Glow from Behind: DIY LED Backlighting for Bar Signs, Speakeasy Decor, Theater Rooms, and Every Sign in Between
One of the most popular ways to elevate a custom sign is to add LED backlighting behind it. Whether your sign is acrylic or metal, backlighting creates a stunning halo glow that looks incredible in a bar, speakeasy, bedroom, or entertainment space. The good news is that it is easier than it sounds, and you can do it yourself with a few simple supplies.
This guide walks you through everything you need — from measuring your sign to installing the lights — so you can get the best possible result.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- LED strip lights or a complete LED kit (see our recommendations below)
- Compatible power supply and controller or remote (if not included in kit)
- Tape measure
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and a clean cloth for surface prep
- Scissors or wire cutters (only cut at marked cut points on the strip)
- Electrical tape or LED strip connectors (for joining strips at corners, if needed)
- Mounting clips or additional 3M adhesive tape (optional, for extra hold)
- A power outlet within reach of your sign, or an extension cord
Step 1: Measure Your Sign
The most important step before purchasing is measuring the perimeter of your sign so you buy enough LED strip to go all the way around.
To calculate the perimeter, add the width and height together and multiply by two:
Perimeter = (Width + Height) × 2
For example, a 48" × 24" sign would need approximately 12 feet of LED strip:
48" + 48" + 24" + 24" = 144" = 12 feet
We recommend purchasing a strip that is slightly longer than your calculated perimeter so you have a little extra to work with, especially at the corners.
Step 2: Choose Your LED Lighting
There are several types of LED strips that work well for sign backlighting. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options:
COB LED Strip Lights
COB stands for Chip-on-Board. These strips have a dense row of tiny chips that produce a smooth, continuous glow with no visible dots or hotspots. COB strips are the best choice if you want a clean, professional halo effect. They are available in warm white, cool white, and tunable white.
Warm White LED Lights
These create a soft, warm, and inviting glow — ideal for a speakeasy bar, man cave, or cozy entertainment room.
Natural or Cool White LED Lights
These produce a clean, bright, and modern look that works well in contemporary spaces or commercial settings.
Tunable White LED Lights
These allow you to adjust the color temperature from warm to cool depending on your mood or the time of day.
RGB or RGBW LED Lights
These are color-changing strips, often controlled by a remote or smartphone app. RGBW strips also include a white channel for cleaner neutral light. These are a great choice if you want to change the color to match a party, holiday, or game night.
Important note on cutting: Some LED strips can only be cut at marked locations, usually every 2–3 inches. RGBIC strips — which create multi-color effects along a single strip — should generally not be cut at all. Always check the product specifications before cutting.
Step 3: Plan Your Layout Before You Stick Anything Down
Before peeling the adhesive backing, do a dry run. Lay the strip around the back perimeter of your sign without sticking it down. This lets you:
- Confirm the strip is long enough to reach all the way around
- Identify where to make cuts (at the marked cut points)
- Decide where the power cord will exit and how it will reach the outlet
- Figure out corner handling (see below)
Handling Corners
LED strips are flexible but do not bend sharply at a 90-degree angle without some help. Here are two easy options:
- Gentle curve method: Leave a small loop of extra strip at each corner to create a gentle curve rather than a sharp bend. This prevents damage to the strip and maintains a consistent glow.
- Cut-and-connect method: Cut the strip at the nearest cut point before each corner and use solderless LED strip connectors (also called "hippo connectors" or "clip connectors") to join a new section on the next side. These are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores or on Amazon.
Step 4: Prep the Surface
The adhesive backing on LED strips bonds best to a clean surface. Before sticking anything down, wipe the back of your sign with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely. This removes dust, oils, and any residue that could prevent the adhesive from holding.
If your sign has a textured or painted surface, you may want to add extra adhesive mounting clips or use 3M double-sided tape for a stronger hold.
Step 5: Install the LED Strip
Once your layout is planned and your surface is clean, you are ready to install.
- Starting near where the power cord will exit (usually a bottom corner), peel back a few inches of the adhesive liner and press the strip firmly against the back edge of your sign.
- Work your way around the perimeter slowly, peeling and pressing a few inches at a time. Press firmly for a few seconds at each section to ensure good adhesion.
- At corners, either loop gently or use connectors as described above.
- When you reach the end, trim the strip at the nearest cut point if needed.
- Connect the power supply and controller or remote per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Run the power cord to the nearest outlet. If the cord is visible, consider routing it along a wall edge, tucking it behind furniture, or using a cable raceway cover (available at any hardware store) for a cleaner look.
Positioning Tip
For the best halo effect, position the strip slightly inward from the outer edge of the sign — approximately 1/2 to 1 inch from the edge. This softens the glow and keeps the individual light points from being visible when the sign is on the wall. We recommend testing the position before permanently pressing the strip down.
Wall Clearance Tip
The sign needs to sit slightly away from the wall to allow the light to spread and create the halo effect. A gap of approximately 1/2 to 1 inch between the sign and the wall works well. This can be achieved by placing small spacers (rubber bumpers, foam pads, or standoff hardware) between the mounting hardware and the wall. Standoff screws are a popular and attractive option, and are available at most hardware stores and on Amazon.
Recommended Products
The following products are examples of what we have seen work well for sign backlighting. They are available from major retailers and include options at a range of price points.
COB LED Strip Lights
Armacost RibbonFlex Continuous COB LED Tape Light Kit
A complete 16-foot kit with remote control. COB technology gives a smooth, continuous glow with no visible dots. Available at Home Depot Canada.
View on Home Depot Canada
BTF-LIGHTING Warm White COB LED Strip
A 16.4-foot warm white COB strip with smooth, uniform light. Note: power supply and controller are sold separately.
View on Amazon
Color-Changing & Smart LED Options
Govee Smart TV Backlight Kit
A 16.4-foot color-changing strip designed for TV backlighting — works great behind signs too. App and remote control included.
View on Home Depot
BDFFLY Color-Changing LED Backlight Kit
An affordable RGB kit with app and remote control, music sync, and multiple color modes.
View on Amazon
DAYBETTER LED Strip Lights
A budget-friendly option available in long lengths with app control, remote, and music sync.
View on Walmart
Other Brands Worth Considering
Armacost RibbonFlex, BTF-LIGHTING, Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus, GE Cync, Nanoleaf, and Govee all make quality strip lights in a range of styles and price points. Search any of these names along with "LED strip light kit" to find the right option for your sign size and style.
What to Look for in a Complete Kit
If you are purchasing a kit rather than individual components, look for one that includes all of the following:
- LED strip light in the correct length
- Compatible power supply (match the voltage — most strips run on 12V or 24V DC)
- Remote control, dimmer switch, or app controller
- Adhesive backing pre-applied to the strip
- Marked cut points for trimming to length
- Mounting clips or connectors (a bonus if included)
If you purchase a strip without a power supply, make sure the wattage of the power supply is equal to or greater than the total wattage of the strip. The strip packaging will list the watts per foot or watts per meter needed.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
The lights are flickering: Check that the power supply is the correct voltage and wattage for the strip. A mismatched power supply is the most common cause of flickering.
The adhesive is not holding: Make sure the surface was clean and dry before installation. Add mounting clips or additional 3M tape to reinforce.
The glow looks uneven: The strip may be too close to the edge or the sign may be sitting flat against the wall. Add spacers to create a gap between the sign and the wall, and move the strip slightly inward from the edge.
Only part of the strip lights up: There may be a break in the strip at a cut point or connector. Check all connections and make sure the strip was not damaged during installation.
A Note on Our Signs
Our acrylic and metal signs are designed to look stunning with LED backlighting, and many of our customers add lighting after receiving their sign. If you are considering a backlit look, our backlit acrylic signs are specifically designed for this purpose and arrive ready to hang. You can browse our full sign collection to find the right style for your space.
Please note that LED lights, power supplies, and installation materials are not included with your sign purchase. The products listed above are examples only and are manufactured and sold by independent third parties. Tailor Made Rooms does not manufacture, supply, or install lighting and cannot guarantee product compatibility, availability, or performance. Please review all product measurements, electrical requirements, included components, and installation instructions before purchasing.
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