Do you want a mirror with LED lights? Then you can consider using LED strip lights to decorate your mirror. Therefore, you can DIY a mirror with LED strip lights, and the production process is very simple.
You can set up a backlight behind the mirror. Or use LED strip lights to create a border around the mirror, and more. To get started, just select the correct LED strip, wrap it around your mirror, and power it up. This article will guide you on how to easily and affordably convert a traditional mirror into a super-bright LED vanity mirror. Please read on.
How to Choose the Right LED Strip Lights for a Mirror?
The only difference between a regular mirror and your favorite vanity mirror is the LED strip lights. So how to choose the right LED strip lights for the mirror? Before buying any LED strip lights for mirror lighting, you must consider some of the following facts:
Consider Mirror Placement
First, you need to consider where you will install it. Usually in a humid room such as a bedroom or bathroom. If installed in the bathroom, you must consider choosing waterproof LED strip lights. But if you just want to install it on the makeup mirror in your bedroom, you don’t need to consider this issue. IP20 non-waterproof led strips are enough.
Brightness of The LED Strip Lights
When installed in different areas, its power and brightness issues need to be considered. For example, some areas require bright light so that they can be seen more clearly. However, some places may require soft lighting, which is more inclined to the performance of the atmosphere.
Color of The LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights come in many colors: single-color LED strips, tunable white LED strips, RGB LED strips, RGBW LED strips, etc. You can consider using these color temperatures to create your own unique sophistication.
If you want to create a different atmosphere, you can choose RGB color light strips and choose the right color according to your mood. If you don’t need too many colors, you can choose bright white or warm white. Of course, it depends on your own ideas, so you can adjust the brightness according to your mood.
CRI Rating
CRI stands for “Color Rendering Index.” It is directly related to the accuracy of LED strip lights in imitating natural light. The CRI is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. So the higher the CRI, the better the color accuracy. So you also need to choose a light strip with high CRI, which is equivalent to seeing more clearly under natural light. DIY mirror lights always have a color rendering index above 90 to avoid this.
IP Waterproof
If you want to decorate your bathroom mirror with LED strip lights, you need to consider waterproof LED strips. Because the fixtures in the bathroom are in close contact with water, At the same time, you also need to have a clear understanding of the IP rating so that you can ensure that you choose the best LED strip lights for your DIY mirror lighting project.
How To Install LED Strip Lights On Mirror: DIY
After choosing the appropriate LED strip lights for the mirror, we need to follow the following steps to install it easily:
- Step 1: Clean and Measure
You need to clean the surface around the mirror first, especially where the light strip will be attached. Then measure how many meters of LED striplights you need to cover the entire mirror. Always remember to add extra length. - Step 2: Cut the LED strip
After determining how many meters of LED strip you need, cut the strip according to your requirements. It needs to be cut exactly where it is cut. If you accidentally cut it wrong, the LED strip may not glow. - Step 3: Install LED strip lights on the Mirror
Generally speaking, LED light strips have 3M glue on the back and can be directly pasted on the mirror. But make sure there is no water on the mirror when pasting; otherwise, even 3M super glue cannot stabilize the light strip. Next, take out the corresponding LED strip connector and connect the LED strip to the controller. You can then plug in the power source and light up the LED strip.
6 Best Creative LED Light Strips for DIY Mirror Lighting
Here are some creative ideas for you on how to create a particularly stylish LED mirror. You can refer to it first to find a lighted mirror that suits you.
Create a floating effect
You can consider using LED light strips to create a floating effect to achieve mirror lighting. First, before placing the LED strip on the back of the mirror, we need to consider leaving some space around the edges. This gap will depend on the size of the mirror, leaving approximately 2 to 4 inches of clearance. This gap depends on the size of the mirror. Once the LED strip is mounted to the back of the mirror, appropriate space must be maintained between the mirror and the wall to achieve the floating effect.
Built-in Mirror Lighting
The most popular mirror on the market is the built-in LED strip mirror. Ready-made mirrors have advanced features like touchscreen buttons, but they come with a hefty price tag. So, you can easily DIY a built-in mirror at home. First, you need to create two wooden frames. The first frame should be regular, and the second frame should be smaller (equal to the size of the mirror) and one inch tall. Place the small frame on the first frame and secure it with nails. Then, install LED strips in the space between the two frames. Now, place the mirror on the smaller frame. Finally, cover the entire frame with glass. This will give your DIY mirror lighting a professional look.
Follow the Contours of the Mirror Shape
If you have a vintage-style mirror, LED strip lights can give it a modern feel. To do this, you need to shape the LED strip according to the design of the mirror. You may need to cut the LED strip into small pieces to fit the shape. In this case, use LED strip connectors to cleanly cover the corners. However, if you do strip folding, make sure it doesn’t damage any LED chips.
Try Colorful LED Strip Lights
Generally speaking, mirror lighting uses warm, cool, or bright white light. But you can dress it up by adding pops of color. Installing colorful LED strips on mirrors can bring a wow factor to your space. We recommend RGB LED strips, you can create up to 16 million shades with RGB strips using your remote! Of course, you can choose the color of the light according to your mood and purpose.
Warm Lighting Creates a Comfortable Atmosphere
Installing warm-toned orange LED strip lights around your mirror can bring a cozy ambience to your space. It could be a bathroom mirror or a bedroom dresser. Installing these LED strips in your bedroom mirror can function as a sleep light. Because warm light contributes to good sleep. Also, if you want warm mirror lighting, I recommend using dim to warm LED strips from dark to warm for better results. This light strip allows you to adjust the color temperature from 3000K to 1800K. Therefore, you can use them to get a comfortable, warm light setup.
Rainbow Mirror Light
Want to bring colorful lights into your home? Try installing addressable LED strips on your mirrors. These digital LED strips allow you to control every part of the strip. Therefore, you can give your mirror a rainbow effect. If you love color and want to have fun in your room, a mirror setup like this will undoubtedly wow you.
Finally, always remember to choose LED strips with adhesive backing for easier installation. Before purchasing LEDs, consider where they will be installed. For example, whether the mirror is for a bathroom or a bedroom vanity, make sure you buy the right LED light strip. Additionally, you might consider using a dimmer or smart lighting controller to adjust the brightness based on your preferences and time of day.
FAQs
Installing LED strips around your mirror is a very simple process. Start by cleaning the mirror surface and measuring the length of LED strip you need. Peel off the adhesive again and stick the light strip along the edge of the mirror.
Mainly based on the shape of the mirror and your own preferences. Generally for even lighting, place LED strips along the perimeter of the mirror. But there are also ways to create unique designs through vertical, horizontal or even diagonal placement.
OK. But you should choose waterproof LED light strips that can be installed on the bathroom mirror. And make sure the strips have appropriate waterproofing properties and follow safety guidelines for bathroom electrical installations.
Hide LED strip wires by routing them behind a mirror or using cable channels. Some LED strips come with channel or accessory profiles, providing a clean and hidden wiring solution.
The optimal color temperature depends largely on personal preference and the purpose of the mirror. Warm whites (2700K-3000K) provide a cozy ambience, while cool whites (4000K-5000K) are ideal for bright, daylight-like effects. But some people like RGB mixed color temperatures, and they can choose either.