Back to Lighting Guides

LED Strip Lighting Guide for Monitors & Desks

LED strips are the backbone of most PC ambient lighting setups. With a single reel, you can:

  • create a soft halo behind your monitor,
  • add a clean light strip along the back edge of your desk,
  • or wash light across the wall for a studio-like look.

This guide focuses on using LED strips around your monitor and desk with Skydimo.

1. RGB vs ARGB strips (and why it matters)

RGB and ARGB strips often look identical from the outside. The key difference is how they are controlled:

  • RGB strips

    • all LEDs on the strip share the same color at any given time,
    • simpler wiring and cheaper controllers,
    • great for static scenes and simple breathing or color cycling.

  • ARGB (addressable RGB) strips

    • each LED (or small group) can show a different color,
    • requires a compatible ARGB controller and data line,
    • enables chase, wave, advanced patterns and detailed screen-sync.

In practice:

  • for monitor backlight and per-zone screen-sync, ARGB is the better choice;
  • for a single-color desk edge or background glow, basic RGB is usually enough.

2. Choosing strip length, voltage and density

When comparing strips, pay attention to three numbers:

  1. Length – total usable length of the strip
  2. LED density – e.g. 30 / 60 / 72 LEDs per meter
  3. Voltage – most commonly 5 V (USB), 12 V or 24 V

Simple rules of thumb:

  • 24–27” monitors typically use 1.5–2 m around the back,
  • ultrawide / dual-monitor layouts may need 2.5–3.5 m,
  • higher density means smoother gradients and finer motion, but also higher power draw,
  • 5 V strips are convenient for USB-powered ambient light,
  • 12 V / 24 V strips are better for long runs (e.g. full walls or large desk perimeters).

Always make sure:

  • the strip’s voltage matches the controller’s output voltage,
  • the connector type is correct (e.g. 3-pin 5 V ARGB vs 4-pin 12 V RGB) — never force mismatched plugs.

3. Typical placements for monitors and desks

Monitor backlight

For a single monitor:

  • route the strip along the outer edges of the back in a U or rectangle,
  • keep it close to the frame so light washes evenly onto the wall,
  • don’t block ventilation or mounting points.

For dual monitors:

  • use one continuous strip across both displays if your controller and layout support it,
  • or run one strip per display and configure them as separate devices in Skydimo.

Continuous strips look cleaner, but:

  • require careful routing through the gap between monitors,
  • and need a controller that can comfortably power the total length.

Desk edge and wall wash

Common approaches include:

  • a strip along the back edge of the desk, shining onto the wall,
  • a short strip under the front lip of the desk to gently light your keyboard and surface,
  • a strip along the wall edges or corners behind your setup.

If you stream or shoot video:

  • use the monitor backlight as your main background in frame,
  • then add a warm strip under the desk or shelf to separate you from the wall.

4. Using LED strips with Skydimo

Once your strip is installed and plugged into a Skydimo-compatible controller:

  1. Open Skydimo → Devices and locate the new strip.
  2. Set the LED count to match the actual number of LEDs.
  3. Mark what this strip is used for:
    • monitor backlight,
    • desk edge,
    • or wall wash.
  4. In screen-sync mode, map each strip segment to:
    • the top, bottom, left or right edge of the screen,
    • or a specific region (for wall strips or layout devices).

When you are using multiple strips:

  • follow a clear naming convention (e.g. Desk-Back, Monitor-Top),
  • group them into scenes so you can switch entire lighting configurations with a single action.

5. Power and safety tips

  • avoid sharp bends directly at the LEDs or solder joints,
  • don’t exceed the power budget of a single USB port or hub,
  • use powered hubs or dedicated PSUs for long / high-density strips,
  • don’t cover strips with flammable materials or seal them in airtight spaces.

If you see flickering or color shifting at higher brightness:

  • first try lowering brightness in Skydimo,
  • or move the strip to a port or hub with better power delivery.

6. What to read next

If you’re planning a full lighting setup:

  • see the Monitor Backlight Setup Guide for eye-comfort-first layouts,
  • follow the RGB Desk Lighting Setup guide to design a complete desk scene,
  • and use Best LED Strip Lights for Monitors as a buying checklist for strips.
Questions or suggestions? Click here for quick feedback.

Technical Support | Contact Us