Definitely get where you’re coming from on the connectors—Philips has that part figured out. I’ve run into the same challenge with strips in corners. Sometimes you end up with a weird shadow or hotspot unless you double back or use a diffuser. Not always worth the headache, but when it works, it looks sharp.
You nailed it with this:
some tenants get confused by all the app controls... not everyone’s into smart tech yet.
I’ve had to leave printed instructions more than once, and even then, someone calls about “the lights not working” when it’s just a Wi-Fi hiccup. Bulbs are definitely more plug-and-play for most people.
On recycling—total pain. I’ve tried to standardize what I buy just to make turnover simpler, but every city seems to have its own rules. I guess the silver lining is LEDs last long enough that we’re not swapping them constantly. Still, wish the e-waste process was less of a moving target.
I get your point about bulbs being more plug-and-play, but I’d push back a bit on the complexity of strips, especially for rentals. Once you set up a central controller (and hide the wiring well), strips can actually be less confusing for tenants—no one’s swapping them out or fiddling with lamp switches. And the ambient effect is hard to match with bulbs alone. Sure, corners are tricky, but with a little planning and some decent diffusers, you can avoid most of those “hotspot” issues.
On recycling, totally agree:
every city seems to have its own rules
It’s maddening. I’ve started keeping a cheat sheet just for my own sanity... still doesn’t solve everything, but it helps when turnover hits.
- Totally get what you mean about strips being less fiddly once they’re in.
- Hiding the wiring is key—nothing kills the vibe like visible cords running along the wall.
- Corners are always a pain. I’ve used those flexible connectors, but sometimes they just don’t sit right.
- Ambient effect is where strips really shine, no contest there.
- On recycling:
—I’ve got a sticky note graveyard on my fridge for this exact reason. Still end up guessing half the time when it comes to LEDs.“every city seems to have its own rules”
- One thing I’d add: if you ever need to repaint or patch drywall, strips can be a hassle to remove without damaging the surface. Learned that the hard way...
- The sticky note graveyard is way too real... I’ve got a whole collection of “recycling cheat sheets” that never actually help when I’m standing over the bin with dead LEDs.
- About the strips vs. bulbs—strips definitely win for mood lighting, but I gotta admit, I underestimated how much of a pain they’d be if you ever want to switch things up. Ended up peeling off some paint last month trying to move a strip behind my TV. Not my finest DIY moment.
- Wiring is my personal nemesis. Tried those little cable concealer channels and it sorta works, but then I feel like I’m just trading one eyesore for another.
- On corners: tried folding the strips once (don’t do this), and now I’ve got one section that’s permanently dimmer. Probably user error, but still annoying.
- For bulbs, I guess the tradeoff is less drama with installation, but you lose that cool under-cabinet or behind-the-furniture effect.
- At this point, I’m just hoping whatever I choose next doesn’t require a YouTube tutorial and a prayer to uninstall.
tried folding the strips once (don’t do this), and now I’ve got one section that’s permanently dimmer. Probably user error, but still annoying.
Yeah, folding those strips is basically a one-way ticket to dead LEDs. If you need to go around corners, using those little connector clips is way safer, even if they’re fiddly. For the paint issue—painter’s tape under the adhesive helps a bit, but it’s not perfect. Bulbs are definitely less hassle for swapping out, but I do miss that “hidden glow” you get with strips. Honestly, neither is truly plug-and-play if you want it to look polished... there’s always some tradeoff.
