In the vast array of LED strip lighting, you’ll see an option that lets you access more than a single colour. Colour-changing strip lights are a popular choice for modern lighting designs as they are versatile and easily customisable. How do they work, and where can you use them?
Before diving further into the technicalities and applications of colour-changing strip lights, you should know about several types. The most widely used are:
- RGB LED tape lights
- RGBW LED strip lights
- CCT LED tape lights
- RGB + WW strip lights
Understanding Colour-Changing LED Strips
When talking about LED strips that change colour, the first thing that pops into the minds of many is RGB strip lights. Well, they’re the most basic, so it’s not a surprise that the majority are familiar with them! So, what is an RGB LED strip?
RGB strip lights contain individual red, green, and blue LED chips that can be controlled independently to produce myriads of colours. Calibrating the intensity of each chip allows users to create dynamic lighting designs and unique colours!
An RGBW and RGB + WW strip light also has the foundational red, blue, and green LED chips, plus the additional white chip for the RGBW and a warm white chip for the RGB + WW. As for the CCT strip light, the incorporated LED chips are different. Here, you have cool white, natural white and warm white LEDs. This LED tape is perfect for people who want versatility without the splash of vibrant colours.
How do Colour-Changing LED strips work?
When you use a single-colour strip light, you’ll typically have a regular on/off switch. If it’s dimmable, you’ll get a dimmer switch. With a colour-changing LED tape light, you’ll need an upgraded controller. The components you’ll require for your installation are an RBG or other colour-changing tape light, controller, and power supply.
To ensure that your strip lights will change colours, dim or produce the effect you want, you have to pair the specific strip light with its compatible controller. If you have an RGB tape, get an RGB controller. For a CCT tape, choose a CCT controller.
It’s also essential to note that while an RGB tape is okay to use with an RGBW controller, you cannot use an RGBW strip light with an RGB controller. So, double-check the remote control or wall controller you’ll use with your lights. I suggest consulting your lighting suppliers about this to avoid making mistakes!
Applications of Colour-Changing Strip Lights
Now that you know how to use your strip lights, it’s time to proceed to the exciting parts—where to use them! There are many ways to integrate this lighting solution into your space, and it can be used for many functions.
The best way to use your colour-changing strips is to incorporate them into multi-purpose spaces like the kitchen, dining room, and bedroom (which are also used as workspaces). Say your bedroom doubles as a home office. You can add CCT LED tape under your shelves or behind your table so you can use the warm white light when you are relaxing and getting ready for bed and switch to cool white or natural white when you are finishing tasks and completing deadlines.
In the kitchen, you can stick CCT strip lights under the kitchen cupboards. When you’re doing meal preps and cooking, you can use cool white or natural white for extra task lighting. If you are chatting with your family or friends by the kitchen island, you can switch to warm white for a cosier environment.
Suppose you like hosting parties and events in your home. You can add an RGB, RGBW or RGB + WW strip light for a fun way to elevate the atmosphere of the space and customise the vibe depending on the occasion!
Whenever you feel like you need help with designing your space with strip lights, look for inspiration online. You don’t need to copy it exactly; just lift the ones that work for your space and preferences!
Tips for Choosing and Mounting Colour-Changing Strip Lights
When narrowing down your choices, guarantee that the strip light you’re considering suits the application you’re after.
If you want to use them to increase the space’s functionality, having a dedicated white light is better than an RGB strip light. That way, when you need task lighting, there is a readily available colour. If you only have an RGB strip, finding the configuration that will give you sufficient illumination to do your work comfortably will be tricky.
What if the space is a dedicated function room or event space? If so, an RGB is an excellent choice because it allows you to tailor the environment to the party’s theme.
For the installation, getting a suitable controller and power supply is crucial. Also, for extra protection for your strip lights, I recommend getting an LED profile to house them. That way, you’ll also have a cleaner finish and a more elegant installation!
Conclusion
Colour-changing strip lights offer endless possibilities for applications and allow you to pursue various creative directions. You only need to find the right LED strip light to make your vision a reality!
Unsure where to get top-quality LED tapes, LED drivers, and LED aluminium profiles? Visit our website, Simple Lighting and check out our extensive collection!
