How to set up LED strip lights in any room

LED strip lights are incredibly versatile thanks to their ability to bend and, with some, even be trimmed to different sizes. From enhancing statement features, such as mirrors and artwork, to backlighting your TV or computer screen, Philips Hue lightstrips provide smart, decorative lighting that adapts to your home.

Philips Hue lightstrips may be smart but (fortunately!) their installation is simple. Note that the Play gradient lightstrip is a different type of lightstrip altogether — made for your TV, it’s specially designed for surround lighting.

Follow this step-by-step guide to set up your indoor or outdoor strip lights in a matter of minutes.

Measure the area to determine the total length of lightstrip you’ll need. Make sure to account for any bending or curving around surfaces. Don’t forget to make sure your light can easily reach a power socket!

Once you’ve purchased the right number of lightstrips and extensions, test them to make sure they’re working correctly before installation. Plug in and attach any extensions to check the lights, and then unplug your lights before you begin installing them.

Want a strip light under your bar or kitchen island? Or one that follows your garden path? Whatever your idea, test it out before you fix it in place — you may need to adjust your initial plan. Get some help from someone else to do this, so you can step back and make sure you’re happy with it.

LED strips are made up of multiple individual circuits. The designated cut lines mark the end of one circuit and the beginning of another. Only cut along these lines to make sure your lightstrips continue working properly.

Philips Hue indoor lightstrips come with an adhesive backing so you can easily attach them to any solid surface. Route your wiring inconspicuously along baseboards, inside cabinets, or up the outer edges of walls. You could even use panel end caps or concealed wire covers for a cleaner finish.

To mount Philips Hue outdoor lightstrips to railings or along posts or fences, use the included mounting clips for easy installation. You can also nestle the strips into the soil alongside pathways or between flowerbeds — no mounting clips required.

Philips Hue indoor lightstrips work with either Bluetooth or a Hue Bridge — whichever you choose, you’ll be able to control your LED strips with the Hue app, smart accessories, or your voice. The Philips Hue outdoor lightstrip, however, requires a Hue Bridge.

Philips Hue lightstrip extensions let you extend the length of your strip light to a maximum length of 10 meters. It’s as easy as clicking the lightstrips together! You can also use the special connector included with the indoor lightstrip to repurpose the cut parts of a lightstrip to extend another.