LED Tape

LED tape is also known as LED strips or ribbon lights. LED tapes are a popular (and ideal) lighting choice for residential and commercial applications due to their high energy efficiency, potential cost savings, and versatility.

They produce minimal heat, making them safe for indoor installations. Since there’s minimal wasted energy, they require very little power to operate. They also don’t need a lot of maintenance, making them one of the most cost-effective lighting solutions.

LED Strip Light Anatomy

The “tape” is a thin, flexible circuit board made in a tape-like or ribbon-like fashion (hence the names) and holding a series of small LED chips. LED strip lights are usually installed on walls, ceilings, under cabinets, etc., to brighten or enhance a space's aesthetics.

LED tapes are very lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to mount. With most, you can just stick them to a surface and be good to go.

Simple Lighting’s collection of high-quality LED tapes is one of our best-selling light fixtures.

Applications of LED Tape

When talking about versatile lighting, LED tapes will always be one of the most mentioned solutions. One of the popular features of the LED tape is its wide range of applications.

You can find them in residential areas, generally installed for:

Under-cabinet lighting,
Accent lighting (used to highlight shelves, architectural features, or artwork),
Backlighting for ambient glow, and
Staircase and handrail lighting

They’re also common in commercial spaces, typically used for:

Signage
Display case lighting
Architectural lighting
Bar and restaurant lighting, and
Entertainment venues

LED strip lights can also be used for automotive lighting and holiday decorations. Your imagination is the only limit to their use.

Features of LED Tape

What makes LED tapes a good lighting choice?

Flexibility: LED tapes can easily be bent and shaped around curves, corners, and uneven surfaces.

Customisation: They can be cut to desired lengths (at designated cutting marks), so you can fit them in most design outlines. They’re also very thin, so brightening up those narrow areas? Done.

Long Lifespan: LEDs typically have an average lifespan of 20,000 hours, some reaching 50,000 hours. That’s a long time before you can even think about replacement!

Colour Options: LED tapes are available in single-colour options (warm white, natural white, cool white) and RGB for colour-changing functions.

Dimmability: Want to have control over the brightness of your tapes? Get dimmable LED strips. You can lower or increase the brightness depending on your desired illumination level.

Waterproof Options: IP65 to IP68-rated LED tapes are waterproof and can be installed outside or in areas with high moisture.

Ease of Installation: You won’t need to call a professional for help. Plug-and-play kits are available and make setting up your lights easier. Many LED tapes also come with an adhesive backing for simple peel-and-stick installation.

How to Install LED Tape

Installing LED tapes is simple and only takes about five steps to complete. But it’s the preparation that also needs paying attention to. Before installing, make sure you:

Choose the right LED strip lights
Plan your layout
Take the correct measurements of the tapes you need (you might need several strips with different lengths, depending on your layout)
Prepare your tools and materials

You can install your LED tapes once you’re done with the preparations:

Clean the surface — Use alcohol and a microfibre cloth for effective cleaning.
Cut the LED tape — Check your measurements and cut only on designated cutting marks.
Peel the adhesive backing — Start from one end, moving to the other.
Stick the tape to the surface — Carefully place the tape over the surface, following your outline, and push on the tape for maximum adhesion.
Use connectors or solder strips to extend the length or manoeuvre around obstacles.
Plug into the power supply. Make sure that the total wattage of your LED tape does not exceed the power supply’s maximum load. LED tapes are rated per metre (e.g. 8w per metre). Multiply by the total length to get the total wattage. (example: 8w x 5 meters = 40w total). Always allot a 10%-20% safety margin.
Test the lights — You can now plug the power supply into the outlet. Check the lights for dark spots, flickering, or not turning on.

If you’re using LED profiles, install them using the provided screws and then insert the tape inside. This replaces steps 3 and 4.

SAFETY FIRST! Never work on the LED tapes while they’re plugged in.

Product Range

Simple Lighting has a wide range of LED tapes. Some of our best-selling options are:

LED Tapes:

COB LED Strips:

LED Strip Light Kits:

RGB and Colour LED Tapes:

Brighten Your Space With Simple Lighting

Ready to upgrade your space with stylish, energy-efficient lighting? Whether adding a subtle glow or making a bold statement, we’ve got the right LED tape lights to level up your space.

Remember that the only limit to LED tape's potential is your imagination. So, let your creativity shine with high-quality LED tapes from Simple Lighting.

Check out our collection today!

Also check out these selections:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do LED tape lights typically last?

High-quality LED tape lights typically last between 25,000 to 50,000 hours, which translates to roughly 15-25 years of normal use. This impressive lifespan is due to their efficient design and minimal heat production, making them far more durable than traditional lighting options.

Can LED tape be cut to size?

Yes, most LED tape can be cut to your desired length at designated cutting points, usually marked every few centimetres along the strip. These cutting marks ensure you don't damage the circuitry, and you can typically reconnect cut sections using connectors or soldering if needed.

Do LED strips need a driver or transformer?

Yes, LED tape requires a compatible LED driver or transformer to convert mains voltage (240V in the UK) down to the low voltage that LED strips operate on, typically 12V or 24V. The driver size depends on the total wattage of your LED tape installation.

What's the difference between IP20, IP65, and IP67 LED tape?

IP20 LED tape has no water protection and is suitable for dry indoor use only. IP65 tape is water-resistant and can handle splashes, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. IP67 tape is waterproof and can be submerged, perfect for outdoor applications or wet areas.

How do you install LED tape lights?

Most LED tape comes with self-adhesive backing, so you simply peel off the protective layer and stick it to a clean, dry surface. For permanent installations or heavy-duty applications, you can use mounting clips or aluminium channels for added security and heat dissipation.

What's the difference between COB and regular LED tape?

COB (Chip on Board) LED tape has densely packed LED chips that create a continuous, uniform light output without visible dots or hotspots. Regular LED tape uses individual LED chips spaced along the strip, which can sometimes show individual points of light, especially when viewed directly.

Can you dim LED tape lights?

Yes, but you'll need dimmable LED tape and a compatible dimming system. This typically involves using a dimmable LED driver and either a wall dimmer switch designed for LED loads or a dedicated LED controller. Always check that all components in your setup are dimming-compatible.

What colour temperature should I choose for LED tape?

Warm white (2700K-3000K) creates a cosy atmosphere perfect for living areas and bedrooms. Natural white (4000K) offers balanced lighting ideal for kitchens and workspaces. Cool white (6000K+) provides bright, energising light suitable for task lighting and commercial applications.