The Complete Guide to LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are one of the most versatile lighting products available — under kitchen cabinets, in bathroom niches, across retail displays, and in architectural coves. This guide covers everything you need to make the right choice.
What are LED strip lights?
Flexible circuit boards with LEDs at regular intervals, running on safe 24V DC supplied by a driver. Cut to length at designated cut points. All Lumily strips run on 24V — giving longer run lengths, better performance, and more driver choice than 12V.
COB vs SMD
COB (Chip on Board) — Seamless, dot-free output. Ideal for any visible installation — coving, mirrors, slat wall panels, plinth lighting. Lumily PEAK, OPTIX S, OPTIX S+ ranges.
SMD (Surface Mounted Diode) — Practical and cost-effective. Best for hidden runs inside closed profiles. Lumily GLEAM range.
Not sure which type you need? If the strip will be visible — even through a diffuser — choose COB. If it's hidden inside a closed profile or pelmet, SMD is a more cost-effective choice.
Colour temperature
- Warm white (2700K) — Soft, amber-toned. Bedrooms, living rooms, hospitality.
- Natural white (4000K) — Clean, balanced. Kitchens, bathrooms, offices, retail.
- Cool white (6000K) — Crisp. Workspaces, garages, commercial environments.
- CCT adjustable — Tuneable between temperatures via controller. OPTIX S+ range.
What else will I need?
- A compatible CORE driver, correctly sized for your wattage
- A receiver and remote for dimming or colour change
- An aluminium profile for any visible surface-mount installation
- Accessories — connection leads, corner connectors, joining clips