Dec. 30, 2024
LED strip lights or light-emitting diodes have transformed the way we light our living spaces. These cost-effective and innovative lighting solutions offer endless possibilities, suitable for both bold statements and subtle nuances in home decor.
While the process can be a bit more involved than merely sticking the lights in place, purchasing a kit can simplify installation significantly. Scroll through to discover creative uses for LED strip lights that you may not have considered.
For many of us working remotely, improving the aesthetics of our home offices has become a priority, especially for video conferencing purposes. I've turned to using a DSLR camera as my webcam, along with a ring light and adjustable room lights. With the fundamentals in place, I decided to elevate the background of my office by installing LED strips beneath my bookshelves.
If you've seen streamers on platforms like YouTube or Twitch, you may have noticed their captivating background setups, often featuring colored LED lights along shelves or in room corners. With several built-in floating shelves in my new home office, I realized they were the ideal location for LED strip installation.
LED lights are remarkable for their brightness and low energy consumption. The advancement of technology has led to their incorporation into a variety of products, which consequently has driven the prices of light strips down significantly. The setup showcased in my office, which spans 45 feet (15m) of lighting, only cost about $100, inclusive of a hard-wired controller, wiring, and a power supply.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are outstanding pre-assembled, consumer-grade LED light strips that come with remote controls and can be easily managed via smartphone apps. I've used Govee light strips, which are perfect for simple applications like shelves, door frames, or crown moldings. For most people, this option suffices due to its convenience and affordability.
With six shelves in my office, I wanted to avoid managing multiple plugs. Therefore, I opted for a comprehensive DIY approach, allowing me to cut the LED strips to specific sizes, utilize a soldering gun, and customize the lighting for my space. Here’s how I approached the project.
A great introductory resource on LED strip options can be found here. In summary, WSB is the commonly accepted term for an individually addressable string of LED lights. I sourced mine without waterproofing (meant for indoor use) at a density of 30 pixels per meter for lower power consumption. Generally, a 6-foot (2m) strip retails for about $10, while a 16-foot (5m) string costs around $20. You can easily find these on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Aliexpress, the latter being the most economical yet potentially slower for shipping.
LED strips come equipped with a simple adhesive backing for mounting; however, I opted to invest in aluminum channels designed for LEDs, including a diffuser panel to help disperse light evenly. After securely screwing these into my shelves and positioning the LED strips inside, I capped them with a diffuser, creating a polished finish.
The final touch was adding corner guards in front of the lights. This not only concealed the aluminum but also contributed to the soft glow emanating from the upper shelves.
To manage your lights, you will require a compact computer chip equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, such as the NodeMCU ESP. Priced at just a few dollars, I purchased a set of three from Amazon as a precaution. By downloading WLED software and flashing it onto your NodeMCU, you can integrate it into your Wi-Fi network. A detailed guide for setting this up can be found in this step-by-step video and is the process I followed myself.
Furthermore, the same video contains crucial information about selecting a suitable power supply for your LEDs. Pay close attention to the voltage requirements. I chose to work with 5V LED strips for their lower power needs and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the entire setup—from the strips to the power supply—was compatible.
Combining my total of 400 LEDs necessitated a robust power supply; I selected a 30-amp model which is fanless, ensuring it runs quietly. Initially, I had a 60-amp supply with a loud fan, suitable strictly for outdoor settings.
For simplicity, I used standard red and black wires to connect power to each strip. Additionally, I utilized specially-designed connectors to avoid excessive soldering, along with T-connectors for supplemental power without the hassle. Jumper wires were also needed for straightforward connections back to the controller.
By downloading and installing the WLED app on your device, you can take full control of your beams after configuring the settings to your preference, including the specific number of LEDs. Alternatively, you can access them via a desktop web browser by entering the controller's IP address.
WLED features a plethora of pre-loaded patterns to enhance your lighting experience, allowing for complex and intuitively designed displays. I've divided my bookshelf’s strips into segments to synchronize light effects across all shelves seamlessly.
Additionally, I've configured my light strips to work with Homekit through a WLED homebridge plugin, enabling convenient on/off control both inside and outside my home, in conjunction with various routines. At present, I’m developing an iOS Shortcut to automatically adjust the lighting whenever I connect my AirPods, signaling the start of a Zoom meeting.
To further complement my office’s design, I integrated a 55" Samsung Frame TV which I flush-mounted on the wall. This turns on daily to showcase various Samsung art prints, effortlessly transforming my workspace. The TV features a matte finish that closely resembles a framed painting.
To conclude, if you desire a straightforward lighting solution, opt for an off-the-shelf product like Govee lights. But if customization excites you, embarking on a DIY journey with LED strips can bring vibrant color to your environment.
If you require more information about wholesale LED strip lights, feel free to reach out. We are ready to provide professional guidance.
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )