LED Strip Lights

If you’re looking to create an eye-catching lighting scheme for your home or business, Toolstation’s range of LED strip products could be just what you need. Available in all kinds of lengths, not to mention dimmable and coloured LED strip light options, these exciting lighting solutions are simple but highly effective wherever you place them.

If you’re looking to add some ambience at home, you can wire recessed LED strip lighting under or above your kitchen cabinets, behind television units or around beds. In the world of business, coloured strip lights behind and around shelving can really make your products pop, or help your premises feel more comfortable for your customers. Either way, you’ll have both hard aluminium and flexible strips to pick from, in lengths of up to an impressive five metres.

Where to Use LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights are incredibly versatile and can transform a range of spaces around the home and workplace:
- Under kitchen cabinets for practical task lighting while cooking
- Along ceiling coving or cornices for a soft ambient glow
- Behind TVs or monitors to reduce eye strain and add atmosphere
- Inside wardrobes, shelving units and display cabinets
- Along stairways and hallways for subtle, low-level guidance lighting
- In commercial displays to highlight products and merchandise

Types of LED Strip Lights

Understanding the different types helps you choose the right strip for your project:
- Plug-in LED strip lights — ready to use straight from the pack with no wiring required, ideal for renters and quick installations
- RGB and colour-changing strips — customisable colours and effects, controlled via remote or app
- Waterproof (IP65/IP67) strips — suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas
- Aluminium-profile strips — housed in rigid channels for a sleek, professional finish
- Dimmable strips — pair with a compatible driver or controller for adjustable brightness

LED Strip Light Installation Tips

For the best results, clean and dry the surface before applying the adhesive backing. Plan your layout carefully and measure twice before cutting — most strips can be cut at marked intervals. Use aluminium profiles to improve heat dissipation and extend the life of your LEDs. For runs longer than five metres, consider wiring from both ends to prevent voltage drop and uneven brightness.

FAQs

Where do you cut LED strip lights?

LED strip lights should only be cut at the designated cut points, which are clearly marked along the strip. Cutting anywhere else may damage the circuit and prevent the lights from working properly. 

Do LED light strips take up a lot of electricity?

No, LED strip lights are highly energy efficient and use significantly less electricity than traditional lighting. They provide bright, reliable illumination while helping to reduce energy costs. 

How do you install LED strip lights on a ceiling?

Most LED strip lights feature a self-adhesive backing for quick and easy installation. Simply clean the surface, measure and cut the strip at the marked points if needed, then stick it in place and connect it to a suitable power supply. 

Do I need an electrician to install LED strip lights?

Plug-in and low-voltage LED strip lights are often suitable for DIY installation. However, when it comes to mains-powered or hardwired LED strip lights, these should be installed by a qualified electrician. 

Do all LED strip lights have to be plugged in?

No. Some LED strip lights plug into a standard socket, while others are battery powered or hardwired into your electrical system. The installation method depends on the type of strip lights that you choose. 

Can I control the brightness or change colours?

Some LED strip lights are dimmable and available in colour-changing RGB or RGBW options. Depending on the model, some allow you to adjust brightness, change colours and lighting effects using a remote control, wall controller or smart app.