How to install led strip on curtain rod
LED curtain lighting is often used by craftsmen to give the interior of the room originality. Also, this method of decoration can often be seen in shopping and sports halls, office buildings. This backlight serves as an additional light source, while the LEDs consume a minimum amount of electricity.
Another advantage of the LED strip is that it can be installed in the eaves without the help of a master. The most difficult part of the job is installing and connecting the power supply for the LEDs.
What are the advantages and popularity of lighting curtains
By setting the niche lighting for curtains with led stripyou will experience the following benefits:
- the room will have an original design. The effect of sun rays falling on the window is created, regardless of the time of day and weather;
- diodes emphasize the contours of the room and create an attractive view not only from the inside, but also from the outside of the house;
- due to the illumination, the living space visually increases.
Another indisputable advantage is that LEDs consume a small amount of electricityespecially when compared to incandescent bulbs. They are also less dangerous and last longer. The voltage is low enough to illuminate, so the LEDs do not adversely affect the appearance of the fabric of the curtains or blinds.
We advise you to watch the video: Do-it-yourself cornice lighting for curtains.
How to install a backlight with your own hands
Before you go for materials and tools, you need to come up with an idea for the interior. First of all, it is recommended to choose the colors of the backlight. You can also choose curtains for a specific shade, if they have not yet been purchased. One of the most important stages of preparation is the choice of power supply. Only after that begins the process of preparing tools, materials, and, directly, installing the LED strip.
Choice of mounting location
The LED strip, which is used as a garland for curtains, can be of two types of glow - side and end. Due to its compactness, it can be installed even in a narrow window opening. The LEDs will not be visible when the backlight is off.
It is believed that the backlight is installed correctly if the LEDs themselves are invisible and only the light that comes from them is visible. For such curtains, it is recommended to hide the cornice in the ceiling niche. If this option is not suitable, the light source is hidden by a special polyurethane cornice.
Decorative lighting with diodes can be install in two versions - in front of the curtain or behind it. The first option is most often used. In this way, light is directed down onto the fabric. To achieve this effect, the box is mounted next to the edge of the curtain and a diode tape is placed in it. As a result, the light will fall tangentially.
To create a very unusual effect, sometimes not the entire curtain is highlighted, but only a lambrequin. Such a solution will provide the room with a special magical aura. Also, LED lighting does not have to be hidden in a box. This option is used to highlight the blinds. In this case, a tape with a dense arrangement of diodes is used.
Where to direct the light of the tape
Designers recommend directing the light along a tangent line with respect to the curtain. In other words, the LEDs "look" at the end of the curtain, parallel to the ceiling.
Selection of a power supply
Before purchasing an LED strip, you need to do calculation of its powerto select a power supply based on this data. For example, if the power of 1 m is 15 watts, 3 m = 45 watts. It is worth considering that the power supply must be installed only with a power reserve. Therefore, it is worth safely adding about 20-30% to any obtained values. In our case, a power supply with a power of 60-70 watts is suitable. It is better to find out the exact power of the tape from the seller when buying.
For reference: 1 amp = 220 watts.
A more detailed calculation of the power supply is described in a separate article.
What you need to work
In order to avoid problems with the installation of the backlight, it is recommended to mount it during the repair process. But if the installation is carried out after, you need to be careful not to damage the finish. To facilitate the work during the installation process, you need to buy the following:
- one way switch. It will be used as a means of additional security;
- transformer. Recommended nominal values: voltage - 220 V, frequency - 50 Hz, output - 12 V (DC current). Such requirements are explained by the fact that the LEDs will not work with standard network parameters. The chips require less voltage and different current quality;
- screwdriver (indicator) and nails;
- for wires, it is advisable to purchase plastic boxes. The required length corresponds to the length of the wiring;
- heat shrink tubing or tape for insulation. If you need to make a niche for which the tape will be mounted, you will need drywall;
- drill;
- glue;
- the wire. To find out the required length, you need to take measurements. The cross section must be at least 1.5 mm2, and the product that will be connected to the tape - 0.75 or 1 mm2. For these purposes, a wire with 2 cores of different colors is suitable;
- scissors;
- LED Strip Light. Before you purchase it, you need to measure the distance required for lighting. It is also worth remembering that the operating parameters of the transformer must correspond to the nominal parameters of the tape;
- soldering iron;
Review of prices for popular models of tapes.
Step by step installation instructions
At the first stage, it is necessary to proceed with the installation of the box along the window opening. It is along its edge that the cornice is subsequently attached.If the backlight is mounted under a false ceiling, the box is not needed.
The next step is to install the transformer. It can be mounted to the ceiling using standard dowels at the point where the LED strip starts.
When the transformer is installed, the operating voltage is applied to it. For this, the nearest socket or junction box will do. Next, you need to take the previously purchased wire with 2 cores. One of them (red) must be connected to the phase, and the other to zero. To determine the phase, you need an indicator screwdriver.
The next step is to start installing led strip. Here you will need construction adhesive applied to the back of the tape. It is important to thoroughly clean the surface on which the tape will be installed. If this is not done, over time it will disappear. When the adhesive is completely applied, the tape must be applied and fixed with light pressure. The remains of the composition can be removed with a regular rag.
Next, you need to connect the LED strip to the transformer. For this, it has 2 outputs - “V-” and “V +”. From here, a wire with the above section of 1.5 mm is connected to the same conclusions on the tape.2. If these conclusions are confused, the tape may completely burn out when turned on. A switch is made to control the backlight. It is installed only on the phase. Otherwise, even after the tape is turned off, dangerous voltage will remain on it.
Detailed connection instructions are described here.
Installation Tips
Before proceeding with the installation of the backlight, the following recommendations should be considered:
- Lighting must be selected based on the type and color of the curtains. As a result, they should form a coherent composition.
- To avoid a short circuit, you should make sure that the insulation is in good condition.
- It is not recommended to block the path of the light flux with other decorative elements.
- Diodes should be located as far as possible from flammable objects.
- No need to choose cheap Chinese products and too bright LEDs.
Ready-made options with photos
The result obtained directly depends on the idea. The standard installation option is described above, which can be varied at your discretion. Below (pictured) are bold decisions, but at the same time difficult to implement. Therefore, if there is no self-confidence, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
Conclusion
To be able to make the backlight whiter bright or dim, you can install an adjustable switch. But for this you need the help of a master. Also, an RGB tape is often used, which changes the colors of the glow. With its help, you can create an atmosphere in the room depending on your mood.
