LED Strip Light Ideas + How to Install, Cut & Turn Corners
LED strip being installed around a cabinet corner with connector nearby

Quick answer: RGB LED strip lights are the fastest way to add color and mood to a room. The most popular spots are behind a TV or monitor (bias lighting that cuts eye strain), along a ceiling cove, under a bed, and around a desk or shelves. To install: wipe the surface clean, peel and stick, cut only at the marked points, and round corners with a gentle bend — never a sharp crease.

Our RGB LED Strip Lights come in rolls from 50 to 200 ft with a remote for color and effects. Here are the best ways to use them and how to install them cleanly.

LED strip light ideas

  • Behind the TV (bias lighting): a strip around the back of the TV softens the contrast between a bright screen and a dark wall, which reduces eye strain and makes colors look richer.
  • Behind a monitor / gaming desk: the same trick for your setup, plus an easy way to add your favorite color to a battlestation.
  • Ceiling cove or crown molding: run the strip along the top of the wall for an even, indirect wash of color.
  • Under the bed or floating shelves: a hidden strip gives a modern “floating” glow.
  • Behind a headboard, mirror, or desk: outline a feature to make it pop.
  • Kitchen under-cabinet: practical accent lighting over the counter.

How to install them

  1. Clean the surface. Wipe where the strip will go with rubbing alcohol and let it dry — smooth, clean, dry surfaces hold the adhesive best. Avoid dusty, rough, or oily walls.
  2. Plan the path first. Dry-fit the run before peeling, so you know where corners and the power connection land.
  3. Peel and stick. Remove the backing a section at a time and press the strip down as you go.
  4. Connect the power. Plug the strip into its control box and power adapter, keeping the control box and plug away from moisture.

How to cut the strip to length

Only cut at the marked cut lines printed along the strip (usually shown with a scissor icon). Cutting anywhere else damages that section. One important note for our strip: cut sections can’t easily be reconnected without tools, so measure and plan your cuts before you trim — cut once, in the right place.

How to turn corners

  • Gentle curve: for a wide corner, bend the strip in a smooth, rounded arc. Never crease or fold it sharply — the circuits inside are delicate and a hard fold can break them.
  • 90-degree fold: for a tight corner, fold the strip back on itself at 45 degrees so it turns a clean right angle, then secure the fold.
  • Measuring for behind a TV: lay masking tape along the back edges you want to light, measure that, and lay the TV face-down on a soft surface (like a bed) while you apply the strip.

Setting the mood with the remote

The included remote picks any color across the RGB spectrum, adjusts brightness, and switches between preset modes like fade, jump, and static — from a slow color drift to a single held color. Warm tones suit relaxing spaces; brighter, bolder colors suit gaming and parties. The strip works indoors and in covered outdoor spots — just keep the control box dry.

Best spotsBehind TV/monitor, ceiling cove, under bed, desk, shelves
Surface prepWipe with rubbing alcohol; smooth & dry
CuttingOnly at marked lines; not reconnectable without tools
CornersGentle curve or 45° fold — never a sharp crease
Lengths50, 100, 150, 200 ft rolls

Frequently asked questions

Where should I put LED strip lights in my room?

The most popular spots are behind the TV or monitor (bias lighting that reduces eye strain), along a ceiling cove, under the bed, and around a desk or shelves. Hidden placements that wash light onto a surface look best.

How do I cut LED strips to size?

Cut only at the marked cut lines on the strip. On our strip, cut sections can’t easily be reconnected without tools, so measure and plan before trimming — cut once in the right spot.

How do I turn a corner without breaking the strip?

Bend it in a gentle, rounded curve for wide corners, or make a 45-degree fold for a clean 90-degree turn. Never crease or fold it sharply, as that can break the internal circuits.

How do I get the strip to stick properly?

Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry first — clean, smooth, dry surfaces hold best. Peel the backing a section at a time and press firmly as you go. Avoid dusty, rough, or oily walls.

Can I use them outside?

They’re rated for indoor and covered outdoor use, like a covered patio or balcony. Keep the control box and plug away from moisture and don’t expose the connections to direct rain.

More lighting & decor guides

Prices and specifications are current as of publication and may change. See the product page for the latest details.

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