How to Install RGB Strip Lights Behind Your TV and Sync Them with Voice Controls

Ever walked into a room, turned on the TV, and felt like the whole place was missing that extra pop? That little glow behind the screen can change the vibe in seconds. At Luminous Living we love quick fixes that make a big impact, and today I’m sharing the simplest way to add RGB strip lights behind your TV and get them talking to your smart home voice assistants. No pro tools, no fancy wiring—just a few steps and a bit of fun.

Why It Matters Right Now

We’re in the middle of a binge‑watch season, the lights are dim, and the colors on the screen are blasting. Without a soft backlight, your eyes get tired fast and the room feels flat. A strip of RGB LEDs behind the TV does three things:

Reduces eye strain by giving your eyes a reference point.
Makes the room feel cozier and more cinematic.
Lets you control the mood with a simple voice command.

All of that is why Luminous Living is all about easy, smart lighting tricks.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, grab these items. You can find most of them at a local hardware store or online.

RGB LED strip (12V, cut‑to‑length, with adhesive backing). Look for a kit that includes a controller and a power adapter.
Smart controller that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Many brands call them “Wi‑Fi” or “Bluetooth” controllers—just make sure it says “works with Alexa/Google”.
Scissors (only to cut the strip at the marked spots).
Measuring tape.
Cable clips or small zip ties (optional, for neatness).
Phone or tablet with the controller’s app installed.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Strip

First, turn off the TV and pull it away from the wall just enough to see the back. Measure the length of the top and sides where you want the light. Most RGB strips have cut lines every 5 cm (2 inches). Use the scissors to cut only at those lines—cutting elsewhere will break the circuit.

Pro tip from Luminous Living: If your TV is a standard 55‑inch model, you’ll usually need about 2 meters (6.5 ft) of strip. Keep a little extra; you can always trim later.

Step 2: Peel, Stick, and Align

Peel off the protective backing from the adhesive side of the strip. Press it firmly along the back edge of the TV, making sure it’s straight. If the strip doesn’t reach the corners, you can use a small piece of double‑sided tape to bridge gaps.

I remember my first install—my cat decided the fresh sticky side was a new playground. A quick swipe with a damp cloth removed the fur, and the strip stayed put.

Step 3: Connect the Power and Controller

Most kits come with a small plug‑in power adapter. Plug the strip’s connector into the controller, then plug the controller into the power adapter. Place the adapter somewhere safe—behind the TV stand or inside a cabinet.

If you’re using a Wi‑Fi controller, make sure it’s within a few feet of your router. Bluetooth controllers work fine if your phone is always nearby, but Wi‑Fi gives you the voice‑control magic we’re after.

Step 4: Set Up the App

Download the app that matches your controller (the name is usually on the box). Open it, follow the on‑screen steps to connect the controller to your Wi‑Fi network, and then name the device “TV Backlight” or something you’ll remember.

Luminous Living likes to keep things simple, so I set the default color to a soft blue. It’s easy on the eyes and looks cool with most shows.

Step 5: Sync with Your Voice Assistant

Now for the fun part—talking to your lights.

Alexa

Open the Alexa app.
Tap “Devices” → “Add Device”.
Choose “Light” → “Smart Light”.
Find the name you gave the strip (e.g., “TV Backlight”) and add it.

You can now say, “Alexa, set TV Backlight to red,” or “Alexa, turn TV Backlight off.”

Google Assistant

Open the Google Home app.
Tap “Add” → “Set up device” → “Works with Google”.
Search for the brand of your controller and link the account.
The strip will appear as a new device you can rename.

Now you can say, “Hey Google, make TV Backlight purple,” or “Hey Google, dim TV Backlight to 30%.”

Siri (HomeKit)

If you bought a HomeKit‑compatible controller, open the Home app, tap “Add Accessory,” and scan the QR code on the controller. After it appears, you can say, “Hey Siri, set TV Backlight to warm white.”

Step 6: Fine‑Tune the Settings

Most apps let you adjust brightness, speed of color changes, and even set schedules. At Luminous Living we love a “movie mode” that dims the strip to 20% and cycles slowly through warm colors. Set a routine so the lights turn on automatically when you power up the TV (many smart plugs can trigger this).

Quick Troubleshooting

Strip not lighting: Check the power adapter is plugged in and the controller shows a solid LED. If it’s blinking, the Wi‑Fi may be disconnected—re‑enter your network password.
Colors look wrong: Some strips have a “reverse polarity” warning. Make sure the connector is plugged in the right direction (usually a small arrow on the strip).
Voice command not working: Make sure the device name in the voice assistant matches exactly what you said. Try renaming it to something simple like “TV Light”.

My Personal Touch

I installed this on my own living room TV last month. The first night I tried it with a horror movie, I set the strip to deep red. My partner joked that the room felt like a haunted house—until we told Alexa to “turn TV Backlight to calm blue,” and the whole vibe shifted instantly. It’s crazy how a few seconds of color can change the whole atmosphere.

At Luminous Living we’re all about small upgrades that feel big. Adding RGB strip lights behind your TV is one of those upgrades. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it makes your space feel like a personal cinema.

Give it a try, play with the colors, and let your voice do the work. You’ll wonder how you ever watched TV without that soft glow.