LED strip lights: how to choose the right strip and parts
Choose an LED strip light by where it goes, then the kind of light you want. It is a flexible tape of small LEDs that sticks or clips into place, giving a line of light. Use it in ceiling coves, shelves, wardrobes or under kitchen cabinets.
Where will you use the LED strip light?
Start with the location, and choose protection by the IP rating stated on the product page.
Range numbers are from 12 November 2026, when we had 142 LED strip products online.
- Indoor, IP20: a good starting point for dry indoor coves, shelves and wardrobes.
- Outdoor, IP44 to IP67, splash-proof to waterproof: choose within this group by the actual exposure. Consider IP44 and above under a roof, IP65 and above open to rain, and IP67 and above for very wet spots.
- IP68: choose a model rated for underwater use for pools, fountains and ponds.
Do not judge protection by a product name or photograph. IP options vary, check the product page. Browse the LED strip collection, or start with the LED strip finder.
Which kind of LED strip light should I choose?
Choose the lighting effect first, from a steady white line to changing colours or running effects.
- One colour of white: a fixed white shade for everyday coves, shelves and kitchen lighting.
- Tunable white: changes from warm to cool, useful when you want different white shades in a room.
- RGB: coloured light for a TV wall, headboard or decorative feature.
- RGBW: colours plus white, for a feature where you also want white light.
- RGB+CCT: colours plus tunable white, for both coloured effects and a choice of white shades.
- Pixel or running: dynamic effects for decorative installations; have the team confirm the controller.
- COB dotless: a smooth line without visible dots, useful where the strip remains visible.
- Wall grazer: a strip for lighting along a wall surface; discuss the intended effect with our team.
These latest designs show some options. Neon flex and rope light are different products.
Should I choose true colours, warm white or cool white?
Choose colour accuracy first, then a white shade that suits the room.
CRI 90+ strips show colours more truly in kitchens, wardrobes, displays and around art. Check the product page for the CRI listed on other options.
- Warm white: about 2700K to 3000K is a good starting point for living rooms, bedrooms and dining.
- Neutral white: about 4000K is a good starting point for kitchens, studies, bathrooms and offices.
- Cool white: about 5000K to 6000K is a good starting point for work areas, utility rooms and shops.
Check each product page for light colour options. A choice of white versions does not itself mean a strip is tunable.
Should I buy a 12V or 24V LED strip?
Choose voltage after measuring each run, because it affects how far the strip can run from its driver.
24V is the largest voltage group in our range, followed by 12V. As a starting point, allow up to about 5 m from the driver for 12V. For 24V, allow up to about 10 m.
Longer runs need power fed at more than one point. The set builder or our team plans this. A 220V strip plugs into the mains; ask our team to confirm the model and installation needs.
How bright should my LED strip be?
Choose a watts-per-metre group according to whether you want a soft glow or stronger light.
- Soft glow: up to about 6 W per metre is a starting point for gentle background light.
- Bright: about 7 to 12 W per metre is a starting point for a brighter line.
- Very bright: about 13 W per metre and above is a starting point when you need stronger light.
Tell our team whether the strip is for mood lighting or a task, such as preparing food.
Which LED strip driver and controller do I need?
Use the set builder to list the parts, then have our team confirm compatibility.
A 12V or 24V strip needs a driver of the same voltage, rated above its total power use. Total watts = watts per metre × metres. Tunable white and colour strips also need a matching controller.
Open the LED strip set builder after choosing your strip. Tell us if you want dimming, remote control or app control; do not assume a combination will work.
Do I need an aluminium profile and diffuser?
A profile with a diffuser hides LED dots, protects the strip and gives a clean line of light.
A profile is an aluminium channel; the diffuser is its cover. COB dotless is another route to a smooth line without visible dots. Have our team confirm which strip and profile fit together.
See the aluminium profile buying guide and how to order profiles before finalising the set.
Where can I use strip lights at home?
Match the lighting effect to the job at each location.
- Ceiling cove: choose the white shade for the room's mood.
- Under kitchen cabinets: plan light for the worktop.
- Wardrobe and shelves: discuss colour accuracy and the available fitting space.
- TV wall and headboard: choose white or coloured background light.
- Staircase: give our team the separate run measurements.
- Balcony and façade: choose by exposure and the stated IP rating.
- Pools and water features: ask for an underwater-rated model and a confirmed installation plan.
How much does an LED strip light cost in India?
Compare the price per metre and the complete parts list, because listing prices use different units.
For this guide dated 12 November 2026, use the finder's budget bands: under ₹250 per metre, ₹250 to ₹500 per metre, ₹500 to ₹1,000 per metre, and ₹1,000 and above per metre.
Strips may be sold per metre, per roll or as a set. Check the included length before comparing. Add the driver, controller and profile costs where needed. The product page shows the current price.
What should I check before buying an LED strip light?
Confirm each run and the complete parts list before ordering.
- Measure each run separately and mark the power-feed locations.
- Choose voltage, light type, white shade and brightness.
- Use the set builder to add a driver and controller where required.
- Choose a profile and diffuser; have the team confirm fit.
- Check the stated IP rating against the location.
- Check the selling unit, included parts and model warranty.
Questions and answers
Use these checks to settle common questions before choosing a strip and its parts.
Which LED strip light suits a ceiling cove?
Choose the white shade and brightness for the room. Measure each cove run before choosing voltage.
What is the difference between a profile light and a COB strip light?
A profile light uses a strip inside an aluminium channel with a diffuser. COB describes a strip giving a dotless line.
Which strip light should I use for a kitchen?
Start with the worktop location, colour accuracy and white shade. Check the stated IP rating for that position.
How do I choose a waterproof LED strip?
Read the stated IP rating and match it to the exposure. An outdoor label alone does not confirm underwater suitability.
Does an RGB strip need a controller?
Yes, it needs a matching controller. The set builder lists parts and our team confirms compatibility.
How many metres should I order?
Add your measured runs, then check the selling unit and power-feed plan. Do not order by room area alone.
Are LED strips in stock, and what is the warranty?
Some versions are marked ready stock; confirm your selected version. Warranty depends on the model.
Jainsons Lights was founded in 1978 and has four showrooms in Delhi. Browse LED strips, use the finder, then build your set. Visit our showrooms or send us your run measurements.