LED strip lights have gone from a niche product to one of the most popular lighting choices for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. But with so many types available, how do you pick the right one? This guide has you covered.

In this article

Types of LED strips
Single colour vs RGB vs RGBW
IP ratings explained
Installation tipsCommon mistakes

Types of LED strip lights

LED strips come in several varieties, each suited to different applications. The most common types are SMD 2835, SMD 3528, and SMD 5050. The numbers refer to the chip size in millimetres. SMD 5050 chips are larger and produce more light per LED, making them ideal for accent lighting and display backlighting. SMD 2835 strips are slimmer and more energy-efficient, great for under-cabinet or shelf lighting.

Single colour vs RGB vs RGBW

Single-colour strips (warm white, cool white, or daylight) are the most straightforward option — simply plug in and enjoy consistent, quality illumination. RGB strips use red, green, and blue LEDs to produce millions of colours, controlled via a remote or smart app. RGBW strips add a dedicated white LED for cleaner, more accurate white tones — ideal when you want both colourful ambience and proper task lighting from the same strip.

At ShopScape.Store, we carry single-colour, RGB, and RGBW strips in a range of densities (30, 60, and 120 LEDs per metre) so you can match brightness to your exact need.

IP ratings — indoor vs outdoor

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings tell you how resistant a strip light is to dust and moisture. For dry indoor use (living rooms, bedrooms), IP20 is sufficient. For kitchens and bathrooms where splashes may occur, use IP65 (silicone-coated). For fully outdoor or wet environments, choose IP67 or IP68 (fully waterproof).

Installation tips for clean results

• Always clean and dry the surface before applying the adhesive backing — dust and grease will cause peeling over time.
• Use aluminium channel profiles for a professional finish and to act as a heat sink, prolonging strip life.
• Never exceed the manufacturer’s maximum run length per driver — usually 5 metres for standard strips. For longer runs, use a higher-wattage driver or add an amplifier.
• Cut only at the marked cut points (every 3 LEDs typically) to avoid damaging the circuit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using an undersized power supply is the most frequent error — always calculate total wattage (watts per metre × total metres) and add a 20% safety margin. Also avoid sharp bends in the strip, which can break the circuit, and never cover strips with insulating material that traps heat.