I recently decided to upgrade the lighting in my room/workspace without spending much — so I grabbed a cheap 5 m RGB LED strip and built a simple but functional setup. Below are my experience, measurements, and lessons learned, which may help others if you’re planning a similar DIY lighting project.

What I used (hardware & costs)

RGB LED strip (5 m) — ~USD 8–12, 12 V input

Basic IR controller with PWM dimming support — included in kit

12 V 5A switching power supply (instead of cheap stock adapter) — better stability

Aluminum mounting channel (for strip + diffuser) — optional but recommended for even light + heat dissipation

Performance & Observations

On “white” mode (all RGB at 100%), brightness is surprisingly good for ambient / accent lighting. Not “studio-grade,” but enough for desk work or cozy room light.

RGB modes (color cycling, static color) work smoothly; no obvious flicker — good for video recording / background light.

If you leave the strip on full brightness for extended hours, it warms up — mounting on aluminum channel reduces heat and extends lifespan.

Adhesive backing is okay for clean hard surfaces (plastic, metal), less reliable on porous surfaces (bare walls, unpainted wood). Use mounting clips / channels for secure installation.

Tips & Improvements if you DIY / Mod

Use a decent 12 V PSU instead of the stock adapter — some cheap kits have voltage drop under load, leading to dimmer light or flicker.

Mount the strip on aluminum diffuser channel — helps with even light distribution and heat dissipation.

If possible, choose strips with higher color rendering (CRI) or tunable white — RGB is fun, but for reading / work a neutral-warm white is more comfortable.

Plan for wiring and ventilation if the strip will be on many hours — avoid sealed enclosures that trap heat.

Pros and Cons — My Verdict

Pros: inexpensive, flexible installation, good enough brightness for ambient / accent / decorative / desk-backlight use, easy to control (on/off / dim / color). Cons: not high-CRI — colors and skin tones won’t look natural under “white” mode; heat if left at max; adhesive backing not ideal for all surfaces.

For whom this setup suits

hobbyists / makers building ambient or accent lighting on a budget

people who want to experiment with LED lighting before investing in expensive “high-end” lights

DIYers doing small home upgrades: desk light, behind-TV backlight, under-shelf accent lighting, mood lighting, etc.