Installing LED Strip Lights

4 Ingenious Techniques for Installing LED Strip Lights around Corners

Like everyone else, I also adore having vibrant LED lights around my home. After beautifying my bedrooms, I recently decided to add them to my kitchen as well. 

However, I encountered a major obstacle when it came to installing LED strip lights around the corners. Hanging the strips straight was a piece of cake for me, but figuring out how to bend them around corners proved to be quite the challenge. 

Fortunately, after scouring various platforms for solutions, I stumbled upon some incredibly useful hacks that did the trick. And now, I want to share these tricks with you, so you can successfully install LED strips like a pro.

Option #1: The 90-Degree Pinch 

Also known as the ribbon bend, this method is highly effective and requires no additional accessories. Simply pinch the LED strip around the corner, making sure not to damage the lights. 

This option works best if the strip corner has no LEDs and bends at the copper marks. Twist the strip in a looping fashion, tightly curling it to change the direction. 

The bent portion may not adhere properly to the surface, but you can easily fix this by applying masking tape or mounting putty. The floating section won’t affect the quality of the lights.

Option #2: The Corner Fold 

Another technique to achieve a corner fold or accordion curve involves the following steps:Place your strip light on a flat surface and locate the exact point where you want to make the fold.

Now, fold the strip at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction of the corner.Bend the fold backward so that it loops on itself.

Ensure that the fold is properly creased to achieve a polished look, and secure it with super glue, 3M glue, or tape.This method provides a neat appearance, especially if your lights are clearly visible.

Pros and Cons of Folding 

Folding is a convenient way to install strip lights around corners, as it doesn’t require extra tools. It serves as a great solution in situations where you need quick results without having to purchase connectors. 

However, folding is only suitable if the corner is empty and doesn’t contain any LEDs. Otherwise, you risk damaging the lights and may need to replace the entire strip. 

Additionally, folding too forcefully can compromise the waterproof coating of the strips, leading to short circuits or even fire hazards. Thus, it’s crucial never to fold or twist a waterproof LED strip, as it could result in breakage.

Option #3: The Jump Connector 

This simple and hassle-free solution involves purchasing a jump connector for your best LED light strips. Start by cutting the strip when it reaches the corner, and then join both pieces to the ends of the connector. 

The jump connector allows you to bend the strip in any shape or direction, and you can find different types of connectors that either require soldering or can be directly attached. Personally, I prefer the easy-to-use ones.

Option #4: The L-Shape Connector 

L-shape or back-to-back pin connectors are an excellent choice for achieving a 90-degree turn while keeping the gaps between the lights to a minimum. To implement this method, cut the light strip around the corner and attach the pieces to the L-shaped connector, securely locking them in place.

Pros and Cons of Connectors 

Connectors are the professional and superior choice when it comes to installing strip lights around corners. They provide a sleek and polished look, are user-friendly, and ensure a secure connection without any risk of short circuits. 

Moreover, the waterproofing remains intact. The only drawback is that connectors can sometimes become loose, resulting in a loss of connection between the strips, causing them not to light up. However, this issue can be easily resolved by reconnecting the strips firmly.

How to Cut LED Strip Lights 

When installing strip lights on corners, cutting becomes necessary, especially when connecting them through connectors. To ensure proper cutting, follow these steps:Use a wire cutter or sharp scissors for the cutting process.

Cut the strips exactly at the copper dots or marked ends, which are typically present after every 3-6 LEDs or every 1-2 inches throughout the roll.Avoid cutting them at any other point, as this could damage the lights.Be careful not to harm the copper ends, as they serve as the linking points.

FAQs Regarding the Installation of LED Strip Lights 

Read the following essential questions to learn more about the installation of strip lights:

Can I safely bend LED strip lights? It is safe to bend non-waterproof strip lights. However, avoid bending waterproof LEDs, as their silicone covering is not flexible. Cutting the covering will result in its failure. Instead, cut the strips and join them by soldering a wire.

Are LED strip lights bright enough to illuminate my home? LED strips are available in various brightness levels, allowing you to choose the desired luminosity. The brightness also depends on the location where you plan to install the lights. While they may not be ideal for activities such as reading, they work perfectly for illuminating a room.

Can I install LED lights in the bathroom? Absolutely! Waterproof strip lights are available in the market, designed specifically for moist areas like bathroom tubs and pools. These strips are sealed within a silicone tube, making them safe to use anywhere.

Final Words 

Now you know multiple ways to install LED strip lights around corners. While connectors offer the best results, you can also experiment with other techniques. Just remember to exercise caution and choose the method that suits your specific situation