Get Started with LED Rope Lights
Get ready to create the lightscape you’ve always dreamed of. At Birddog Lighting, our Brilliant Brand LED Rope Lights are flexible, durable, and built to bring color and creativity to any space. Whether you're wrapping a deck, outlining a room, or setting up spectacular signage, rope lights give you the freedom to design with bold color and lighting brilliance—indoors or out.
Not sure where to start? This buying guide breaks it all down so you can effortlessly Light It Yourself (LIY). Learn what LED rope lights are, how they work, and how to use them—plus explore links to accessories and real-world inspiration from our lighting blog.
What are LED Rope Lights?
LED Rope Lights are made by encasing small LED bulbs in a flexible PVC tube. The result is a bright, bendable “rope” of light you can wrap around railings, trace along walls, and mold into shapes. Because they’re weather-resistant, when properly sealed, and highly flexible, they’re ideal for indoor and outdoor lighting applications.
They’re available in single and multi-color and color-changing RGB variations for a wide range of lighting effects.
View All LED Rope Light Colors, Options, Voltages, and Lengths
LED Rope Lights are lengths of flexible PVC tubing inside of which are miniature LED bulbs. This combination makes a rope of brilliant light that you can bend into shapes, flex around corners and coil around pillars. The ropes can be cut to various lengths at marked intervals, so the possibilities for using them are virtually limitless. Use them indoors or outdoors for eye-catching centerpieces, cool ambiance or easy DIY safety lighting.
How Do LED Rope Lights Work?
LED stands for "light-emitting diode," a type of energy-efficient bulb that produces bright light with minimal heat. When installed inside rope tubing, these LEDs shine in all directions or straight out at the viewer and can be animated using a compatible controller to flash, fade, or dim.
We offer several voltage options to match your needs:
- 120V LED Rope Lights – Ideal for long runs and outdoor applications
- 12V LED Rope Lights – Great for RVs, vehicles, boats, or other low-voltage power source settings
Want more info? See our guide: The Mechanics Behind LED Rope Lights.
Can I Cut LED Rope Lights?
Yes—our rope lights are cuttable at marked intervals.
- 120V LED Rope Lights: Cut every 19.5 inches
- 12V LED Rope Lights: Cut every 4.875 inches
Each full spool includes a power cord and end cap for a single continuous run. If you plan to make multiple cuts, you'll need extra power cords and connectors. We carry:
For step-by-step cutting guidance, visit our article: How To Cut LED Rope Lights.
Can LED Rope Lights Be Dimmed?
Yes. All our LED rope lights are dimmable. Is it critical that you choose the dimmer that is compatible with the lighting type and voltage.
- 120V LED Rope Lights require 120V-compatible LED dimmers
- 12V LED Rope Lights work with DC low-voltage dimmers
If you're using RGB or color-changing rope lights, a compatible controller allows you to adjust brightness, speed, effects, and color.
How to Use LED Rope Lights
LED rope lights are incredibly versatile and easy to integrate into both residential and commercial projects. Here are some practical applications:
Use 12V Rope Lights For:
- Boat lighting projects
- Interior RV and camper lighting
- Custom event signs or decorative lettering
- Accent lighting in home theaters and media rooms
Use 120V Rope Lights For:
- Deck and patio lighting
- Rooflines and landscaping
- Holiday displays
- Event and venue lighting
- Wrapping trees, poles, or architectural columns
Use RGB Rope Lights For:
- Color-changing mood lighting indoors or outdoors
- Illuminated wall art, signage, or ceiling accents
- DIY signs with flexible RGB options
How Much Do the Best LED Rope Lights Cost?
Our LED Rope Lights start under $55 and are built for long-term, energy-efficient performance. While LED lights cost more upfront than incandescent options, they use up to 80% less energy and can last over 50,000 hours - making them more cost-effective in the long run.
If you're decorating for a one-time or short-term occasion, such as a party or wedding, consider our Incandescent Rope Lights as a more economical option.
Read More: Are LED Rope Lights Worth the Cost?
Still Have Questions?
Choosing the right LED rope lighting can feel overwhelming. Whether you're comparing voltage, browsing by color, or planning a complex installation, we’re here to help.
Visit our Frequently Asked Lighting Questions (FALQ) page for quick answers or contact us at (406) 586-5970 or Support@BirddogDistributing.com for personalized support.