LED profiles: guide for surface, recessed and drywall mounting

An LED strip on its own rarely looks good: the light points are visible, heat builds up and the strip does not stay in place permanently. Only the right aluminium profile turns it into a clean light line. This guide shows which LED profile suits which application. You will find all profiles in the category Profiles & accessories.

Why an aluminium profile for LED strips?

• Heat dissipation: aluminium conducts the heat away from the LEDs. This significantly extends the service life of the LED strip, especially at high wattage per metre.
• Even light: an opal diffuser scatters the light so that no individual light points are visible.
• Protection and clean installation: the profile protects the strip from dust and contact and ensures a straight, professional line.

Which type of profile suits?

Surface-mounted profiles – for furniture, shelves and ceilings

Surface-mounted profiles are screwed or glued directly onto the surface. They are the simplest solution, for example under kitchen cabinets or in shelves. Flat models such as MILANO (16 × 7 mm) or MICRO-Alu (15.6 × 6 mm) remain discreet. For more power up to 42 W/m, GIZA, LIPOD or the VAREO series for strips up to 30 mm wide are suitable.

Recessed profiles – flush in wood and furniture

Recessed profiles are set into a groove and are flush with the surface. Typical uses are kitchen worktops, shelves and wall panelling. Examples: BERLIN (24 × 12 mm), FRANKFURT (21 × 7.5 mm) or LADEO for strips up to 20 mm.

Drywall profiles – invisible in plasterboard

Drywall profiles have lateral flanges that are plastered in when installed in plasterboard. Afterwards only the light line remains visible, the profile disappears into the ceiling or wall. They are suitable for new builds and renovations, for example in corridors, living spaces or offices. The range includes KOZEL, LARKO, LOKOM and OPAC-30 for strips up to 21 mm and 42 W/m as well as IRRSEE and KOZMA for narrower strips. For plastered walls there is the MONTANA plaster profile.

Corner profiles – light in corners and edges

Corner profiles emit light at a 45° angle and fit into inside corners, for example between wall and ceiling or in cabinet corners. Examples: 45 aluminium corner profile, ESQUINA, SOPHIA or the larger KOPRO for strips up to 21 mm.

Tile, floor and bendable profiles – for special applications

• Tile profiles such as ALASKA or DETROIT are installed together with the tiles, e.g. in shower niches and bathrooms.
• Floor profiles such as DUBLIN XL are made for floors and steps.
• Bendable profiles such as HARMONY or MILANO SLIM can be bent for curves.
• Pendant and cove profiles such as MUNICH or VOUTE are for suspended light lines and indirect light from a cove.

How to choose the right profile

• Strip width: the maximum width of the LED strip is stated for each profile (e.g. “for LED strips up to 10 mm”). The strip must lie flat in the profile.
• Wattage per metre: the more watts per metre, the more heat. For 20–42 W/m you need a larger profile with more aluminium.
• Diffuser: opal (milky) for even light without dots, clear for maximum brightness. With a COB strip no dots are visible even in flat profiles.
• Length: most profiles are available in 2 m or 3 m. Longer lines are created by joining them together.
• Accessories: matching end caps, mounting clips and pendant suspensions can be found in the same category.

LED profile made to measure

You would rather not cut and solder yourself? In the LED configurator you choose profile, LED strip, colour temperature and length and receive a bill of materials and a quote – ready-assembled and with on-site installation on request.

For electrical installers and planners

Planning light lines in a project? We advise you on the choice of profile, put together the matching LED strip and power supply and offer project prices for larger quantities. Delivery throughout Switzerland from Zurich. Get in touch or view the LED profiles directly.

Matching product categories

• Aluminium LED profiles and accessories – surface-mounted, recessed, corner and drywall profiles with diffusers
• SMD LED strips – bright LED strips in many colour temperatures
• COB LED strips – dot-free light line
• LED neon flex – flexible light lines, also for outdoors
• LED power supplies and controllers – 24 V and 48 V, dimmable with DALI and Casambi

Put together profile, LED strip and length to measure: LED configurator.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an aluminium profile for an LED strip?

For strips from around 10 W/m we always recommend an aluminium profile: it dissipates the heat and thus extends the service life. It also protects the strip and, with the diffuser, ensures a clean light line.

Which diffuser produces a light line without dots?

Opal and Liger opal matt scatter the light the most and produce an even line. It becomes even more uniform with a COB LED strip and a deep profile.

How wide can the LED strip be?

The maximum strip width is stated for each profile, e.g. “up to 10 mm”. Narrow furniture profiles take 8 to 10 mm, large profiles up to 30 or 44 mm.

Can I shorten the profile?

Yes. The profiles can be cut to size with a hacksaw. On request, we cut and assemble the profile for you.

Which profile is suitable for plasterboard?

For plasterboard there are drywall profiles such as LOKOM, LARKO, KOZEL or OPAC-30. They are plastered in and produce a light line without a visible frame.

More guides: Choosing LED strips correctly · LED panels for the office