Strip lighting is one of the most versatile and powerful lighting solutions available today. It allows you to create stunning architectural features while also delivering highly functional, practical lighting.
However, there is no single strip light that does everything. The reason there are so many options (often 40+ types) is simple — each one is designed for a specific purpose, with its own strengths and limitations.
This guide by Greenhse Perth breaks down the key factors to help you confidently choose the right strip lighting for your application.
1. Length & Run Capability
One of the most important considerations is how far your strip lighting needs to run.
- 12V Strip Lighting
- Higher current, shorter run lengths
- Suitable for small applications
- 24V Strip Lighting
- Lower current and reduced heat
- Typically up to 5 metres per run
- Long-Run 24V Strip
- Up to 20 metres from one end
- Up to 40 metres when powered from both ends
- No visible voltage drop
- 240V Strip Lighting
- Ideal for very long runs (up to 50 metres)
- Minimal voltage drop and lower heat
- No driver required
2. Colour Options
Colour selection impacts both aesthetics and functionality.
- RGB (Full Colour)
- Millions of colour options
- White light is created by mixing colours (often less natural)
- CCT (Tunable White)
- Adjustable white light (typically 2700K–6500K)
- Ideal for spaces requiring colour flexibility
- Single Colour
- Consistent, high-quality white light
- Available in common tones:
- 2700K (Warm)
- 3000K (Warm White)
- 4000K (Neutral)
- 5500K–6000K (Cool/Daylight)
Key points:
If you want quality white light → choose Single Colour or CCT
If you want effects → choose RGB
3. Brightness & Performance
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts.
- Higher wattage generally = more light
- Efficiency matters more than power
- Strip lights with 150 lumens/Watt or higher will not only produce more light, but also lower power bills.
Typical Performance Range
- Greenhse have strip lights from 7.5W/m with 700 lumens to 23W/m with over 3500 Lumens/meter.
(As a reference a standard 8-10Watt Downlighting has about 900 lumens)
- Entry level: ~700 lumens/m
- High performance: 3500+ lumens/m
Practical Guidelines
- Display lighting / niches: High brightness required
- Under-cabinet (2–3m):
- ~12W/m
- 1800+ lumens/m ideal
Dimming
- All strip lights can be dimmed
- Down to <5% brightness
- Improves energy efficiency and control
Key Points:
Focus on lumens and efficiency, not just wattage.
4. Quality Matters
Quality affects appearance, performance, and lifespan.
Key Factors:
- LED Density
- Higher density = smoother, dot-free light
- CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
- CRI 90+ = accurate, vibrant colours
- CRI 70 = lower quality output
- PCB Construction
- 10mm PCB = stronger and more durable than 5mm
- 3 OZZ (3 x PCB copper layers)= better heat handling and longevity
- Efficiency
- 160 lm/W uses significantly less power than 80 lm/W
- Voltage
- 24V = lower heat and longer lifespan vs 12V
- Coatings
- Improve durability and weather resistance
- Chip design and edging can prevent light separation
- Warranty
- Premium strips offer up to 5 years
Key takeaway:
Better quality = better light, longer life, and fewer issues.
5. Controllers & Smart Control
Controllers determine how your strip lighting operates.
- Single Colour
- No controller required
- Optional dimming modules
- CCT
- Required for colour temperature control
- RGB
- Required for colour selection and effects
Control Options:
- Handheld remotes
- Wall switches
- Smartphone apps
- Voice control (Google / Alexa)
- Integration with sensors or automation systems
Key takeaway:
Controllers unlock flexibility, automation, and smart home integration.
6. Channels & Installation
Aluminium channels are often essential for a clean, professional finish.
Benefits:
- Improve heat dissipation
- Extend lifespan
- Create a premium, architectural look
- Diffuse light for a smoother effect
Common Types:
- Recessed (wing channels) – built into cabinetry
- Surface-mounted – ideal for retrofits
Finishes:
- Aluminium (standard)
- Black or white (premium options)
Diffusers:
- Typically 15–20% diffusion which help create a uniform and diffused light
- Reduce glare and hide LED dots
Key Points:
Channels elevate both performance and aesthetics.
How to Choose the Right LED Strip Light for Your Space
Let's take a closer look at the most common LED strip lighting products, along with their key features and ideal applications. All our strip lighting products are certified, high-quality, and budget-friendly. At Greenhse Technologies, we are committed to delivering reliable and innovative lighting products that you can trust.
240V Strip Lighting
Best for: Long, continuous runs
Strengths:
- Long runs up to 50 meters from one supply
- Low heat, eliminates the need for aluminium profiles
- No transformers are required, and less wiring
- Constant and even colour and brightness over full length
- Thick TPU finish is physically strong
- RGB has full colour control and dimming with choice of remotes
- Single colour can be Triac dimmable
- RGB Gateway or Smart dimming modules to enable smart control
Applications:
- Recessed ceilings
- Large-scale architectural lighting
Options:
- RGB or full colour changeable
- 3000k Warm white
- 4000k Natural or cool white
- 6000k Bright white or Daylight
Long-Run 24V COB
Best for: Clean, dot-free linear lighting
Strengths:
- COB dotless strip light
- Up to 20 meters from 1 end with no voltage drop
- Up to 40 meters with both ends wired
- Thin and easy to apply in smaller ares
- Short cut lengths enables flexible installation options
- Easy to add connectors for short lengths and no waist (up to 4meters)
- Low power 7,5 Watts /meter
- IP20 and IP67 Silicon Injected option
Applications:
- Cabinetry
- Balustrades
- Hidden recesses
- Outdoor (IP67 options)
Options:
- IP20 3000k Warm White
- IP20 4000k Cool White or Natural white
- IP67 3000k Warm White
24V RGB COB
Best for: High-end feature lighting
Strengths:
- Very bright full colour dotless Lighting
- Good Cool white option using RGB White
- Suitable up to 5 meters
- 10 meters with both ends connected
- Easy to add connectors for short lengths and no waste (up to 2 meters)
- High power 16 Watts /meter
- Needs Aluminium profile
Applications:
- Kitchens
- Bars
- Shelving
- Feature recesses
Options:
- IP20 16W/m
- IP65 15W/m with Heat-shrink
DISPLAY STRIP LIGHTING 24V 23W/m
- Very high brightness about 3800 lumens/meter
- Very High CRI, >90 to give full colour vibrant products
- Very high Efficiency 165 Lumens/Watt
24V CCT COB
Best for: Adjustable white lighting
Strengths:
- Very bright dotless Light
- Warm white to cool white Adjustable (2700k -6500k)
- Suitable up to 5 meters
- 10 meters with both ends connected
- Easy to add connectors for short lengths and no waste (up to 2 meters)
- High power 16 Watts /meter
- Needs Aluminium profile
Applications:
- Under kitchen cabinets
- Cabinetry
- Bars
- Bulkheads or small recess areas
- Shelving
- Architectural features
24V RGB SMD
Best for: Outdoor colour lighting
Strengths:
- High Density Bright stable full colour
- Suitable up to 5 meters
- 10 meters with both ends connected
- High power 16 Watts /meter
- No Aluminium profile needed
Applications:
- Gardens
- Outdoor areas
- Facades
- Pools and water features
Options:
- IP67 Silicon Injected 16W/m
- IP65 gel coated
24V High Lumen SMD
Best for: Performance-driven lighting
Strengths:
- Very efficient, Bright Strip Lighting
- Strongest, Longest Lifespan over 50 000 hours
- 3 OZ high quality Strip Light
- 12W/m option does not require aluminium Channel
- Suitable up to 5 meters
- 10 meters with both ends connected
- Easy to add connectors for short lengths and no waste (up to 2 meters)
Applications:
- Under cabinets
- Display lighting
- Bathroom niches
- Retail environments
Options:
- IP20 23W/m CRI>90 4000k
- IP20 23W/m CRI>90 000k
- IP65 Silicon gel 20W/m 4000k
- IP65 Silicon gel 20W/m 5500k
- IP65 Silicon gel 12W/m 3000k
- IP65 Silicon gel 12W/m 4000k
- IP65 Silicon gel 12W/m 5500k
Neon IP67 Strip
Best for: Signage and creative applications
Strengths:
- Full programmable colour strip light
- Can run 5m from one end
- Supply power to each 10meter
- Data cable can connect multiple strips together
- Bluetooth Controllers ()Don’t need wifi connection)
- 12x12mm Aluminium Support profile
Applications:
- Signage
- Feature outlines
- Commercial installations
Options:
- RGB 12x12mm side bend 5m & 3m
- RGB 6 x12mm side bend 5m & 3m
- CCT 6 x12mm side bend 10m, 5m & 3m
- 3000k Warm white 6 x12mm side bend 10m, 5m & 3m
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right strip lighting comes down to three key questions that clear your mind.
- How long is the run?
- What colour flexibility do you need?
- How bright does the space need to be?
Once these are clear, selecting the right product becomes simple for you.
If done correctly, strip lighting doesn't just illuminate a space — it transforms it.
Don't wait—upgrade your lighting today! Visit your local LED lighting store in Ellenbrook, Perth, Greenhse Technologies, and discover high-quality, smart LED Lighting products and accessories for your space.
