Quick answer: An LED profile, also called an LED channel, is an aluminium housing that LED strip sits in, usually with a diffuser cover. It protects the strip, helps it run cool and turns it into a neat, even line of light. Choose a surface mounted profile such as Fino for the simplest fit, a recessed profile such as Linia for a flush finish, or a specialist profile for corners, plinths and handleless kitchens.
An LED profile is what turns a reel of strip into a finished, professional light. This guide explains what profiles do, the main types, and which Sensio profile to use where.
What does an LED profile do?
- Hides and protects the strip. The strip sits inside the channel, away from knocks and dust.
- Diffuses the light. A diffuser cover spreads the light from the LEDs into a smoother line. This matters most with standard strips, which have individual LEDs. COB strips such as Polar X already give a dot-free line. See COB vs SMD LED strip.
- Gives a neat finish. End caps and mounting clips or brackets make a clean, fitted look.
Types of LED profile
| Type | How it fits | Sensio profiles |
|---|---|---|
| Surface mounted | Fixes onto the surface, the simplest to fit | Fino, Versa Surface |
| Recessed | Sits in a groove for a flush finish | Linia, Versa Recessed, Blaze, Zella (acrylic, fully diffused) |
| Angled | Aims the light, for example from a cupboard corner onto the shelves | Beam, Ray kit |
| Corner and drawer | For corners and drawers, with a living hinge for easy fitting | Adapt |
| Plinth | Angled to fit plinth boards of 16 to 18mm | Accent |
| Handleless kitchens | Fits the handleless rail or channel | Edge (for Razor X), Vector, Manta (pre-fitted strip) |
| Flexible | A silicone profile with the strip built in, for curves | Flex with Polar X Pro |
See all LED profiles, or shop aluminium profiles, black profiles and recessed profiles.
Which strip fits which profile?
Our Universal profiles, Fino and Linia, work with any Sensio flexible strip, and Versa fits all Sensio flexible strips too. Some profiles are made for particular strips: Edge is designed for Razor X and Razor X Pro, Blaze for the Neutron 3.5mm strip, Accent and Vector take strips 5mm wide or less, and Zella takes strips 8mm wide or more. Check the strip width on each profile's page before you buy.
Which profile should you choose?
- Under kitchen cabinets: Fino for a quick surface fit, or Linia recessed into the cabinet base for a flush finish. See the best LED strip lights for a kitchen.
- Handleless kitchens: Edge with Razor X, Vector in the channel, or Manta with its pre-fitted strip.
- Plinths: Accent, angled for 16 to 18mm plinth boards. See plinth and kickboard lighting.
- Cupboards, larders and wardrobes: Beam or the Ray kit for angled light onto the shelves, or Fino and Linia.
- With a sensor: Versa works with plug-in IR, PIR or touch sensors.
Watch: installing an LED profile
More videos: fitting the Fino diffuser, fitting the Linia recessed cover and all our video guides.
More videos: watch the LED strip lighting video playlist on YouTube, or see all our video guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is an LED profile?
An aluminium channel, usually with a diffuser cover, that LED strip is fitted into. It protects the strip, helps it run cool and gives an even, finished line of light.
Is an LED channel the same as an LED profile?
Yes. LED profile, LED channel and aluminium profile are different names for the same thing.
Do I need a profile for LED strip?
Not always. COB strips such as Polar X give a dot-free line without a cover. A profile still protects the strip and gives a neater finish, and standard strips usually look best in a profile with a diffuser.
What is the difference between a surface mounted and a recessed LED profile?
A surface mounted profile fixes onto the surface and is the simplest to fit. A recessed profile sits in a groove so it finishes flush with the surface.
Can you cut an LED profile to length?
Many can. Linia, Zella and Vector can be cut to size. Check each profile's page for its lengths and cutting.
Not sure which profile you need? Contact our technical team.
