Having a TV mounted on the wall can look very sleek and modern. However, one downside of wall mounting your TV is that it can be difficult to hide the power cord and other unsightly wires. A popular solution to this issue is installing a TV back light kit. But are these LED light kits actually worth the cost?
What is a TV back light kit?
A TV back light kit is a set of LED lights that mount onto the back of your TV or the wall behind it. The lights shine onto the wall, creating a gentle glow that extends the visual space of your TV. This diffused light hides any visible wires while also reducing eye strain from the bright TV screen.
TV back light kits come in all shapes and sizes. The lights may mount along the outer edges of the TV or in rows across the back. The LED strips are very slim, often less than half an inch thick. The lights plug into an outlet or USB port and can shine in a variety of colors. They are controlled via remote and many have built-in timers or sync to music or on-screen video.
Benefits of a TV back light
Here are some of the benefits of installing a back light kit for your wall-mounted TV:
- Hide unsightly wires and cords – TV back lights obscure all of the cluttered wires, cables and plugs that hang down behind your wall-mounted TV. The diffused glow extends the perceived screen size while disguising any imperfections.
- Reduce eye strain – Staring directly at a TV screen in a dark room can cause eye strain. TV back lights provide gentle ambient lighting behind the screen to soften the contrast.
- Enhance your viewing experience – LED back lights can make your TV watching more immersive. Some kits offer music sync and on-screen sync to complement what’s happening in the show or movie.
- Create a cool look – LED TV back lights provide unique, customizable accent lighting to enhance the look of your TV wall mount.
- Protect your eyesight – The ambient light from a TV back light kit can help prevent damage to your eyesight when viewing in an otherwise dark room.
- Easy to install – Most TV back light kits come with adhesive strips or mounting brackets for quick and simple installation behind your wall-mounted TV.
Things to consider before buying
While TV back lights can provide many great benefits, there are also some downsides to consider before purchasing:
- They add an additional cost on top of an expensive TV.
- Low-quality kits may have wires that hang down rather than mounting flush.
- Improperly spaced lights can create uneven light or hotspots.
- Some people find the lights distracting during TV viewing.
- You’ll need to ensure your TV mount has enough space between it and the wall to install lights.
- Entry-level kits may not last long before LEDs start to burn out.
Cost of TV back lights
TV back light kits can range greatly in price depending on size, features and quality. Here is an overview of the costs:
| Size of TV | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 32 inches | $15 – $70 |
| 55 inches | $25 – $150 |
| 65 inches | $40 – $200 |
| 75+ inches | $60 – $300 |
As you can see, prices increase along with the size of the television. Smaller 32-inch kits can be found for under $50 in many cases, while larger TVs over 75 inches require more lights and therefore cost more. You’ll also pay more for kits that offer advanced features like voice control, custom color mixing, and syncing capabilities.
Installation process
Installing a TV back light kit is a relatively simple process for most DIYers. Here are the basic steps:
- First, determine exactly where you want to place the lights. Measure the width and height of the back of your TV.
- Clean the area where the lights will adhere using rubbing alcohol. Make sure the wall or TV mount is smooth and dust-free.
- Peel off the adhesive backing from the LED strips. Carefully press into place following the layout instructions.
- If the lights come with a power supply or control box, mount this out of sight behind the TV.
- Connect the LED strips to the power supply and plug it into an outlet. Test to make sure all lights work.
- Use the provided clips, ties, and other accessories to hide and secure wires.
- Connect the LED controller and test changing colors, modes, and settings.
The most important steps are properly cleaning the area beforehand and taking care to mount the adhesive strips in the correct position the first time. It can be difficult to remove and reposition the lights once the adhesive is attached. Overall though, the installation is similar to placing adhesive shelf lights or under cabinet lighting. No special tools or skill are required.
Top TV back light kits
Not all TV back light kits are made equal. Here are some top options to consider for different sized TVs and needs:
Vansky Bias Lighting
This affordable $17 kit comes with two 6.5-foot LED light strips to attach to the sides of any 32-65 inch TV. The lights are USB-powered and change between 16 colors. The simple on/off functionality is great for basic backlighting needs.
Excelvan LED Strip Lights
For $90, you can outfit even the largest TVs with Excelvan’s LED kit designed for 55-80 inch screens. It comes with three 16.5-foot rolls of adhesive lights to attach around 3 sides. The lights are ultra bright at 4000K color temperature. The included controller changes colors and brightness.
Luminoodle Light Strip
If you want dynamic lighting effects synced to your music or videos, Luminoodle is an excellent option. These LED strips attach to the back of your TV and connect wirelessly to your device. The advanced microphone picks up audio in real time to create colorful dancing lights.
Goove WiFi-Enabled LED Kit
Control your TV LED backlighting using your smartphone or voice with Goove’s smart kit. It connects directly to your WiFi and works with Alexa and Google Home. Use the app to change colors, set timers, adjust brightness and sync the lights.
Safety tips
To safely install and use LED backlights for your TV, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Only use lights and power adapters rated for your country’s outlets to avoid fire risk.
- Do not overload outlets or power strips with multiple lights.
- Never connect or alter wires yourself. Use provided connectors and follow instructions.
- Keep lights away from any vents or openings in the TV to prevent overheating.
- Turn lights off when not in use to prevent color fading over time.
- Make sure wires are neatly secured so no risk of tripping or pulling on the TV.
- Don’t use TV back lights near any flammable materials or underneath cabinets.
Alternatives to back lights
If a full back light kit sounds like overkill for your needs, consider these alternative options:
- Bias lighting – Small LED light strips placed along the top or sides of the TV rather than the whole back. Provides eye-strain relief without the full ambient lighting effects.
- Light strips under TV stand – Use LED strips to shine light onto the wall under a wall-mounted TV. Easier to install but can’t hide wires.
- Smart light bulbs behind TV – Place voice-controlled bulbs on a shelf or media console behind the TV for basic backlighting.
- Mounted lamps – Wall sconces or spotlights mounted above or beside the TV for a more natural lighting look.
Conclusion
TV back light kits can provide many benefits for enhancing the visual appeal of your wall-mounted TV and reducing eye strain. Simple LED bias lighting strips start under $20 for smaller TVs while advanced color-changing, app-controlled systems can cost over $100 for large TVs. Consider your needs, TV size and budget to determine if a back light kit is worth the additional investment for your entertainment setup.
