Ceiling LED strip lights enthusiasts probably love them for their decorative features that can transform a space into a relaxing and stylish environment.
But that’s not it. It’s remarkable how the lights can fit into any part of a ceiling. But how do they work, and how do you install them?
This article takes an in-depth look into ceiling LED strip lights. Also included is a buyer’s guide and some latest technology features of these lights.
What Are Ceiling LED Strip Lights?
As the name suggests, the design of these lights is for installation on the ceiling. There are various types, each suited for different ceiling designs.
Also, they come with features that allow you to vary the room’s appearance depending on your needs.
Moreover, the lights have unique design features you can control using a mobile app or remote control from anywhere in the room.
Some even have a timer you can set so that the lights come on and off at the time of your choosing.
What Are Ceiling LED Strip Lights Used For?
Often, people use LED strip lights for illuminative decorative purposes.
See, they have different colors that you can switch from one to another depending on the mood you want your room to have.
Also, they’re dimmable, allowing you to adjust their light intensity.
Further, you can use ceiling LED strips to highlight objects, such as bookshelves, prized collections, and artwork.
Or to add beauty to your home using light emanating from the ceiling. Further, you can install them to create an illusion, such as the night sky or clouds.
And the fact that you can cut and connect multiple LED strips means that it’s possible to install them on any ceiling, any way you like.
How do Ceiling LED Strip Lights Work?
The first thing to note is that ceiling LED strip lights comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that produce light at different wavelengths.
To do so, they use DC (direct current). Therefore, they must use LED drivers that convert AC (alternating current) to the required DC.
Now the, LEDs consist of different semiconductor materials. An electric current excites electrons in the materials, generating protons that produce visible light.
Interestingly, different semiconductor materials produce different amounts of light and color. There are single-color LED strips and multicolor LED strips.
Then there are RGB (red, green, and blue) strip lights, which produce red, green, and blue lights depending on the combination of semiconductor material.
How to Choose the Best Ceiling LED Strip Lights: Buyer’s Guide
The following are some factors to consider when buying ceiling LED strip lights:
Quality:
Likely, you want strip lights that last on your ceiling. Therefore, what you need is quality LED strip lights. But don’t just take the seller’s word for it.
Instead, choose strip lights that have a warranty. This protects you in case of any malfunction caused by manufacturing faults.
Brightness:
Now lumen is the unit employed in measuring the amount of brightness of LEDs. And if you want brighter lights, you may need to spend more to get good quality.
Also, consider the output, the number of LEDs per meter, and their wattage.
Dimmable:
Undoubtedly, there are days you want dim lighting. Therefore, you should consider the dimming feature of the LED strip lights.
With this feature, you can vary the brightness as desired.
(Caption: LED strip lights dimmer with remote control)
Wattage:
Usually, the lower the wattage of the strip, the less power it will consume.
And most of the strip lights you’ll find are energy efficient, ranging between 5 and 25 watts.
Note that the number of LEDs per meter of strip length also determines the wattage.
How to Install Ceiling LED Strips Lights
Here’s how to attach ceiling LED strips to the ceiling:
Clean and Dry the Ceiling Surface
Often, the surface is dusty or dirty and needs cleaning. Even more important is that cleaning ensures the adhesive part sticks.
Cut the Strips into Appropriate Lengths
Now, LED strips have markings where you should cut. So make sure you cut along those marks to avoid damaging the lights.
To cut, use a sharp object like a knife or scissors.
(Caption: Copper markings on LED strip)
Sometimes, the ceiling’s height exceeds the length of a standard LED strip reel. If that’s the case, use a connector to join one strip to another.
The same will apply if you need to mix different colors of strips.
(Caption: LED strip connector)
Affix the Strips to the Ceiling
Next, peel off the backing of the adhesive. Then slowly press the strip onto the ceiling surface using your hand as you move along the length of the LED strip.
If you want to hide the exposed strip lights, use a diffuser or covers like Tapeguard to conceal the lights.
Alternatively, you can install the lights in areas that are not easily visible. One such area is the edge if you have a drop-down ceiling.
Note, though, that installing strip lights on a textured surface or painted drywall may not work as the adhesive will quickly fall off.
Clip off the Excess LED Strip
Once you’ve covered the entire ceiling surface as intended, cut off any extra strips.
Connect the LED Strips to the Power Supply
Lastly, connect your LED strip to a connector compatible with your lights. Then connect the other end to a plug and plug it into the power source.
Latest Technology Features of LED Ceiling Strips
Dream Color
What’s great about LED strips is that there are several color options to choose from.
While single-color LED strip lights have different shades of white light, multicolor strip lights come in red, green, and blue hues.
But today, you can enjoy a unique dream color experience with LED strips.
They have an inbuilt IC system that makes them display a rainbow-like shade of several colors simultaneously, enhancing your color experience.
And this is what’s known as dream color.
Music Sync
If you want a lighting system that works with your music selection, smart LED strip lights are the way to go.
These lights have an inbuilt microphone that syncs with your music choice.
And there are various music modes that you can choose from, depending on your preference.
Multiple Ways of Control
Another remarkable feature is that you can now control your ceiling LED strip lights from the comfort of your seat.
With some LED strip lights, you’ll use a remote control to regulate color and brightness and turn the lights on and off.
With others, you use your voice through smart speakers like Amazon Echo, Dot, and Google Home Mini, as these are all compatible with the lights. Still, others have wireless control.
FAQs
Can You put LED strip lights on the ceiling?
Yes, you can install LED strip lights on the ceiling. Just ensure you clean the surface well and dry it.
Also, ensure the surface is smooth enough for the adhesive to stick well.
Which LED strip lights are the best in the ceiling?
Typically, those with brightness fit your needs and are dimmable and safe.
Additionally, advanced LED strip lights incorporate the latest technology features like music sync compatibility and IC system for a dream color experience.
Also, multiple ways of controlling the lights, like via smart sound speakers or wireless Wi-Fi control.
What are the two types of LED light strips?
Single-color and color-changing are the two types of LED strip lights. As the name suggests, single-color strips emit one color.
On the other hand, color-changing strip lights have multiple color channels on the same LED strip.
Conclusion
That’s it on ceiling LED strip lights. There’s a lot you can use these lights for.
For example, illuminative decorative purposes, highlighting objects, or creating an illusion.
Also, you now know how they work, how to install them, and how to choose the most suitable ones.