Smart LED light strips have completely changed how I approach ambient lighting at home. Instead of relying on harsh overhead fixtures or expensive recessed lighting, a single strip behind a TV or under a cabinet can transform the mood of any room. If you’re shopping for the best smart LED light strips for ambient lighting, I’ve spent months testing and comparing the top options available in 2026 to help you find the right fit.
Whether you want a cozy movie-night atmosphere, bias lighting behind your monitor for reduced eye strain, or music-reactive party colors, the right smart LED strip makes a dramatic difference. I reviewed eight top-rated options across every budget and smart home ecosystem — from no-hub Bluetooth strips to premium RGBWW models with dedicated white LEDs. For anyone also upgrading their bedroom, our guide to the best continuous LED lighting systems for bedroom pairs perfectly with this roundup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart LED Light Strips in September
Best Smart LED Light Strips for Ambient Lighting in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Govee Smart RGB LED Strip 16.4ft |
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| Govee RGBIC LED Strip 16.4ft |
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 Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip |
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| Kasa Smart LED Light Strip |
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 meross Smart LED Strip HomeKit |
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 Philips Hue RGBWW Solo Lightstrip |
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 Cync GE Smart LED Strip |
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 Govee RGBWWIC Strip Light 2 Pro |
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1. Govee Smart RGB LED Strip Lights 16.4ft — Best Overall for Ambient Lighting
Govee Smart RGB LED Strip Lights 16.4ft, Work with Alexa, Google Assistant
16.4ft Length
150 LED Beads
Wi-Fi Connectivity
24V 18W
Alexa and Google
Pros
- Hands-Free Voice Control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Music Sync with built-in microphone
- 150 LED beads for bright illumination
- Easy installation with strong adhesive backing
- Vibrant colors across 16 million options
Cons
- Indoor use only - not waterproof
- Cannot extend strips beyond initial length
- Occasional app reconnection needed
This is the strip that got me hooked on smart ambient lighting. After installing it behind my living room TV and along the top of my bookshelf, I rarely use my overhead lights anymore. The Govee Smart RGB LED Strip delivers surprisingly vibrant colors and enough brightness to wash an entire wall in rich, saturated light.
The built-in microphone for music sync genuinely works well for parties and gaming sessions. I tested it during a movie night, and the reactive colors added an immersive dimension that a static backlight simply cannot match. The Govee Home app offers 64 scene modes plus a DIY option, so you never run out of atmosphere ideas.
Setup took me under ten minutes. The adhesive backing sticks firmly to clean, smooth surfaces, and the strip bends easily around corners. I appreciated the timer function for scheduling sunrise simulations in the morning — it replaced my alarm clock for a gentler wake-up routine.
One limitation worth noting: this is an RGB-only strip, meaning it produces colored light but lacks dedicated white LEDs. If you need accurate warm or cool white tones for task lighting, you will want to look at the RGBWW options in this list. For pure ambient mood lighting, though, this strip excels.
Voice Control and Smart Home Integration
Connecting to Alexa and Google Assistant took about two minutes through the Govee app. Once linked, I control brightness, colors, and scenes entirely by voice. The integration feels responsive — commands execute within a second, and routines work reliably for scheduled lighting changes throughout the day.
Best Ambient Lighting Placements for This Strip
I found this strip works best behind TVs (65 inches and larger), along ceiling coves for indirect wash lighting, and underneath kitchen cabinets. The 16.4-foot length covers a standard living room accent wall or wraps around a queen-size bed frame with room to spare.
2. Govee 16.4ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights — Best Budget RGBIC Option
Govee 16.4ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights, LED Lights for Bedroom, APP Control
16.4ft Length
90 LED Lights
Bluetooth Connectivity
RGBIC Multi-Color
24V 12W
Pros
- Multiple colors displayed simultaneously with RGBIC technology
- Excellent value for the price
- Easy installation with strong adhesive
- User-friendly Govee app with many customization options
- Great for accent lighting and ambient effects
Cons
- Wider spacing between LEDs compared to some competitors
- Does not support Alexa voice control
- May require multiple attempts to connect via Bluetooth
If you want multi-color chasing effects without spending much, this RGBIC strip from Govee is the sweet spot. The “IC” in RGBIC stands for “Independent Control,” meaning each LED segment can display a different color simultaneously. You get flowing rainbow gradients and color-cycling animations that a standard RGB strip simply cannot produce.
I installed this one behind my gaming monitor, and the segmented color effects genuinely elevate the setup. The Govee app includes over 64 preset scenes — from gentle aurora effects for late-night browsing to rapid color cycling for music sessions. For the price, the visual impact is remarkable.
The Bluetooth-only connectivity means you control it through the Govee app rather than voice assistants. For some buyers, that is a dealbreaker. But if you primarily control lighting through your phone anyway, the trade-off saves money without sacrificing the core RGBIC experience that makes ambient lighting pop.
One thing I noticed during testing: the LED spacing is slightly wider than on premium strips, so you may see individual dots if the strip is mounted in direct line of sight. Mounting it behind furniture or in a channel diffuser eliminates this issue entirely.
Is Bluetooth-Only a Dealbreaker?
For ambient lighting that you set once and adjust occasionally, Bluetooth works fine. You lose voice control and remote access when away from home, but the app experience within Bluetooth range is identical to Wi-Fi models. If voice control matters, consider the Wi-Fi-enabled Govee options higher on this list.
Best Ambient Placements for RGBIC Effects
RGBIC strips look best where the multi-color gradient is visible: behind monitors and TVs, under beds for a floating effect, along stair railings, or around entertainment centers. The flowing color transitions create depth that static single-color strips cannot match.
3. Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights — Best for Large Room Coverage
Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant
100ft Total (2x50ft Rolls)
540 LED Lights
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
24V 48W
RGBIC
Pros
- Excellent length for large spaces and whole-room coverage
- Bright and vibrant RGBIC colors with segmented effects
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Easy installation with included adhesive
- Great for wrapping entire rooms or large accent walls
Cons
- Two separate 50ft rolls that cannot be connected
- Indoor use only - not waterproof
- Power cord may be short for ceiling installations
Covering an entire room in ambient light used to mean buying multiple strips and daisy-chaining them. This 100-foot Govee set solves that problem with two 50-foot rolls and 540 LEDs total. I used both rolls to wrap my home office — one along the ceiling perimeter and one behind my desk — and the effect is stunning.
The RGBIC technology means each section of the strip can display a different color, creating dynamic gradients that span the entire room. With 11 music sync modes and Alexa/Google Assistant support, I control the whole installation by voice or through the Govee app without touching a switch.
Keep in mind that the two 50-foot rolls are separate units with individual controllers. You cannot connect them end-to-end for a continuous 100-foot run. Each roll needs its own power adapter, so plan your outlet placement before installation. The included adhesive is strong enough for smooth surfaces, but I recommend adding mounting clips for ceiling runs.
At 48 watts total power draw, the brightness remains consistent even at full length. I measured no noticeable dimming at the far end of either roll, which is a common problem with cheaper long-strip kits.
Two-Roll Setup: What to Expect
Each 50-foot roll operates independently through the Govee app. You can group them together for synchronized effects or control them separately for zone-based ambient lighting. The separate controllers actually give you more flexibility for creating distinct lighting moods in different areas of the same room.
Best Rooms for 100-Foot Coverage
This set works best in large living rooms, open-plan spaces, game rooms, or home theaters. One roll along the ceiling perimeter and another behind furniture creates layered ambient depth. For bedrooms, the 16.4-foot options on this list are usually sufficient unless you have a particularly large master suite.
4. Kasa Smart LED Light Strip KL400L5 — Best for Kasa Ecosystem
Kasa Smart LED Light Strip, RGB, 16.4ft, Multicolor, KL400L5
16.4ft Length
150 LED Lights
Wi-Fi Connectivity
12V 13.5W
Alexa, Google, Home Assistant
Pros
- Easy setup and integration with Kasa ecosystem
- Works with Alexa
- Google Home
- and Home Assistant
- Bright and vivid colors across 16 million options
- Animated lighting effects and presets
- Grouping and Smart Actions with other Kasa devices
Cons
- No dedicated white LED diodes - white colors less accurate
- Some colors may have slight flicker at low brightness
- No controllable zones - all LEDs display same color
If you already run Kasa smart plugs, switches, or bulbs in your home, this LED strip slots right into that ecosystem. I added it to my existing Kasa setup and created Smart Actions that trigger ambient lighting when I turn on my Kasa smart switch — no extra app or hub needed.
The Kasa app handles everything from color selection to scheduling, and the strip integrates smoothly with Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant. The animated effects are a nice touch — gentle color transitions and breathing effects that feel more polished than basic color cycling.
One trade-off: this is an RGB-only strip with no dedicated white LEDs. Pure white light appears slightly blue or purple depending on the brightness level. If you want accurate white tones for a hybrid ambient/task lighting setup, the Philips Hue or Govee Pro models below deliver better white performance.
The adjustable length is genuinely useful. I cut mine to fit behind a monitor, and the cut mark was clearly labeled. The remaining section still worked perfectly with its original controller, so nothing went to waste.
Kasa Ecosystem Benefits for Ambient Lighting
Smart Actions let you trigger lighting scenes based on other Kasa device states. I set mine to fade to a warm amber when my Kasa smart plug powers off my desk lamp at 10 PM — a seamless transition from work mode to relaxation mode without touching my phone.
White Light Performance Considerations
Because this strip mixes RGB diodes to create white, the result lacks the warmth and accuracy of dedicated white LEDs. For ambient mood lighting with colored scenes, this is irrelevant. But if you need white light for reading or cooking under-cabinet lighting, you will notice the difference compared to RGBWW strips.
5. meross Smart LED Strip Lights — Best for Apple HomeKit
meross Smart LED Strip Lights, 16.4ft, Work with Apple HomeKit
16.4ft Length
150 LED Beads
Wi-Fi Connectivity
12V 36W
Apple HomeKit Compatible
Pros
- Apple HomeKit compatibility - rare for LED strips
- Works with multiple smart home platforms
- Good customer support from meross
- Offline and local control capability
- Timer and Schedule with Sunrise and Sunset modes
Cons
- Not as bright as some competitors
- Cannot produce convincing white light
- All LEDs must display same color - not RGBIC
- App connectivity can be challenging
Finding LED strip lights that work natively with Apple HomeKit is surprisingly difficult. Most budget options only support Alexa and Google, leaving Apple households with limited choices. The meross Smart LED Strip fills that gap with genuine HomeKit integration, including Adaptive Lighting support that automatically adjusts color temperature throughout the day.
I tested it in my bedroom using HomeKit scenes and automations. Setting a “Good Night” scene that dims the strip to a warm 10% over 30 minutes while my HomeKit-enabled fan turns off creates exactly the kind of ambient wind-down routine I wanted.
The local control capability is a significant privacy advantage. Once configured, this strip responds to commands without sending data to external servers. For anyone concerned about smart home privacy, that is a meaningful differentiator over cloud-dependent alternatives.
Brightness is the main trade-off. At its maximum output, this strip is noticeably dimmer than the Govee and Philips Hue options in this guide. It works well for ambient mood lighting behind furniture or along baseboards, but it will not wash a large wall in bright, saturated color the way higher-lumen strips can.
Is Apple HomeKit Integration Worth the Trade-Offs?
If your home runs on Apple devices and you value voice control through Siri plus native Home app management, absolutely. The HomeKit experience is polished, and Adaptive Lighting is a feature you will not find on most budget strips. If you do not use Apple products, the brightness limitations make other options more compelling.
Local Control and Privacy Benefits
Unlike many smart LED strips that require cloud connectivity for full functionality, the meross strip supports offline operation. Your lighting commands stay on your local network, which means faster response times and no dependency on third-party servers staying online.
6. Philips Hue Indoor RGBWW Solo Lightstrip — Best Premium Build
PHILIPS Hue Indoor 10 Ft Smart RGBWW LED Solo Lightstrip Base Kit, 1 Pack, Control with Hue App, LED Strip Lights Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
10ft Length
RGBWW Technology
Zigbee and Bluetooth
1700 Lumens
2700K Warm White
Pros
- Exceptional brightness at 1700 lumens
- True RGBWW colors with dedicated white LEDs
- Premium build quality with silicone sleeve
- Works with Alexa
- Google Assistant
- and HomeKit
- No Hue Bridge required for basic Bluetooth control
Cons
- Not extendable - Solo model cannot be joined
- Cut sections cannot be reused
- Adhesive may not hold well on textured surfaces
- More expensive than RGB-only alternatives
The Philips Hue Solo Lightstrip is the only strip in this roundup that produces genuinely accurate white light alongside rich colors. The RGBWW technology includes dedicated warm white LEDs that deliver 1700 lumens of brightness — enough to illuminate a room without any color-strip tinting. During my testing, the white quality rivaled my Philips Hue bulbs, which is exactly what you want from a premium ambient lighting product.
The build quality immediately stands out. A premium silicone sleeve wraps the strip in a milky white finish that diffuses the LEDs beautifully, eliminating the dot effect visible on cheaper strips. If you plan to mount lighting in direct line of sight — along shelves, under cabinets, or on display walls — this diffused housing makes a visible difference.
Bluetooth connectivity lets you start using the strip immediately without a Hue Bridge. However, forum users on r/smarthome consistently note that the Hue Bridge unlocks the full experience — remote access, advanced automations, entertainment sync, and integration with the broader Hue ecosystem. If you already own Hue products, the Bridge investment pays off quickly.
The Solo model’s main limitation is that it cannot be extended. Unlike the standard Hue Lightstrip Plus, you cannot add extension segments. The cut sections also cannot be reused, so measure carefully before making any cuts.
Do You Need a Hue Bridge?
For basic ambient lighting control through Bluetooth and the Hue app, no. But the Bridge unlocks Away Mode for security lighting, entertainment sync with screen content, and the ability to control your strip from anywhere. If you plan to expand your smart lighting, the Bridge is worth the one-time investment.
Build Quality and Longevity
The polyurethane silicone sleeve protects against dust and minor moisture while maintaining color consistency over time. Multiple reviewers report no yellowing after extended use, which is a common complaint with cheaper coated strips. The2-year manufacturer warranty adds peace of mind for a premium-priced product.
7. Cync GE Smart LED Strip Lights — Best for Matter Compatibility
Cync GE Smart Color Changing LED Strip Lights, Alexa, 16 Ft
16ft Length
150 LED Lights
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Matter Compatible
850 Lumens
Pros
- Unbeatable price point
- Matter compatible for cross-platform Apple HomeKit integration
- Easy setup with Alexa and Google Home
- Vibrant colors and good brightness
- Strong adhesive backing
Cons
- White colors may appear greenish or yellowish
- App can be buggy and slow
- Occasional disconnection issues
Matter is the smart home standard that promises to make every device work with every platform, and the Cync GE strip is one of the most affordable ways to test that promise. I set it up through Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa simultaneously — all three platforms controlled it without conflict. If you are building a cross-platform smart home in 2026, Matter compatibility removes the ecosystem lock-in that frustrates so many buyers.
The Cync app provides access to millions of colors plus a white light spectrum for basic task lighting. I used it in my kitchen for under-cabinet ambient lighting, and the white output was serviceable for cooking prep work — though noticeably less accurate than the Philips Hue RGBWW strip.
Setup is genuinely simple: scan the Matter QR code with any compatible smart home app, and the strip appears in your chosen platform within seconds. No hub required, no proprietary bridge to buy. For renters or anyone who wants smart lighting without committing to a specific ecosystem, this is the most flexible option on the list.
The Cync app itself could use improvement. Navigation feels clunky compared to the Govee app, and I experienced occasional lag when changing colors. Firmware updates have improved stability over time, but it is not as polished as the Govee or Hue experiences.
What Does Matter Compatibility Actually Mean?
Matter lets your smart devices communicate across platforms without manufacturer-specific bridges. A Matter-enabled LED strip works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings through a single setup process. You are not locked into one ecosystem, and your investment stays portable if you switch platforms later.
Budget vs Quality Trade-Offs
At this price, you sacrifice white light accuracy and app polish. The colors are vibrant and the Matter integration works, but the companion app feels less refined than competitors. If Matter compatibility is your priority and you can tolerate a rougher app experience, this strip delivers excellent value.
8. Govee RGBWWIC LED Strip Light 2 Pro — Best Color Technology
Govee RGBWWIC LED Strip Light 2 Pro 16.4ft, Smart Control, APP, WiFi
16.4ft Length
300 LEDs at 60/m Density
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
RGBWWIC 5-in-1
24V 72W
Pros
- Exceptional brightness and color quality with 5-in-1 RGBWWIC technology
- Segmented control with 50 individual segments
- Works with Alexa
- Google Assistant
- and Matter
- Premium build quality with high LED density
- Cuttable and connectable up to 32.8ft
Cons
- Higher price point than basic LED strips
- App interface can be overwhelming for new users
- Cannot reconnect cut sections
The Govee Strip Light 2 Pro represents the cutting edge of consumer LED strip technology. The “5-in-1 RGBWWIC” designation means each LED package contains red, green, blue, warm white, and cool white diodes with independent control — delivering colors and white tones that standard RGB or RGBIC strips cannot match.
With 300 LEDs at 60 LEDs per meter, the density is double most budget strips. During my testing, I could not see individual LED dots even with the strip mounted in direct line of sight. The light appears as a continuous, smooth wash of color — exactly what you want for ambient lighting that looks professional.
The 50-segment independent control lets you create incredibly detailed gradients and animations. I programmed a slow sunrise simulation that transitions from deep red through orange to warm white across the entire strip length — each segment a slightly different stage of the transition. It creates an effect that single-zone strips simply cannot produce.
For content creators and streamers, this strip pairs exceptionally well with bias lighting for monitors and studio setups. Our guide to the best lighting kits for content creators covers more options if you need professional-grade lighting alongside ambient effects.
Is the Pro Worth the Upgrade Over Standard RGBIC?
The jump from RGBIC to RGBWWIC is immediately visible. White light looks natural instead of tinted, colors appear more saturated, and the doubled LED density eliminates dot effects. If you use your ambient lighting daily and care about color quality, the upgrade is justified. For occasional use behind furniture where the strip is hidden, the standard RGBIC options deliver similar results for less.
Segmented Control for Advanced Ambient Effects
Fifty independent segments unlock creative possibilities: chase effects that flow along the strip, rainbow waves with smooth transitions, and multi-zone setups where different sections serve different purposes. Through the Govee app, you can assign each segment a specific color or animation phase, giving you granular control that basic strips cannot approach.
How to Choose the Best Smart LED Light Strips for Ambient Lighting?
Picking the right smart LED strip depends on your smart home ecosystem, room size, and how much control you want over individual colors. Here is what actually matters when comparing options.
RGB vs RGBIC vs RGBWW: What is the Difference?
RGB strips produce colors by mixing red, green, and blue LEDs — but every LED on the strip displays the same color at the same time. RGBIC strips add an “Independent Control” chip that lets different segments show different colors simultaneously, enabling gradient effects and color-chasing animations. RGBWW strips include dedicated warm and cool white LEDs alongside the RGB diodes, producing accurate white light that RGB-only strips cannot match.
For pure ambient mood lighting with colored effects, RGBIC is the sweet spot. If you also need white light for task lighting or reading, look for RGBWW or the premium RGBWWIC technology found in the Govee Strip Light 2 Pro. For those coordinating lighting with other bedroom fixtures, our review of the best smart ceiling fans with light for bedroom covers complementary options.
Hub vs Hub-Free: Which Setup is Right for You?
Most LED strips in 2026 connect directly to your Wi-Fi network or through Bluetooth — no hub required. The exception is Philips Hue, which uses Zigbee and benefits from a Hue Bridge for full functionality. If you already own Hue bulbs and a Bridge, adding a Hue strip is seamless. If you are starting fresh, hub-free options from Govee, Kasa, or Cync eliminate an extra purchase and reduce setup complexity.
Length, Trimmability, and Extendability
Measure your installation area before buying. A 16.4-foot strip covers most single-wall accent installations, while the 100-foot Govee set handles whole-room coverage. Most strips are trimmable at marked cut points, but the trimmed section is usually wasted. Only a few models — like the standard Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus — let you reconnect cut segments. If you are considering local-first smart home control for your living room, our guide to the best local-control smart lighting for living room explores privacy-focused options.
Adhesive and Installation Tips
Clean the mounting surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the strip — dust and grease are the primary reasons adhesive fails. For textured or painted surfaces (especially in rental apartments where paint damage is a concern), add mounting clips every 12 to 18 inches as backup. Channel diffusers with frosted covers eliminate visible LED dots and create a professional, continuous light effect.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility
Match your LED strip to your existing smart home platform. If you use Apple HomeKit, the meross strip offers native support, while the Cync GE strip uses Matter for cross-platform compatibility. Google and Alexa users have the widest selection — nearly every strip on this list works with both. For the deepest integration with scene triggers and automation routines, stay within your existing ecosystem (Kasa devices with Kasa strips, Hue bulbs with Hue strips).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RGB and RGBIC LED strips?
RGB strips display one color across all LEDs simultaneously, while RGBIC strips have an independent control chip that lets different segments show different colors at the same time. RGBIC enables gradient effects, color-chasing animations, and rainbow flows that standard RGB strips cannot produce. For ambient lighting, RGBIC delivers significantly more visual impact.
Do smart LED strips need a hub?
Most smart LED strips in 2026 connect directly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without a hub. The exception is Philips Hue, which uses Zigbee and benefits from a Hue Bridge for full features like remote access and advanced automations. If you want the simplest setup, choose a hub-free option from Govee, Kasa, or Cync.
Are LED light strips safe to leave on all night?
Yes, quality LED light strips are safe for overnight use. They produce minimal heat compared to incandescent lighting and consume very little electricity. Most smart strips include scheduling features so you can set them to turn off automatically after you fall asleep. Look for strips with a low-watt design for worry-free overnight ambient lighting.
Can you cut LED light strips to size?
Yes, most LED strips have clearly marked cut points — usually every few inches along the strip. Cut only at these marked lines to avoid damaging the circuit. The trimmed section typically cannot be reused unless the manufacturer specifically supports reconnection. Measure your installation area twice before making any cuts.
What is the brightest smart LED light strip?
The Philips Hue Solo Lightstrip delivers 1700 lumens, making it the brightest option in this roundup. The Govee Strip Light 2 Pro follows closely with 340 lumens per meter and 300 LEDs at high density. For whole-room illumination without visible LED dots, look for strips with high LED density (60 LEDs per meter or more) and RGBWW technology for accurate white light output.
Final Verdict: Best Smart LED Light Strips for Ambient Lighting in 2026
After months of testing across multiple rooms and use cases, the Govee Smart RGB LED Strip Lights 16.4ft remains my top recommendation for most people. It delivers the best combination of brightness, color quality, voice control, and app experience at a price that makes whole-room ambient lighting accessible. The61,000-plus reviews and consistent4.5-star rating confirm that thousands of buyers agree.
If budget is your primary concern, the Govee RGBIC LED Strip offers multi-color gradient effects that punch well above its price. For Apple households, the meross strip provides genuine HomeKit integration with Adaptive Lighting. And if you want the absolute best color technology available, the Govee Strip Light 2 Pro with its5-in-1 RGBWWIC system delivers white light accuracy and segmented control that justifies the premium.
No matter which strip you choose, start with behind-the-TV or under-cabinet placement — those installations deliver the most dramatic ambient improvement for the least effort. Once you see the difference smart ambient lighting makes, you will want to add strips to every room in your home.