I recently wanted to create a low-cost, flexible, and adjustable lighting system for my room/desk/workspace—so I bought a roll of RGB LED strips and DIY-ed it myself, using simple hardware and a controller to achieve the desired effect.
I think the process and the result were pretty good, and maybe it will be helpful to others, so I'm sharing it here.
Materials & Configuration Used:
One 5050 RGB LED strip (5 m), 12V input
One 12V power supply + stable switching PSU to avoid voltage instability
A simple controller (or microcontroller + MOSFET) — enabling PWM dimming & color control
Optional: Aluminum alloy light trough + diffuser for softer/more even light
Basic wiring / connectors / fasteners / double-sided tape / cable ties
Effects & User Experience:
In "white light / warm white / RGB custom color" settings, the overall brightness of the light strip is sufficient for room background lighting / desktop fill light / ambient lighting — softer and more comfortable than traditional ceiling lights.
RGB mode + dimming + color switching can create different atmospheres — suitable for work / reading / rest / relaxation / movie nights.
Using an aluminum alloy light trough + diffuser will result in more even light, eliminating obvious "point light sources". Stable power supply/good wiring/connection → Stable, flicker-free light.
Advantages:
Low cost + high flexibility
Easy installation, convenient maintenance, and can be easily modified/expanded.
Precautions:
Ordinary RGB light strips have low white light color rendering, unsuitable for professional color matching/photography/painting lighting.
Improper power supply/wiring/heat dissipation may lead to unstable brightness/overheating/shortened lifespan.
When using tape to attach to walls/furniture, it is recommended to use light troughs or other fixing methods, and not rely entirely on the adhesive backing.
Recommendations:
For a more natural look → Consider high CRI LED chips.
For automation → Can be integrated into smart home systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi/ESP/Home Assistant) to control switching/dimming/timers/color changes.
For higher brightness requirements for the light strip → It is recommended to add a heat dissipation structure (such as an aluminum channel) and arrange the wiring properly.
Suitable for:
People who want to improve their home/room/workspace lighting in a low-cost way.
DIY/Maker/creator enthusiasts who enjoy designing and experimenting with lighting effects.
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