How to make cove lighting: LED strip, profile, driver and linear lights

Short answer: Cove (hidden) lighting is indirect light: the source stays out of sight and the light spreads by bouncing off the ceiling or wall. A 24 V LED strip, ideally in an aluminium profile with a diffuser, is placed in the channel at the edge of a suspended ceiling and powered by a driver rated at least 20% above the strip's power. For a direct, even line of light, use a ready-made linear luminaire instead of a strip.

What is cove lighting for?

It adds depth, makes ceilings look higher and gives soft, glare-free ambient light. Living rooms, bedrooms, corridors, behind TV units, stairs and above kitchen cabinets are typical places. On its own it is not enough as task light; plan it together with spots or linear fittings.

What you need

• LED strip: 24 V is preferred for cove lighting. It draws less current for the same power, so long runs show less voltage drop and colour shift; 12 V strips suit short runs. Choose COB (dotless) strip if you do not want visible dots.
• Aluminium profile and diffuser: spreads heat for longer LED life and evens out the light. In an open cove the profile stays hidden inside the channel.
• LED driver: at least 20% above the strip's total power. For example, 10 m × 14.4 W = 144 W of strip needs a driver of 180 W or more. Use a dimmable driver if you want to dim.
• Wiring: keep the run from driver to strip short; feed long runs from both ends.

How many watts and which colour?

For ambient light, 9.6–14.4 W per metre (roughly 800–1,400 lumens per metre) is enough in most living rooms and bedrooms. For a brighter effect or high ceilings, use 19–24 W/m. For colour, 2700–3000 K warm white suits living areas and 4000 K neutral white suits kitchens and work areas. All sources in one room should share the same Kelvin value.

Installation steps

1. Plan the ceiling channel so the strip stays hidden and the light can spread; at least 10–15 cm between the strip and the ceiling gives an even wash.
2. Stick the strip into the profile; at corners cut it (only at the marked points) and join with a connector or solder instead of bending it.
3. Put the driver where it can be serviced: a driver sealed inside plasterboard means breaking the ceiling when it fails. An access hatch or a cupboard is ideal.
4. Feed long runs (beyond about 5 m at 24 V) from both ends or from the middle.
5. On first switch-on, check that colour and brightness are even along the whole run.

LED strip or linear luminaire?

LED strip is the most flexible and economical solution for indirect, reflected light. Linear luminaires give direct light, look like a clean line and are recessed or surface-mounted; they suit offices, kitchens, corridors and modern living rooms, and are easier to install because driver and heat management are designed into the body. Many projects use both.

In Bursa, the ENGN team surveys cove, linear and magnetic track lighting projects and prepares the parts list.

• → LED strips
• → Linear lighting
• → Lumens, watts and colour temperature
• → Magnetic track or track spotlights?