How To Hide LED Strip Lights On The Ceiling

Published 21st June 2022

It is not surprising that LED strip lights are so popular in houses around the UK. Strip lights offer versatility and flexibility, as they can be used in any room in your house, whether that is the kitchen or bathroom. A popular place to install LED strip lights is on the ceiling, as the lights provide a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing downlight into the room. Also, it is a simple way to layer lighting. Many people who install LED strip lights on the ceiling have similar questions, which are ‘how do you hide LED strip lights on the ceiling?’ and ‘how do you install LED strip lights on the ceiling?’, and we will answer both of these questions in this blog post.    

What can I use to hide my LED strip lights?

Below are different options available that will hide LED strip lights and wiring on your ceiling… 

Drop Down Ceilings

Drop down ceilings (otherwise known as a false ceilings) with LED strip lights are usually installed for decorative purposes. The ceiling structure sits below the main ceiling and is typically placed in the middle of a room. LED strip lights can be placed on the top of the ceiling, which is not visible when you are standing beneath it. This installation provides a dramatic and luxurious lighting effect in your home, that will leave your visitors impressed with the ambience provided and increase the value of your home. If you are interested in finding out more ways to increase the value of your home, then check out this blog post for ideas. 

Suspended Ceilings

Suspended ceilings are popular in educational, office and healthcare settings, and are available in many different styles. This type of ceiling light is usually chosen for its efficiency as LED lights use 90% of the electricity passed through and have lower running costs, as for practical purposes like an equal distribution of light across the room, which is essential in certain settings. LED strip lights are fitted around a grid, and then the grid is placed on the ceiling. The grid typically has a thin metal border and is in the shape of a square.

Moulded Picture Rail

Moulded picture rails are a great way to hide LED strip lights on your ceiling. These installations can be bought in a range of shapes, sizes and colours to suit your needs. Usually, homeowners place these rails around the ceiling to avoid seeing the strip and wiring and choose an attractive rail that fits in with the interior. 

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How To Install LED Strips On Your Ceiling

Below are the steps you need to follow to install LED strips on your ceiling. 

Supplies Needed For Installation

• LED strip lights 

• Sharp scissors 

• Measuring tool

• Soldering tool or connectors 

• Cord covers (optional) 

1. Check Lights are Working

 Firstly, you should check that your LED lights are working in a safe environment. You can do this by plugging the lights and switching the strips on. The lights should instantly light up. If you have any issues with the lights working, then get in touch with your supplier to get the issue resolved. If you have purchased your LED strip lights from Light Supplier, find our contact details here.

2. Work out the Measurements 

Now, you need to work out the measurements of the room, so you know where to cut the strips. You can do this by working out the perimeter, and making a note of all the lengths of each side of the ceiling (corner to corner). 

You can work out the perimeter of the room by adding each side together. For example, if the ceiling is rectangular, and two sides are 350 cm and the other two sides are 500 cm, you would do the following sum:

350 + 350 + 500 + 500 = 1700 (perimeter in cm)

If you want to skip the hassle of working the perimeter out, you can use this specialist calculator online. 

3. Cut Strips Down to Size

It is time to cut the LED strip lights to size. Take a measurement tool and marker, and measure the first side. You should cut to the nearest dot or copper section as seen on the strip. The laid-out sections are the safest place to cut the lights without causing damage. Repeat the process until you have got all the sections cut that you need for your ceiling. 

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4. Connect LED Strips Together

There are two main ways to connect LED strips together, one involves using connectors whilst the other is more technical and involves soldering the strips together. Here are more details about both methods: 

• Connectors: There are two types of connectors. Gapless pin connectors create a clean run of lights without gaps, and jumper cord connectors have a small gap between each of the wires. Once you have decided which connector, peel back the self-adhesive tape and put each end of the strip on the tape.

• Soldering: Soldering is a more technical process. A solder and PPE equipment is required for the task. You should lightly solder each end of the wire, and then solder each of the dots along the wire. Attach the wire to the corresponding dot, and repeat until the process is complete. 

5. Retest 

Once you have connected the LED strip lights together, retest the LED strips to ensure that everything is working properly. 

If you have issues at this stage, you might need to check that you connected the strips properly. For example, if you are using connectors, then the alignment might be wrong - opposites should go together. 

6. Stick LED lights to the ceiling

Get your ladder ready to stick your LED strip lights to the ceiling. Use self-adhesive tape to stick them to the ceiling. 

Another method of hiding LED strip lights on your ceiling that requires little effort and money is by investing in cord covers. You can find covers in various colours, materials, sizes and shapes. Find one that best fits in with your surroundings. 

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