenly.
Tip #6
You want to consider the size of your room when choosing the right LED strip light. If you have a small room, then you might not need a strip that is as long.
Conversely, if you have a large room, then you might need a longer strip or multiple strips of lights.
It is also important to take into account the height of the ceilings in your room. The higher the ceilings, the more light you will need to light up the space properly.
