Quick Look
More and more people are beginning to use LED strips to beautify their living or working spaces. However, when they install LED strips, they often find themselves stuck at the corners due to the inability of the LED strips to bend horizontally.
How to install LED strip around corners? Forcing the installation can lead to damage to the LED or even the entire strip. Fortunately, I know several methods for installing LED strips in corners.
1. The Corner Fold
The corner fold, which is also referred to as the 90-degree fold. Using this 90-degree folding method, you can quickly and beautifully install LED strips around corners.
Steps:
- Lay LED strip out straight and identify location where fold will be made.
- Start by bending the flex back at a 45-degree angle away from the corner.
- Bend flex back on itself in the proper direction to create a 90″ angle.
- Press down firmly to create a crease. If desired, apply a small amount of super glue to secure the fold.
Pros:
- Creates precise 90-degree angles.
- No additional tools are needed.
- Perfect for emergencies; there’s no need to purchase connectors.
- Provides consistent lighting around corners.
Cons:
- Can’t fold if there is LED in the corner
- Not suitable for waterproof LED strips; excessive bending may damage the waterproof coating.
- This may result in short circuits.
- Request higher quality LED strip lights, as those of poor quality can break at the folded corner.
2.The Ribbon Bend
The ribbon bend, also known as 90-degree pitch, is very suitable for beginners who are installing LED strips for the first time. Because it is the same as the corner fold that don’t need extra tools, and it is easier than the corner fold. While easier than the corner fold method, the ribbon bend effectively achieves a professional installation of LED strip corners without compromising lighting performance.
Steps:
- Lay the LED strip flat on a smooth surface.
- Locate the bending point and twist the strip in a looped fashion.
- Tightly curl the strip to change its direction.
- Apply superglue or adhesive tape to secure the looped strip to the surface.
Pros:
- No extra tools required, easy to operate.
- Forms accurate 90-degree angles.
- Perfect for areas where strips will not be seen.
Cons:
- Can’t fold if there is LED in the corner.
- Not suitable for waterproof LED strips; excessive folding may damage the waterproof coating.
- May cause a short circuit.
- The strip may fracture at the corner where it is folded.
3. The Accordion Fold Method for Gradual Bends
This method is very similar to the corner fold, except that the folding angle is different. It is suitable for corners with angles greater than 90-degree or round corners. Additionally, through multiple progressive accordion-style folds and adhesive applications, you can install LED light strips along broad curves, achieving a smooth gradual bend.
Steps:
- Using the same method as corner fold, paying attention to the angles.
- Use glue or adhesive to set each fold.
- Repeat the above operation at equal intervals until the full curve is formed by the sequential folds.
Pros:
- Ideal for round corners
- No additional tools are needed.
- Can create artistic lighting patterns
Cons:
- Hard to bend, not friendly for beginner.
- Easily causes damage to LED. Therefore, high quality LED are required.
- Very time-consuming
4. Cut the strip light and connect the strip light with wire
This method is widely used, but it can be challenging for most consumers since it necessitates using an electric soldering iron to attach the wires to the PCB board.
Steps:
- Cut the light strip at the appropriate position.
- Solder the wires to two PCB to connect them. (You can choose to solder them onto the second-to-last soldering point for easier installation)
- Power on the strip light to ensure the strip can be lit.
Pros:
- Don’t waste the length of the light strip.
- Ideal for unbendable LED strips.
- Save installation time.
Cons:
- Soldering is required, not friendly for beginner.
- The operation is more complex than other methods.
5. Punch a hole and put the light strip into the hole
This is one of the most popular and straightforward installation methods, making it highly convenient and ideal for most home decoration projects. It only requires the addition of a drill, with no need for extra tools. However, it is not suitable for areas with thin cabinets or backing.
Steps:
- Make a hole with an electric drill at the corner.
- Press the light strip into the hole at the corner for a short distance.
- Secure the LED strip inside the hole.
Pros:
- Fast installation speed.
- Easy to operate.
Cons:
- Not suitable in places with thin cabinets or backs.
- Drill is required, need to be able to use a power drill.
6. Use L-Shape Connector or L-Wire Connector
L-shape connector or L-wire connector is the cleanest choice for corner lighting. It can connect two LED strips together without the need for soldering. The L-shape connector is suitable for corners with a 90-degree angle and is a better choice for corner folds. The L-wire connector for round edges and is a better option for accordion fold.
Steps:
- Cut the light strip at the appropriate position.
- Connect two LED strips to the connector.
- Lock both sides.
Pros:
- Easy to use and secure.
- Gives a smooth and even lighting effect to the corners.
- No risk of short circuits.
- A precise 90-degree angle can be created.
Cons:
- Additional costs are required to purchase connectors.
- Connectors can become loose.
7. Use the Zigzag Bendable S LED Strips
The zigzag bendable S LED strip, also known as bendable LED strip or S type LED strip. From the name we know it can be bendable easily ,unlike regular straight LED strip easy to break if bend in a side bending direction, this strip can bend at any direction. Suntechlite have several types of regular zigzag bendable S LED strips, as well as some addressable RGB zigzag bendable S LED strips, such as: WS2812 SMD5050 S type RGB LED Strip, WS2815 SMD5050 S type RGB LED Strip, WS2815 SMD3535 S Type RGB LED Strip, WS2815 SMD3535 S Type White LED Strip.
Steps:
- Bend it to the angle you desire.
- Install it in the desired location.
Pros:
- Installation is very simple.
- Flexible to move in any direction
- Highly resistant to bending, allowing for multiple uses.
- Capable of bending smoothly to follow irregular surfaces such as letters and patterns.
Cons:
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as regular LED strips.
8. Use the Horizontal Bend LED Neon Flex Light
Conventional LED strips placed horizontally cannot be bent horizontally; they can only be bent vertically. However, if a horizontally placed LED strip is positioned vertically, it can then only be bent horizontally. Horizontal bend LED neon flex light utilizes this principle, and it can also adjust the direction of the light.
Steps:
- You can click the link below to learn How to install flex neon LED strip.
Pros:
- Very suitable for the round edges.
- Easy to install.
- Strong waterproof capability.
- Can create artistic lighting patterns.
Cons:
- More expensive than regular LED strips.
Quick Checklist
Suntechlite Quick Checklist helps you quickly choose the most suitable solution.
| Method | Difficulty | Tools Required | Cost | Applications | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corner Fold | ★★☆☆☆ | None | Free | Non-waterproof strips, 90° corners | May damage strips, not waterproof |
| Ribbon Bend | ★★☆☆☆ | None | Free | Concealed installation | Requires flexible strips |
| Accordion Fold | ★★★★☆ | Adhesive/Glue | Low | Curved corners | Time-consuming |
| Cut & Solder | ★★★★★ | Soldering iron | Low | Rigid strips | Electrical safety required |
| Drill-through | ★★★☆☆ | Electric drill | Medium | Thick surfaces | Depth control critical |
| L-shape Connector | ★★☆☆☆ | Wire cutters | Medium | Waterproof needs | Match connector type |
| Zigzag S-type Strip | ★☆☆☆☆ | None | High | Complex shapes | Aesthetics trade-off |
| Horizontal Neon Flex | ★★★☆☆ | Mounting tracks | High | Waterproof areas | Professional installation |
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you will learn about eight methods for installing LED strip lights in corners.
You will never have to worry about getting stuck while installing LED strip lights again.
If you encounter any other issues with the light strip, please feel free to check out our other blogs, as you may find the answers you need there.