LED strips lights have become a popular lighting choice for homes across the UK. With their versatility and flexibility, they can be installed in any room, from the kitchen to the bathroom. Many homeowners opt to place LED strip lights on the ceiling, as they provide a cozy and visually appealing downlight that adds depth to the room. If you’re wondering how to hide these strip lights on your ceiling or how to install them, this blog post will provide you with the answers you need.
Effective Ways to Conceal LED Strip Lights
Here are some options you can consider to hide your LED strip lights and wiring on the ceiling:
1. Drop Down Ceilings
Drop-down ceilings, also known as false ceilings, are often installed for decorative purposes. This type of ceiling structure is placed below the main ceiling, typically in the center of the room. LED strip lights can be installed on the top of the drop-down ceiling, remaining hidden from view when standing beneath it. This installation creates a luxurious and dramatic lighting effect that will impress your guests and increase the value of your home. If you’re interested in more home improvement ideas, check out our blog post on increasing home value.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Wiring LED Strip Lights
2. Suspended Ceilings
Suspended ceilings are commonly found in educational, office, and healthcare settings. They come in various styles and are preferred for their energy efficiency, as LED lights utilize 90% of the electricity they consume. LED strip lights are installed around a grid, which is then placed on the ceiling. The grid typically features a thin metal border and comes in a square shape. This type of installation ensures even distribution of light across the room, making it ideal for specific environments.
3. Moulded Picture Rail
Moulded picture rails offer an excellent solution for hiding LED strip lights on your ceiling. These rails come in different shapes, sizes, and colors to suit your preferences. Homeowners often install them around the ceiling to conceal the strips and wiring while choosing an attractive rail that complements the interior of their space.
Installation Steps for best led light strips on Your Ceiling
Follow these steps to install LED strip lights on your ceiling:
Supplies Needed for Installation
LED strip lights
Sharp scissors
Measuring tool
Soldering tool or connectors
Cord covers (optional)
Check if the Lights are Working
Before installation, ensure your LED lights are working properly in a safe environment. Plug in the lights and switch them on to see if they illuminate. If you encounter any issues, reach out to your supplier for assistance. If you’ve purchased your LED strip lights from Light Supplier, you can find our contact details on our website.
Measure the Room
Determine the measurements of the room to know where to cut the strips. Measure each side of the ceiling, from corner to corner, and record the lengths. Calculate the room’s perimeter by adding up all the sides. For instance, if you have a rectangular ceiling with two sides measuring 350 cm and the other two sides measuring 500 cm, the perimeter would be:
350 + 350 + 500 + 500 = 1700 (perimeter in cm)
If you prefer to skip the hassle of manual calculations, you can use an online specialist calculator for accuracy.
Cut the Strips
Use a measurement tool and marker to cut the LED strip lights to the appropriate size. Cut near the dots or copper sections visible on the strip, as these are the safest points to avoid damage. Repeat the process until you have all the necessary sections cut for your ceiling.
Connect the LED Strips
There are two main methods to connect led lights for rooms together:
Connectors: Two types of connectors are commonly used. Gapless pin connectors provide a seamless run of lights without visible gaps, while jumper cord connectors have small gaps between the wires. Choose the appropriate connector and peel back the self-adhesive tape on each end of the strip, placing them on the tape.
Soldering: Soldering is a more technical process that requires a solder and personal protective equipment (PPE). Lightly solder each end of the wire and then solder each dot along the wire. Connect each wire to the corresponding dot and repeat until the process is complete.
Retest
Once you’ve connected the LED strip lights, retest them to ensure everything is functioning correctly. If you encounter any issues, double-check the connections. For example, with connectors, ensure proper alignment by connecting opposites.
Attach the LED Lights to the Ceiling
Use a ladder to position and stick the LED strip lights to the ceiling using self-adhesive tape. Another simple and inexpensive way to conceal the lights on your ceiling is by investing in cord covers. These covers come in various colors, materials, sizes, and shapes, allowing you to find one that seamlessly blends with your surroundings.
Read more: Easy Ways to Conceal LED Strip Lights on Your Ceiling