Where to place LED strip lights in a living room is often more important than the lights themselves. Many living rooms still rely on one harsh ceiling light, which can make the space feel flat, cold, and uninviting – especially in the evenings. LED strip lights solve this problem by adding soft, indirect lighting, but only when they’re installed in the right places.
If you’ve ever turned on new strip lights and felt underwhelmed, placement is usually the reason. The good news is that you don’t need complicated installations or expensive fittings. With a few strategic placements, you can create a warm, layered living room that feels intentional and comfortable.
If you want a reliable starting option, a warm white LED strip light for living rooms works well in most living room setups.
Why LED Strip Placement Makes or Breaks the Room
LED strip lights work best when they’re hidden. Instead of acting as decorative features, they should glow subtly from behind or beneath surfaces. This indirect light softens shadows, reduces eye strain, and instantly makes a space feel more inviting.
For living rooms, the goal is layered lighting – which is achieved by combining ambient, accent, and task lighting rather than relying on one bright source.
If you’d like a deeper breakdown of choosing the right type of strips, you can also read our guide on best LED strip lights for living rooms.
Place LED Strip Lights Behind the TV for Soft Backlighting
One of the most popular and effective placements is behind the TV. LED strips placed along the back edges of the TV create a soft halo of light that reduces eye strain and adds depth to the room.
This works especially well for evening viewing, as it prevents the screen from feeling too harsh against a dark wall. Warm white or adjustable colour temperature strips are ideal here.
View the price of LED strip lights for TV backlighting on Amazon.
Install LED Strip Lights Under Floating Shelves
Floating shelves can look flat or heavy when unlit. Installing LED strip lights underneath them adds a gentle glow that highlights decor without overwhelming the space.
This placement works well in living rooms with open shelving, feature walls, or media units. It also creates a natural focal point without adding clutter.
View LED strip lights for floating shelves on Amazon.
Use LED Strip Lights Along the Ceiling Edge for Ambient Glow
For living rooms that feel dark or closed in, placing warm LED strip lights along the ceiling perimeter creates soft ambient lighting that makes the room feel larger and more open.
This placement works best when the strip is hidden behind a lip, cornice, or curtain rail so the light reflects downward naturally. Warm tones work best for cosy living spaces.
Add LED Strip Lights Under Furniture for Subtle Depth
Another underrated option is placing LED strip lights under sofas, TV units, or cabinets. This creates a floating effect and adds depth without drawing attention to the light source itself.
This works particularly well in modern or minimalist living rooms where clean lines matter.
If your overall style leans to simple and uncluttered, you may also enjoy our guide on minimalist home decor pieces you can easily shop online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Look for LED strip lights that offer:
- Warm white or adjustable colour temperature
- Dimming control
- Adhesive backing for renter-friendly installations
Smart strips add convenience, but even basic warm LED strips can dramatically improve a living room when placed correctly.
If you’re also upgrading your home tech, our guide on smart devices for budget-conscious homes shows how lighting fits into a smarter setup.
Final Thought on Where to Place LED Strip Lights
Knowing where to place LED strip lights turns them from a novelty into a powerful design tool. With thoughtful placement, even the simplest living room can feel warmer, more balanced, and far more inviting – without expensive renovations.
