LED Strips and Flexible Neon for Professional Decoration and Architectural Lighting
Decorative LED strips cover everything from ambient lighting in homes to commercial signage and hospitality. Here you will find 24V and 220V LED strips, COB, SMD, and RGB formats, flexible LED neon, and the accessories for a complete installation: profiles, power supplies, and controllers.
Types of LED strips and their differences
SMD LED strip: versatile and cost-effective
The SMD LED strip has individually visible LEDs on the tape, with point emission. The single-colour 12W/m LED strip covers most functional indoor applications. Available as an IP20 indoor LED strip for dry areas or in higher densities when the project demands more output. Common uses:
- Wardrobes and drawers
- Suspended ceilings and cornices
- Shop window and display case lighting
- Under kitchen units
COB LED strip: continuous light with no visible dots
The continuous COB LED strip mounts the diodes directly onto the substrate and produces a uniform line of light. It is the right format for an exposed aluminium diffuser profile: kitchens, mirrors, and stair treads. The high-density 24V COB LED strip reaches 320 LEDs/m with superior colour rendering CRI. The flicker-free CRI98 LED strip is the reference for jewellery, fashion retail, and product photography.
RGB and RGBW LED strips: colour and creativity
RGB, RGBW, and single-colour strips allow colours to be mixed or combined with white on the same channel. The 5m roll RGB LED strip is the standard format for window dressing and decoration. With a compatible controller, adjustable colour temperature, sequences, or transitions can be managed. The CCT dimmable LED strip adjusts white from 2,700 K to 6,500 K depending on the application.
Flexible LED neon: more than decoration
24V vs 220V LED neon: which to choose
220V flexible LED neon connects directly to the mains without an external power supply, which is practical for long installations. Custom-colour 24V LED neon requires a power supply but allows greater intensity control and smart home compatibility. The 25m LED neon coil is the standard format for perimeter projects. Custom cutting adjusts the exact length without waste.
Applications in signage, shop windows, and architecture
Flexible neon for signage is common in hospitality, fashion, and hotel signage. The IP65 outdoor LED strip withstands moisture and rain, while IP67 handles brief submersion. Flexible LED neon for signs can be shaped into tight curves for letters and logos with no visible solder joints.
How to choose the right LED strip
LED density per metre and brightness
LED density per metre defines uniformity and output. For functional lighting, 120-180 LEDs/m is sufficient. For continuous light with no shadows, the high-density 320 LEDs/m LED strip. Power per metre ranges from 4.8 W/m in low-consumption models to 20 W/m in high-output ones.
CRI: essential in shop windows and jewellery
Colour rendering CRI measures how accurately light reproduces real colours. Three indicative levels:
- CRI 80 — general domestic use
- CRI 90 (recessed CRI90 LED strip) — recommended minimum for retail and hospitality
- CRI98 — the reference for jewellery and retail; reproduces colours with the same accuracy as natural light
The flicker-free CRI98 LED strip makes a real difference where colour directly affects sales.
IP rating: indoor, outdoor, or wet areas
IP20, IP65, and IP67 are the most common ratings. IP20 for dry interiors. IP65 against water jets: kitchens, bathrooms, and facades under eaves. IP67 for submersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes: swimming pools and walkable floors.
| IP rating | Protection | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | No water protection | Dry interior |
| IP65 | Water jets | Kitchen, bathroom, outdoor under cover |
| IP67 | Submersion up to 1 m / 30 min | Swimming pool, walkable floor |
Installation and essential accessories
Aluminium profiles and diffusers
The aluminium diffuser profile protects the strip, dissipates heat, and evens out the emission. The LED strip for aluminium profile must match the width of the inner channel: 8, 10, or 12 mm depending on the model.
Controllers, power supplies, and connectors
The power supply must exceed the total strip load by at least 20%. For 10 m at 12 W/m, a minimum of 144 W is required. The compatible controller manages intensity, colour temperature, or effects on RGB, RGBW, and single-colour strips. Connectors allow sections to be joined without soldering.
Tips for a flicker-free installation
To avoid flicker in the installation:
- CE-certified power supply with a power factor above 0.9
- At least 20% power headroom above the actual load
- Feed from both ends on runs longer than 5 m
The 24V LED strip reduces voltage drop compared to the 12V version.
Frequently asked questions about LED strips and flexible neon
What is the difference between a COB and an SMD LED strip?
The SMD has separate, visible LEDs. The COB distributes them in a continuous layer with no light dots, making it more suitable when the profile and diffuser are on show.
Can I install LED strips outdoors?
Yes, with the correct IP rating. The IP65 outdoor LED strip is the standard choice for facades. For temporary submersion, IP67.
What power supply do I need for my LED strips?
Power per metre × metres installed + 20% headroom. For 5 m at 12 W/m, a minimum of 72 W with CE certification.
Can LED neon be cut to size?
Yes, at the manufacturer's marked cut points (every 50 cm or 1 m). Custom cutting adjusts the exact length; cutting outside those marks renders the last segment unusable.
How do I stop my LED strips from flickering?
Use a quality power supply with low ripple, 20% power headroom, and feed from both ends on long runs. The 24V LED strip is more stable than the 12V version.
What controller do I need for RGB LED strips?
A controller compatible with the number of channels.
- RGB uses 3 channels.
- RGBW uses 4 channels.
- CCT uses 2 channels.
The maximum current per channel must be equal to or greater than the strip's demand.