{"id":4009188,"date":"2020-08-24T10:21:25","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T15:21:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.redhotbargain.com\/?p=4009188"},"modified":"2022-10-24T23:31:53","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T04:31:53","slug":"how-do-you-add-light-to-a-mirror","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/how-do-you-add-light-to-a-mirror\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Add Light to a Mirror?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Get your DIY hat on because, in this post, we\u2019ll be sharing with you how to add light to a mirror. We love projects that are both practical and pretty, and a lighted mirror ticks those boxes. We\u2019re making this DIY project as simple and as easy as possible so you can also have fun doing it.<\/p>\n

How do you add light to a mirror? The simplest way to add light to a mirror is to attach a LED strip light on the mirror\u2019s surface or frame edges. LED strip lights have an adhesive backing, so they\u2019re easy to install just about anywhere. LED kits are also widely available, so you won\u2019t have to worry about individually buying lighting components.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll talk more about the easiest way to add light to a mirror in this article. We\u2019ll also explain why LEDs are recommended for DIY mirror lighting projects. Ready? Let\u2019s get to it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image by stux<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

How to Add Light to a Mirror<\/h2>\n

The general steps to adding light to a mirror are measuring the mirror, getting an LED lighting kit, testing the LED strip light, attaching the LED strip to the mirror, and connecting the lighting system to a power source. Let\u2019s look at those steps in more detail below.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Measuring the Mirror<\/h3>\n

Get the mirror you want to add lights to. Take a tape measure to measure along the length of the top, sides, and bottom of the part of the mirror\u2019s frame where you want to put the lights. If the mirror is not framed, begin your measurements an inch from the mirror\u2019s edges so that when the lights are added, they will create a lighted border or frame on the surface of the mirror.<\/p>\n

If you want to put the lights at the very edges of the mirror, you can do that as well. Combine the total length of the perimeter and add an allowance of 4-8 inches. This allowance lets you bend or fold the LED strip at the corners of the mirror.<\/p>\n

Getting an LED Strip Light Kit<\/h3>\n

Purchase a reel of LED strip lights with a length that is slightly longer than the measurement you\u2019ve made. You can buy an LED strip light from a hardware store or through online sellers.<\/p>\n

To make it easy for you to have all the things you\u2019ll need, purchase a complete LED lighting kit, which would contain the LED strip light, a compatible power supply unit or adapter, connectors, and a remote for controlling the LED lights\u2019 brightness. Getting an LED lighting kit saves you from buying the necessary components individually, which can result in voltage and connector mismatch.<\/p>\n

Testing the LED Strip Light<\/h3>\n

Once you get your LED lighting kit, go ahead and test it so you can also be familiar with how it works. It\u2019s ideal for testing the strip light using the electrical outlet you designate for the mirror. This way, you can test both the outlet and the lights. You can also test the power outlet beforehand using a different electronic device.<\/p>\n

Follow the installation instructions written on the LED kit\u2019s user manual. LED strip lights vary according to the manufacturer, so it\u2019s important to follow the wiring guidelines that come with the kit.<\/p>\n

Attaching the LED Strip Light<\/h3>\n

After checking the lights, you can now prepare the mirror and the LED strip light. First, wipe the mirror\u2019s frame or surface clean. Ensure the surface where you\u2019ll be attaching the LED strip is dry and free from dust particles, hair, oil, etc. If the surface is dirty or grimy, the LED strip won\u2019t stick to it properly.<\/p>\n

When the mirror is ready, you can then start putting the lights on the mirror. Start from one of the bottom corners, preferably the one that is closest to the electric socket. Gently remove the adhesive backing from the LED strip light and carefully stick the strip onto the mirror. Press down on the strip, avoiding the parts that contain an LED bulb. Make sure you lay the strip down in a straight line parallel to the edges of the mirror.<\/p>\n

When you get to the corners, you can bend or fold the strip<\/a> to create a corner. Continue until you reach the corner where you started from. Trim the LED strip at the designated cutting point. You can also check out this article that talks about how to put LED lights on a mirror<\/a>. We have shared helpful instructions that you can follow.<\/p>\n

Connecting to a Power Source<\/h3>\n

Plug the LED light strip into the power supply unit using the provided connector or DC receptacle. Again, the method for doing this differs according to the lighting components included in your kit. Just do what you did when you tested the lights. Take care not to pull the cord to detach the lights from the mirror accidentally.<\/p>\n

Plug the power cord into the electrical socket and see your mirror glow. If your lighting kit comes with a remote, you can test the different light settings to see if everything\u2019s in order.<\/p>\n

\u2705 Video – EASY DIY: LED Light Up Vanity Mirror with Remote<\/h4>\n

This is a DIY video that shows how LED light strips are added to a mirror to turn it into a lighted mirror. It demonstrates one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary framed mirror into a lighted one using LED light strips. It\u2019s a great watch for those who want to transform their regular mirrors into illuminated makeup mirrors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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