A light strip behind your screen (often called bias lighting) gives a dark room a soft glow, so the screen isn't the only bright thing you're looking at, and it makes a desk setup look finished. USB strips are the easiest way to do it: no wiring, they run off a port on the monitor, TV or a phone charger.
Step 1: Measure for length
Measure the back of the screen about 2–3 cm in from the edges. Add the sides and top (and bottom, if it isn't sitting on a stand).
| Screen size | 3 sides (approx.) | Strip to get |
|---|---|---|
| 24-inch monitor | ~1.2 m | 1–2 m |
| 27-inch monitor | ~1.4 m | 2 m |
| 32-inch monitor / TV | ~1.7 m | 2 m |
| 40–55-inch TV | 2.2–3 m | 3 m |
| Under-desk glow | desk width | 1–2 m per side |
Measurements are rough; it's better to buy slightly long, since most strips can be cut at the marked lines.
Step 2: Pick LED density
- 30 LEDs/m: fine for a soft glow on a wall that's close behind the screen.
- 60 LEDs/m: smoother, more even light, better if the wall is farther away or you want it brighter.
Step 3: White vs. RGB
For movie watching, a neutral white looks most natural. For a gaming setup, RGB with a remote lets you match your keyboard and mouse pad lighting.
5-minute setup
- Wipe the back of the screen with a dry cloth so the adhesive sticks.
- Start near the USB port you'll use, so the cable doesn't hang across the back.
- Run the strip around the edges; at corners, fold gently instead of creasing.
- Tuck the controller and cable with a couple of cable clips or reusable cable ties.
- Many monitors and TVs power their USB ports off when the screen sleeps, so the light turns off with it.
Our picks
- Sparky's USB RGB Desk Backlight Strip (1 m): budget RGB with a color remote, good for 24-inch monitors and under-desk glow.
- Sparky's RGB LED Strip Kit with Controller: lengths from 1 m to 5 m with 30 or 60 LEDs/m, for larger monitors and TVs.
- Sparky's USB LED Table Lamp: a flexible-neck desk lamp for task light alongside the backlight.
Want the full look? See Budget RGB desk setup under $100 or shop RGB mouse pads and desk essentials.
Free U.S. shipping (1–5 business days processing, then about 7–17 business days in transit) and 30-day returns. Questions? Email spgdsllc@gmail.com.