Are you concerned that visible LED strips and wires might disrupt the overall aesthetic of your décor? If so, concealing LED strips is the ideal solution. But how can you achieve this?
For ambient lighting, placing LED strips behind a false ceiling, a technique known as “cove lighting,” is highly effective. Additionally, you can hide them behind or underneath furniture such as beds, sofas, bookshelves, or cabinets. Another popular option is to install LED strips behind televisions, mirrors, stair steps, and artwork. There are also numerous creative DIY ideas for concealing LED strips. Besides hiding the strips themselves, it’s important to manage and conceal the wires and power sources as well.
In this guide, you’ll discover various methods for concealing LED strips, along with some creative ideas. I’ll also provide installation tips and techniques to ensure you navigate the process smoothly and achieve a flawless look. So, let’s dive in and get started!
The Reasons for Hide LED Strip Lights
Let’s see some of the reasons why you want to hide LED strip lights:
Reducing Glare and Reflections: Overly bright or hot-spot prone LED strips can cause significant glare, especially when placed near reflective surfaces such as tiles, mirrors, or television screens. Concealing the LED strips to create indirect lighting can effectively eliminate these issues, reducing eye strain and reflection problems.
Aesthetic Appeal: Hiding LED strips behind furniture, within architectural features, or under cabinets can enhance the elegance of a space and elevate its overall look. This subtle lighting solution transforms the area with a touch of sophistication, allowing you to impress guests with your unique design choices.
Highlighting Interiors: For a more captivating interior, concealing LED strips can function like recessed lighting, drawing attention to artwork or cherished items. This approach helps isolate and spotlight specific areas, adding focus and visual interest to the space.
Protecting Fixtures: Beyond aesthetics, hiding LED strips serves a practical purpose by protecting them from physical damage. Exposed strips are vulnerable to accidental bumps, spills, and direct contact, which can affect their performance and lifespan. Concealing them in a groove, channel, or behind furniture safeguards these delicate components from potential harm.
Ways To Hide LED Strip Lights
There are many ways to conceal LED strips, but here are four of the most common and straightforward methods:
Method 1: Simple Cover-Up
If you want an easy solution without altering your décor, you can cover the LED strips using everyday household items like painter’s tape, electrical tape, or clear tape. Start by placing the strips along the surface you want to illuminate, then secure them with the chosen tape. You can also use multiple layers of tape for extra security or thickness. This method is great for temporary setups where you might want to move the strips around as needed.
Method 2: Integration with Interior Décor
One of the simplest ways to hide LED strips is to integrate them into your interior design. For example, you can install strips along the edges of shelves or behind furniture for effective accent lighting and to create a soft ambiance. This technique can also highlight specific features in your home, such as placing strips behind sculptures or paintings to enhance their visibility. Additionally, LED strips can be used to accent architectural elements like fireplaces or cornices, creating a more dynamic effect.
Method 3: Custom Housing
For a more permanent solution, consider custom housing for your LED strips. This could involve building a false wall to conceal the strips or creating cove lighting. If you enjoy DIY projects, you can find tutorials on YouTube to guide you in building custom enclosures. Alternatively, you can hire a professional or look for companies that offer ready-made solutions for concealing LED strips.
Method 4: Creative Ideas
Lastly, get creative with your approach to hiding LED strips. Experiment with unconventional methods, such as draping the strips over door frames or wrapping them around furniture legs. There are no strict rules for concealing LED strips, so feel free to explore various creative solutions until you find the perfect fit for your space.
Top 17 LED Strip Light Hiding Ideas
Here, I’m sharing 17 top LED strip lighting concealment ideas that will help you achieve a seamless look without any visible wires. You can choose your favorite from the techniques mentioned below:
1. Cove Lighting
Cove lighting is one of the most popular methods for concealing LED strips, especially suited for ambient lighting. To achieve this, you need to create a false ceiling on either side of the main ceiling. This can be done using wooden panels or cardboard, which can then be painted to match your interior décor. The LED strips are then inserted along the inner edge of the false ceiling, producing indirect lighting that emits a soft glow. This type of lighting is typically used to hide LED strips in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, or offices.
2. Recessed Ceiling Lighting
If you’re aiming for a sleek and modern look, consider recessed LED strip lighting. This built-in lighting solution hides the LED strips within the surface, providing a finished and polished appearance. However, this type of hidden installation requires professional assistance. The lights need to be embedded within the surface, blending seamlessly with the ceiling or walls. This idea is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space where a clean, minimalist design is desired.
3. Trimless Installation
Trimless installation takes LED strip concealment to the next level, providing a sleek and ultra-clean look. In this method, LED strips are embedded directly into the architecture, eliminating the need for any visible trim. You can install recessed channels into ceilings, walls, or floors for seamless integration. This lighting setup is especially popular in modern designs, where clean lines and hidden lighting are emphasized. By integrating the light source into the structure itself, it becomes an invisible yet essential part of the space, delivering a high-end, polished effect.
4. Under-Cabinet Installation
Under-cabinet lighting is a well-known method for concealing LED strips, especially in kitchens or areas with cabinets. It can be applied to cabinets in wardrobes, shelving for dinnerware, or bathroom cupboards. By installing LED strips underneath cabinets, you maintain a discreet look while providing sufficient task lighting. This solution creates a subtle yet practical glow that helps illuminate the area effectively.
5. Behind the TV
Hiding LED strips behind the TV can add a dynamic effect and enhance your viewing experience. This technique illuminates the wall behind the television, creating a soft glow and reducing eye strain. To hide the LED strips, you can use LED strip attachments to connect the lights to the back of the TV. Then, secure them to the wall using double-sided tape. This approach not only keeps the setup clean but also enhances the overall ambiance of the room while upgrading your TV area.
6. Conceal Lighting with Planters and Shelves
Have you ever considered using planters to hide LED strips? It might sound unconventional, but it’s a brilliant idea. While installing LED strips beneath shelves can effectively hide them, in some cases, the strips are still visible from certain angles. If this bothers you, try using planters with long, hanging leaves to conceal the lights. Not only will this add a touch of greenery to your space, but the light filtering through the plants will create a mesmerizing effect!
7. Cover with Wood Panels
Enhance the elegance of your space by covering LED strips with wooden panels. This method offers soft, ambient lighting while keeping the light source completely hidden. The natural combination of wood and strip lighting creates a stunning visual impact, elevating the room’s décor. This idea is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, as it’s simple to install and can be customized to fit any room’s aesthetic. Warm LED strips work best with wooden designs, as the yellowish light complements the wood’s beauty. For this purpose, our adjustable white LED strips are ideal, offering CCT adjustment so you can switch between warm and cool tones for both ambient and task lighting. Even when hidden, these lights can enhance your next project’s style.
8. Hide Lighting with Cornices and Curtains
Cornices and curtains offer a sleek way to integrate LED strips into your home décor. By placing LED strips behind these elements, you create a refined look with soft, indirect lighting that remains out of sight. Cornices, typically placed at the junction of walls and ceilings, provide an excellent opportunity to conceal lighting channels. Alternatively, valances create a stylish curtain-like covering, framing the light while maintaining a clean and polished appearance. If you’re aiming to hide the light source effectively and add a touch of sophistication to your room, this is a great option to consider.
9. Conceal with Mirrors
If lights are installed near mirrors, you might often face issues with glare. When LED strips are placed along the side of a mirror, their light can shine directly into your eyes, which can be irritating. The best solution is to hide the LED strips behind the mirror, effectively eliminating glare while adding a refined look. This is easy to install—simply affix the strips to the back or frame of the mirror using adhesive or tape. You can also use molding or channels to securely hide the LED strips along the mirror’s edges.
10. Hide Behind Wallpaper
Using wallpaper to conceal LED strips is a creative and stylish method. Select wallpaper that matches your décor and subtly position the LED strips behind it. This way, you’ll achieve soft, indirect lighting with an even brightness. This technique is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or any area where you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
11. Install at the Base and Sides of a Room
For a unique touch, consider placing LED strips at the base or along the sides of a room. This method adds a subtle glow without the harshness of direct light. Installing strips along the baseboards or behind furniture can create a floating effect, enhancing the modern and futuristic feel of your space. With the flexibility to choose colors that suit your décor, you can adapt the lighting for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy movie night or a lively gathering, these strategically placed LED strips can set the perfect ambiance. Let your creativity shine by lighting up your space in style!
12. Under the Bed
If you’re aiming to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere, hiding LED strips at the foot or underside of the bed is a fantastic idea. This setup softly illuminates the floor around the bed, casting a warm glow that enhances the overall sleep experience. It adds both a design element and a sense of comfort. You can also install the strips behind the headboard or along the bed-frame, pointing downward. This method is simple to apply and works well for both large and small bedrooms, such as in spacious homes or compact apartments. For a more dramatic effect, consider placing the strips under the bed to give the illusion of it floating above the floor. While blue lighting can enhance this floating effect, it might not be ideal for a bedroom. In this case, I recommend using dim-to-warm LED strips, allowing you to adjust to warmer tones that promote better sleep.
13. Behind Chairs or Sofas
Installing LED strips behind a sofa is a clever way to hide them while enhancing the comfort and creativity of your seating area. Once concealed, they will make the space feel cozier, creating a welcoming environment. This can also add a touch of elegance when hosting parties or gatherings with friends. If you’re wondering about the safety of placing LED strips near furniture like sofas, rest assured it’s safe. LED strips generate minimal heat, so they won’t overheat or cause damage to fabrics, making them perfect for use around your furniture.
14. Around Door Frames
For a subtle yet stylish way to hide LED strips and make your doorways more appealing, consider installing them around the door frame. This adds a welcoming touch to your home’s entrances. But how do you hide them effectively? One option is to use a slim LED strip that fits into the crevice of the door frame. Another method involves constructing an extra wooden frame and embedding the LED strips within, creating a hidden effect. Whichever method you choose, be sure to conceal the strips without compromising the quality of the lighting.
15. Hidden Under the Stairs
Stairs offer great opportunities for hiding LED light strips. You can install them under the stair treads, beneath the handrails, or along both sides of the stairs. For a more creative approach, install the light strips under each open stair tread, creating the illusion that the stairs are floating in mid-air. Cool white or blue LED strips work best for achieving this effect. This method can also be applied to outdoor stairs, but make sure to use outdoor lights with a high IP rating. In addition to being stylish, this setup improves safety, especially at night, by providing enough light for you and your family to comfortably navigate the stairs without any visibility issues.
16. Along the Edge of a Coffee Table
Enhance the look of your coffee table by adding vibrant LED light strips along its edges. This simple yet impactful technique adds a touch of modernity to your room. Hiding the light strips under the edges of the coffee table creates a subtle, glowing effect that’s perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests. It’s a quick and affordable way to inject some style into your décor. You can even switch up the colors based on your mood or the occasion, making the coffee table the centerpiece of your room, whether for a movie night or a dinner party.
17. Concealed in the Corners of Artwork
This is a brilliant way to hide LED light strips while illuminating your favorite artwork. By tucking the lights into the corners around your art pieces, you can achieve a seamless look that enhances the overall aesthetic. The lights work like spotlights, softly illuminating your paintings or sculptures, boosting their beauty and adding a modern touch. Simply position your LED strips in these subtle areas, and your artwork will shine with a new glow, becoming a true focal point in the room.
Installing Process For Hidden LED Strip Lights
In the previous sections, you’ve learned various ways to hide LED light strips. But how do you install them and ensure they remain concealed? Here’s the installation process:
Step 1: Measure the Area for Installation
Before installing LED light strips on tables, cabinets, or frames, measure the length and width of the installation area. This helps you find the right size for proper installation, ensuring that the strips blend seamlessly with your other decor.
Step 2: Purchase the Right LED Light Strips
Choosing the perfect LED light strip is crucial. If the area where you’re installing the strip is larger than the strip itself, you’ll need to purchase an LED strip extension. These extension pieces can be bought separately. Simply remove the plastic covers on both ends and connect one strip to another. For easier installation, you can opt for plug-free strips.
Step 3: Locate a Power Outlet
Identify the location of the power source for the LED lights, which will help in concealing the wiring. Use neutral-colored electrical tape to neatly secure the power outlet. You may also purchase longer LED light strips to extend the design to the power source.
Step 4: Plan How to Conceal the Strips
Once you’ve selected the power source and the LED strips, plan how you’ll conceal them. You can hide them beneath furniture such as beds, behind TVs or sofas. You can also use cable covers to hide the wires, or use objects like plant pots or other decor to obscure them. If you’re installing strips on the ceiling, recessed lighting is the best option for concealment. After deciding how to hide the strips, you can move on to the installation.
Step 5: Trim the LED Strips to Fit
Clean the surface where the LED strip will be installed to ensure a smooth installation. Peel off the backing to expose the adhesive, then attach the strip to the desired object. If the surface is shorter than the strip, carefully cut the strip to the appropriate length along the marked lines. Incorrect cutting can damage the strip, so ensure it’s unplugged for safety before trimming or extending it.
Step 6: Install the LED Strips in the Hidden Space
Finally, install the LED strips in the designated area. There are several ways to secure them, such as:
- Adhesive backing
- Clips
- Aluminum channels
The simplest method is using the adhesive backing. Just peel and press the strip onto the surface. For a more secure installation, clips can be used. There are different types of clips to choose from—single-side mount clips, adjustable angle clips, adhesive-backed clips, electronic clips, etc., depending on your preference. For a more seamless effect, channels are a great option. In this case, aluminum diffusion channels are ideal, although flexible channels are also available for curved installations.
Once the strips are securely installed, you can connect them to the power source. For more detailed instructions on installing LED light strips, check out the guide: How to Install and Use LED Light Strips.
Tips For Hiding LED Strip Lights
- Avoid placing LED light strips too close to the wall, as it can create uneven lighting or hot-
- Position the LED light strips along the edges of the wall or ceiling for a more seamless and subtle lighting effect.
- To keep your home’s wiring tidy and organized, consider using cable concealers to hide the cords.
- When concealing light strips, be sure to use certified power supplies and connectors to prevent electrical hazards.
- Choose LED light strips that match the room’s color scheme or blend with the décor, so they remain unobtrusive when not in use.
- To reduce the risk of fire, avoid placing LED light strips near flammable materials.
- You can position the LED light strip behind the edge and direct the light downwards to create a subtle effect.
- When hiding LED light strips, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Securely attach the light strips to prevent tripping hazards and potential damage.
