Installing LED Lights Around Mirrors: 7 Easy Steps to Follow

But did you know that you can also make a makeup mirror with bright LED lights around the frame affordably?

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to spruce up your bathroom, Installing some LED lights around the mirror is a superb option!

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to install LED lights around a mirror using inexpensive materials. Let’s get started!

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Can you add LED Lights to a Mirror?

A quality makeup mirror should come with luxurious LED lights. However, these particular mirrors can be expensive and challenging to find the precise design.

You should understand how to add lights to a mirror [1] for the perfect lighted makeup mirror.

You can easily decorate a floating, freestanding full-length mirror and a wall-mounted mirror with LED lights.

Did you know that there are several LED lights with diverse designs? Adding LED lights to a mirror comes with its advantages.

1. LED light makes makeup application, shaving, tweezing eyebrows, and flossing easy
2. Helps you to see fine details

Find out more about DIY lighted LED mirrors in this short video.

7 Steps to Put LED Lights on a Mirror

Installing LED lights around mirrors is a straightforward and fun project. Nonetheless, you should understand all the steps involved before adding LED lights to a mirror.

These steps I am discussing here are economical and practical.

ProTip: You need to decide the mirror phase before deciding on where to install the LED strip lights. You can install it either on the front or back phase.

Remember that altered makeup lighting help to define a mood in diverse room settings.

Here are the steps I recommend you to follow.

Step 1: Gather all materials

Gathering materials is the preliminary stage when installing LEDs around the mirror.

Get the mirror, LED strips, power source, remote control, LED strip connectors (optional), measuring tape/ruler, scissors, adhesive, and a marker.

Step 2: Clean the mirror surface

Remove all dust and oil particles from the mirror surface before applying any adhesive.

Check out this short video to understand how to clean a mirror.

Step 3: Measure the mirror

Measuring the mirror helps you know the exact length of the LED strip to cut. You can alternatively cut LED strip lights twice the length of the mirror if you want a brighter illumination.

Step 4: Cut the LED strip

Cutting the LED strip is a crucial step that requires attentiveness.

• Measure the exact length and cut straight along the suggested spot (with scissors). Most LED strip lights, however, have a scissors logo for convenience. If not, check the user/instruction manual to understand how to cut the LED strip.

Check out this video on how to cut LED strip lighting.

What to do if you accidentally cut a shorter LED strip?

Not to worry, you can add a 4-pin connector and join the LED strip. Unfortunately, the connector will affect the uniformity of the LED lights along with the mirror.

Use plastic brackets if you do not want to cut the LED strip light. Note that these plastic brackets help securely hold the LED strip light at the corners.

If you have any challenges with how to cut LED strip lights, you can check out this short video to find out more information.

Step 5: Attach the LED light strip to the mirror

Place the LED tape lights along the side of the frameless mirror. Equally, place the LED light strip around the frame for a framed mirror.

LED strip lights come with a sticky strip along the back of the mirror to securely fix it. Hence, gently remove the sticky strip and place it along the mirror marking.

Apply enough super glue on the back of the LED strip if it does not come with an adhesive backing.

Frameless mirrors

1. Measure 1 inch from the edge of the mirror and mark
2. Repeat step 1 above along all the four edges (along the periphery)
3. The LED lights will function as borders

Framed mirror

1. Measure the length of the frame before cutting the strip
2. Cut the strip and fix connectors at the corners
3. Ensure the LED strip light is flush with the frame
4. Alternatively, use fixing strips to fix and strengthen the LED lights against the frame securely

You can pick an LED strip light that matches the frame for a trendy look.

Step 6: Install mounting hardware

If you have an ordinary mirror, you should install mounting brackets on the wall before fixing the mirror into position.

Measure the mirror precisely before securing the mounting brackets on the wall.

Check out this awesome video!

Step 7: Prepare the power supply unit

Acquire the recommended power supply unit when purchasing LED strip lights. Check for a power supply unit compatible with the particular LED light strip you have.

Connect the LED output to the power supply, then the power cord to the electrical power outlet. Either on the wall or via an extension cable.

What to Remember

1. Do not cut LED strip lights diagonally.
2. Do not cut shorter strips. Always double-check to confirm the measurements before cutting the strip.

How do you install LED lights around mirror?

Apart from installing LED strip lights to a mirror, you should understand the correct mirror positioning.

Positioning an LED decorative mirror with light

Not all positions in the room favor mirror placement.

Decorative mirrors should be placed strategically for improved performance. You can place a vanity mirror close to the window to allow natural light from the sun.

Here is a detailed video to help you understand more.

Choosing the correct LED strip lights

Choose ideal LED lights for an enhanced makeup routine. Colored LED strips, or ultra-bright LED, are two choices that give your mirror a modern and trendy finish.

But what should you go for? [2]

Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing LED strip lights for mirrors

1-Design

LED strip lights are available in several elegant designs that serve different purposes. Including frameless design mirrors and built-in LED lighting designs.

Decorative mirrors in the bathroom require waterproof LED strip lights, while mirrors in the bedroom require ordinary LED lights. This is because the bathroom has a humid environment than the other rooms.

You should understand how to choose a bathroom mirror for the best grooming session after taking a bath.

RELATED: Correct Bathroom Mirror Iinstallation

2-Purpose/Mood

LED lights around the mirror serve different moods. You can spruce up the mood with warm and bold LED lights.

Soft white light [3] or color LED lights usually replicate natural sunlight. These particular lights enhance color accuracy when applying makeup at any time of the day.

Pick the correct colors that match your preferences.

3-Brand

Understand the best brand in the market before picking an LED light strip for your mirror.

Lighting brands are available in different qualities, functionality, and prices.

Note that most expensive LED brands have a high performance than cheap brands.

Find out more information about picking the best-LED light strip in this video.

READ MORE: Easy No Drill Bathroom Mirror

Best LED lights

The best LED lights should give clear lighting on the face and touch controls. Fortunately, LED lights are available in 3 distinct groups that produce sufficient natural lighting. Daylight, Warm White light, and Cool White light.

Thus, do not install ordinary LED lights around the mirror. You can spice up the appearance of a vanity mirror with unique warm or cool LED lights and a touch sensor feature to control the lighting.

1. RGB LED Strip Light

This is an easy-to-install light that changes its color depending on the mood you want.

2. LED Ring Light

These particular lights produce light that mimics daylight. Furthermore, it is a cheaper alternative compared to other LED light designs.

3. Warm White 12 volts LED lights

These particular lights are versatile and great for backlighting designs.

4. IKEA lighted mirrors

These mirrors have been tested and consume 85% less energy. Also, they last longer than incandescent lights.

Are LED-powered backlit décor mirrors worth it?

Did you know that backlighting a mirror with LED lights provides even illumination like front LED strip lights on the mirror?

If you intend to place a mirror an inch or two from the wall, putting LED strip lights at the back is incredible. Install the lights along the back periphery of the mirror.

Check out backlit mirror reviews to help you find unique bathroom mirror ideas.

Thus, backlights are also worth a try for vanity mirrors.

See more wall-mounted backlit mirrors in this video.

READ MORE: How to Get Scratches Out of a Mirror

FAQs

Conclusion

Installing LED lights around your mirror is an easy way to make your morning routine a little bit brighter and your room a little more stylish. 

Plus, it’ll save you money on your energy bill in the long run! Happy crafting!

What do you think of LED lights around mirrors? Let us know below!

Resources

• 1. HouseCaravan.com. How Do You Add Light to a Mirror? [Internet]. House Caravan. [cited 2022 Apr 21]. Available from: https://housecaravan.com/how-do-you-add-light-to-a-mirror/#:~:text=The%20simplest%20way%20to%20add
• 2. Ultimate Guide on Buying LED Strip Lights – LEDSupply Blog [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 21]. Available from: https://www.ledsupply.com/blog/ultimate-guide-on-buying-led-strip-lights/#:~:text=When%20buying%20LED%20strip%20lights
• 3. How to create the best makeup lighting [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/explore-hue/blog/lighting-for-makeup

Last update on 2022-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API