LED strip lighting has become one of the most versatile and energy-efficient lighting solutions available. Whether you're looking to enhance task performance, set the mood with ambient lighting, or add a flare of creativity with feature lighting, there is an LED strip solution for every space. At BW Electrical & Data on the Sunshine Coast, we have installed countless LED strip lighting systems across homes and commercial sites, and we have seen first-hand how effective and beautiful they can be.
Here are 12 innovative ways to use LED strip lighting for task, ambient, and feature lighting throughout your property.
1. Under overhead cabinets in the kitchen (task lighting)
Installing LED strips under overhead kitchen cabinets is ideal for task lighting over benchtops. This setup provides direct, shadow-free illumination, allowing you to safely and efficiently prepare food or read recipes. It also enhances visibility for handling knives and other sharp utensils. For homeowners, this is one of the easiest and most practical upgrades that immediately improves functionality.
2. Bathroom vanity LED strip lighting on a sensor (ambient lighting)
Bathrooms often require light at different times of day, and too-bright overhead lighting at night can be harsh on sleepy eyes. Installing LED strips under the vanity and connecting them to a motion sensor creates the perfect low-level ambient lighting. This setup gently lights your way during late-night visits without fully waking you up or blinding you with intense brightness. At BW Electrical & Data, we often recommend this solution for family homes, especially with young children.
3. Floating shelves and bookcases (feature lighting)
If you have living room shelving, a built-in bookcase, or display cabinetry, adding LED strip lighting can turn these ordinary features into standout design elements. Positioning strip lights along the underside or rear of floating shelves draws the eye and adds subtle interest to your interior décor. Choose a colour temperature that complements your overall lighting scheme to maintain balance across the room.
4. Home office workspaces (task lighting)
In a dedicated home office, clear lighting is crucial for productivity. We recently completed a fit-out in Peregian Beach where LED strips were installed beneath shelving above a work desk. These lights delivered evenly distributed illumination across the workspace, which helped reduce eye strain and boosted focus throughout the day. This type of setup is particularly beneficial in a home office where natural light may be limited or inconsistent.
5. Ceiling recesses or coffered ceilings (ambient lighting)
Recessed ceilings are a great architectural feature that can be further elevated with well-placed LED strip lighting. By installing strips in the recess or along the edges of a coffered ceiling, you add soft, diffused ambient light that complements your main lighting while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This method is ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and even bedrooms where layered lighting adds depth and comfort.
6. Staircase lighting (feature lighting)
One of our favourite projects was at a home in Peregian Beach, where we installed functional feature LED lighting beneath floating concrete stairs. The effect was both stunning and safe, casting enough light to navigate the stairwell at night while highlighting the unique architectural design of the floating steps. This dual benefit of safety and style makes stair lighting an increasingly popular choice among home renovators.
7. Under cabinetry in laundries (task lighting)
Laundries are often overlooked when it comes to lighting design. However, tasks like sorting clothes and spot-cleaning are much easier when your space is well lit. Installing LED strips under upper cabinets or wall shelves provides focused light over the benchtop without the need for bulky fixtures. Not only does this improve workflow, but it also adds a modern touch to a traditionally utilitarian space.
8. Behind bathroom mirrors (ambient lighting)
Another sophisticated way to use LED strip lighting in bathrooms is behind the mirror. This delivers soft, indirect ambient light that is perfect for relaxing baths, early mornings, or late evenings. The subtle glow around the mirror reduces shadows on the face, making it great for makeup application or shaving. Waterproof LED options are available to ensure safety and durability in moisture-prone spaces.
9. Outdoor facade accents (feature lighting)
Side bend flexible LED strips are a fantastic choice for creating curved or flowing highlights on building facades. These lights can be bent along architectural lines or contours to provide a continuous ribbon of light. They are especially impressive when used to edge pergolas, feature walls, or even curved pathways. Not only do they beautify your building's exterior, but they also improve visibility and add a secure perimeter glow after dark.
10. Under-bed LED strip lights on sensors (ambient lighting)
For bedrooms, under-bed LED strips can serve as soft, ambient lighting during early mornings or late evenings. When paired with a motion sensor, they automatically turn on when your feet hit the floor, providing gentle illumination that will not disturb your partner. This solution is particularly popular in children's rooms or households with elderly residents who may need assistance navigating at night.
11. Retail and hospitality display lighting (task and feature lighting)
In commercial spaces like cafes, shops, and reception areas, LED strips can bring displays to life. Under-shelf or behind-product lighting can help guests and customers easily see merchandise while adding a sophisticated edge. For hospitality venues on the Sunshine Coast, we often install colour-changing LED strips that adapt to different moods or events through simple controls, creating a more engaging experience for patrons.
12. Under-bench island lighting for mood setting (feature and ambient lighting)
Installing LED strip lighting under the benchtop lip of a kitchen island is an elegant way to introduce both ambient and feature lighting. When the main kitchen lights are off, these subtle strips provide just enough illumination for entertaining or enjoying a glass of wine in soft light. We often recommend RGBW strip lighting for these applications, giving homeowners the option to switch between functional white light and coloured mood lighting for special occasions.
Final thoughts
LED strip lighting is not just trendy. It is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and one of the most customisable ways to elevate your space. Whether you are looking to create a more functional kitchen, make your home office more productive, or enhance the features of your property at night, LED strips offer flexibility and flair that traditional lighting simply cannot match.
At BW Electrical & Data, we specialise in installing LED solutions that are tailored to your specific needs on the Sunshine Coast. From kitchens to exteriors and everything in between, our experienced team is here to help you bring your lighting ideas to life.
Planning a renovation or new build? Get in touch with our licensed electricians today to explore how LED strip lighting can transform your space.