Media wall lighting works best in layers: LED strip in recessed profiles to backlight the TV recess and outline the alcoves, lit shelves for display and dimmable downlights above, all in warm white for the evening and powered by a 24V driver hidden in the wall. Plan it at the build stage, while the frame is still open, and you can hide every cable and driver.
A media wall is a built-in TV or feature wall, often with an electric fire, shelves and alcoves. Because it is built from scratch, it is one of the easiest places in the home to add integrated lighting.
Media wall lighting ideas
Backlight the TV recess
A line of light around the inside edge of the TV recess, or behind the TV, frames the screen with a soft glow. Use a COB LED strip such as Polar X Pro free-cut COB strip, which shows no visible LED dots, cuts to any length and adjusts from warm white (2700K) to cool white (6500K).
For colour as well as white, Polar RGBCCT colour changing COB strip combines full RGB colour with adjustable white in one strip, and Flux RGBCCT strip has 24 preset colours and 11 shades of white. See the full media wall lighting range.
Light the alcoves and niches
Alcoves and niches look best with a single line of light along the top or one side, recessed so only the glow shows.
- Linia is a recessed aluminium profile with small wings that cover any imperfections in the routed edge. It comes in aluminium or black.
- Zella is a recessed acrylic profile that fully diffuses the light for a soft, even glow. It takes strips 8mm wide or more.
- Razor X Pro 2mm is a free-cut COB strip that push-fits into a saw cut or routed groove with no adhesive and bends around corner recesses, with adjustable white from 2700K to 6000K.
Add shelf lighting
Media wall shelf lighting turns plain shelves into a display. Sensio has three ready-made options:
- Torino illuminated glass shelf has LEDs set into an aluminium frame, so light travels through the tempered glass. It comes in 600mm and 900mm lengths, in black or silver, and holds up to 10kg.
- Vertex slim LED shelf light sits on the back of the shelf board with a pre-installed strip, so there is no need to trim the shelf short. The cable exits from the back, so no wires show.
- Genoa up and down shelf light clips on to the rear of an 18mm wooden shelf and projects light both up and down.
Torino and Genoa give cool white light (4500K) and Vertex gives natural white (4000K). If you would prefer warmer shelves, run a warm white strip in a slim profile instead. See all drawer and shelf lighting.
Lighting around an electric fire
A line of light above an inset electric fire or along its surround makes it the focal point, but heat needs planning. Always follow the fire manufacturer's installation guidance, keep LED strip, profiles and drivers out of any hot zones around the fire, and agree the layout with your electrician before the boards go on. Our product pages do not give clearances for use near fires, so take your lead from the fire maker.
A soft wash along the top or bottom
A strip along the top edge washes light down the face of the wall, and a strip along the base washes across the floor. A floating TV unit lit underneath looks as if it is hovering. 24V strip allows long runs without fade. Polar Pro COB strip gives a smooth, bright line with adjustable white, and both ends of a cut strip can be used.
Downlights above the media wall
Downlights set into the ceiling just in front of the wall graze light down its surface. TrioTone downlights let you choose cool, natural or warm white with a switch on the back of the fitting. The Circa and Cube TrioTone Dual Power downlights have a glass bezel in tinted black or clear, dim from 0 to 100% and are fully tested to 30, 60 and 90 minute fire ratings. See all downlights.
Choosing the LED strip and profile
On a media wall the strip is often on show, so the quality of the line matters. COB LED strip gives one continuous line of light with no visible dots, which suits recesses, shelves and washes. SMD strip has individual LEDs and usually needs a diffused profile to look smooth. Read COB vs SMD LED strip for the full comparison.
A profile is a channel that holds the strip, hides it and diffuses the light. Recessed profiles such as Linia, Zella and Versa Recessed sit flush with the board for the cleanest line. Where you cannot rout the board, use a surface mounted profile. Browse all LED strip lights and LED profiles, or read what an LED profile is and how to choose one.
Colour of light and dimming
A media wall is used mostly in the evening, so warm white is the natural choice. It is relaxing and easier on the eyes when you are watching a screen.
Adjustable white (CCT) strips such as Polar X Pro, Polar Pro, Ion 5 and Radiant Pro let you move between warm and cool white. TrioTone downlights let you set warm, natural or cool white at the fitting. Media wall lighting is mostly used at low levels, so choose strip and controls that dim. For more on Kelvin and which white to pick, see our colour temperature guide.
Control
Media wall lighting is often split into zones, such as the TV backlight, the shelves and the alcoves, so you can use one without the others. The Universal Remote Control controls single colour (dimming), CCT and RGB lights and lets you set up zones. Use it with the right receiver for your lights.
For app and voice control, the Titan Smart drivers work with the Link Sensio app and with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Titan Smart Kinetic CCT driver suits adjustable white strip, and the Titan Smart RGBCCT driver suits Polar RGBCCT and Flux. With a Titan Smart Kinetic driver, you can add a Titan Smart Kinetic Switch on the wall for wireless control with no wiring. See all lighting sensors and controls.
Planning and power
The best time to plan media wall lighting is at the build stage, before the boards go on. That is when you can rout channels, run cables inside the frame and leave access to the drivers.
- Hide the driver, but keep it reachable. Titan drivers are slim at 16mm deep, so they fit inside the wall or a cabinet. Leave an access panel, and keep drivers away from the fire.
- Size the driver. Add up the wattage of the strip and lights on each driver, then choose a 24V driver rated above that total. See our guide to what size LED driver you need.
- Match the driver to the lights. Single colour and TrioTone lights use 2-pin drivers, CCT strip uses 4-pin and RGBCCT strip uses 6-pin. See all 24V LED drivers.
- Use a qualified electrician. The low voltage strip and lights plug together, but connecting the driver to the mains, and any new circuit or socket, must be done by a qualified electrician.
Every Sensio product is backed by our 7 year guarantee.
FAQs
What is the best LED strip for a media wall?
COB LED strip, because it gives one continuous line of light with no visible dots. Polar X Pro is free-cut and adjustable from warm to cool white, and Polar RGBCCT adds full colour.
How do you light a media wall?
Layer it: LED strip in recessed profiles around the TV recess and alcoves, shelf lights and dimmable downlights above, run from 24V drivers hidden in the wall and planned at the build stage.
What colour light is best for a media wall?
Warm white suits a living room in the evening and is easier on the eyes while watching TV. Adjustable white (CCT) strip lets you switch between warm and cool white whenever you like.
Can you put LED strip lights near an electric fire?
Follow the fire manufacturer's installation guidance and keep LED strip, profiles and drivers out of any hot zones around the fire. Check clearances with the fire maker and your electrician.
Can I control media wall lighting from my phone?
Yes. Titan Smart drivers work with the Link Sensio app and Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Without an app, the Universal Remote Control works with a matching receiver.
Do I need an electrician to fit media wall lighting?
The 24V strip and lights plug together, but connecting the driver to the mains must be done by a qualified electrician.
For more ideas for the room, see our living room lighting.
