Do it yourself - installation of LED strips
LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We want to show you that it is not as difficult and time-consuming as one might think.
Backlighting the ceiling with LED strips is a popular way to create striking decorative lighting. We should think about it already at the stage of renovation or make changes in our homes so that we can prepare an adequate structure for a suspended ceiling. We should also give some thought to what we want it to look like and what effect we want to achieve. It is a good idea to stick LED strips on shelves making them appear invisible. As a result, we get discreet lighting that can create a nice mood in the evening, or complement the main lighting in an interesting way.
LED strips can be installed in two ways:
The first one is to embed them in aluminium profiles. It is useful if the strips are to be placed in areas exposed to direct touch (the floor, walls or counters). Another way is to stick them directly to the surface. To install them, we must only remove the protective paper and lightly (in order not to damage the diodes) press them against the surface. The surface must be previously cleaned of dust and degreased. The other side of the strip is covered with adhesive coating, which it is which makes it possible to embed the strip well in the selected place.
It is a good idea to use a multicolour (RGB) strip on the ceiling. A controller will also be required to make it possible to change the colour of the light, its intensity and other functions - depending on the strip which chosen by us. A remotely-controlled controller is the most convenient to install. We connect it using two cords with a power supply changing the alternating current from 230V installation to direct current of low voltage, which is needed to power the strips. We should pay attention to the + and – markings (if we get them wrong, the strip will not work).
The LED strips are available in longer segments (5 meters minimum). They can be cut in marked spots (every few centimetres) in order to fit them to the area which we want to illuminate. The LED strip ends with a bundle of power cords - each RGB strip has four of them. We connect them to the controller, paying attention to their colours and corresponding port markings: R- red, G - green, B - blue, V+ - black.
The length of the cords connecting the power supply to the 230V electric installation is not determined, but the cords connecting the strips to the power supply (in this case, one power supply is for two strips) should be as short as possible, due to voltage drop. Therefore, it is best to place the power supply on a shelf made of gypsum-cardboard plates. If it is too narrow, we can hide it in the build-in, in the inspection hole. We should remember, however, that we must be able to access the power supply easily, in case of a malfunction.
After we switch on the power supply we should check whether we didn't make a mistake while connecting the cords. In such case, the light will not turn on, or its colours will not match the description on the remote controller. At this point, we can fix possible faults.
Multicolour RGB LED strips are mainly used for decoration. It is a very good solution for watching TV at night, creating an atmosphere to relax or giving your interior a cosy feel. However, more often we still need a fixture providing main light. We connect it to the electrical installation, paying attention to cord insulation colours: blue means neutral cord (N), yellow-green means protective cord (PE). Other ones - usually brown, black or grey - are phase cords (L).
We should remember to choose LED bulbs that suit our taste. We can also choose a fixture with an integrated source of light. We should opt for proven solutions provided by renowned manufacturers. Artificial light accompanies us most of the time, especially in the autumn and winter. This is why it is so important that we choose proven solutions and refrain from buying low-quality lighting. It is worth considering purchasing bulbs with the TUV certificate that confirms their quality and safety, for example IQ-LED Kanlux.
We should remember that lighting should be functional. Switching the main lighting should be independent of the decorative lighting control. This way, we will be able to quickly decide which light will accompany us at a given time.
Other articles
Lighting plays a key role in interior design. The right light source can significantly impact the atmosphere...
When autumn comes, the days grow shorter and we are more likely to spend our evenings in the comfort...
Autumn is around the corner and it's the perfect time for long evenings with a book. Whether you're immersed...
Coworking spaces are environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams can work in a collaborative...
Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting mental and physical well-being and...
LED lighting is also a great choice for the kitchen … Why? Apart from its energy efficiency, it has...
Lighting not only impacts comfort but is also crucial for safety. Choosing the right lamps and modern...
One of the simple yet effective ways to reduce household energy consumption is to use energy-efficient...
Since LED light began to revolutionise the lighting industry, fresh, innovative applications for this...
The garden is a place where we spend more and more time. Spring and summer are conducive to relaxing...
The right lighting around the barbecue area can make evening gatherings with friends even more enjoyable....
LED lighting is increasingly popular thanks to its energy efficiency, long life and wide range of applications....
LED lighting for the garden is a solution that combines efficiency, durability and a wide range of...
Lighting plays a significant role in an energy audit. It is one of the key areas that can improve the...
Spring is often a time of change, of new beginnings. It is the ideal time to refresh interiors and introduce...
Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...
Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....
Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...
Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...
Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...
Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...
Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...
What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...
Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...
Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...
An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...
Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...
Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...
We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...
A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...
Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...
Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...
In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...
Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...
Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...
In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...
You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...
Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....
Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...
LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...
A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...
Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...
Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...
Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...
Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...
Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...
You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...
September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...
LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...
LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...
When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...
Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...
Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...
Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...
Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....
If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...
The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...
The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...
Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...
How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...
Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...
Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...
All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...
Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...
Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...
When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...
It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...
When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...
The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...
Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...
Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...
A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....
Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...
The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...
Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...
When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...
In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...
LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....
A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...
LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...
Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...
How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...
Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...
Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...
how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...
The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....
Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...
Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...
LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...
After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...
The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...
Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...
A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...
We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...
This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....
We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...
What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...
140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...
In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...
When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...
In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...
In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...
Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...
Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...
The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....
LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...