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If your LED light bar looks “fine” but your video still feels flat, harsh, or uneven, placement is almost always the problem. A few inches in the wrong direction can create glare, shadows, or blown‑out highlights.
This guide shows exactly where to place an LED light bar for the best background and face lighting—whether you’re on Zoom, streaming, or building a clean desk setup.
Best LED Light Bar Placement (Quick Answer)
For most desks, the best placement is behind your monitor, angled slightly upward toward the wall. This creates soft bias lighting that improves contrast without shining directly into your eyes or webcam.
| Setup Type | Best Placement | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Video calls / Zoom | Behind monitor, angled up | Even background glow, no glare |
| Streaming / YouTube | Behind desk or wall‑mounted | Depth and separation from background |
| Small room | Lower brightness, closer wall | Avoids harsh reflections |
| Large room | Higher mount, wider spread | Fills background evenly |
Common LED Light Bar Placement Options
1) Behind the Monitor (Most Popular)
This is the safest and most effective option. Mount the light bar on the back of your monitor or desk shelf and angle it upward toward the wall.
- Reduces eye strain
- Improves background contrast
- Works well with webcams
2) Wall‑Mounted Behind the Desk
Wall placement adds depth, especially for streaming or recorded video. Keep it above desk height and avoid pointing it directly at the camera.
3) Under Desk Shelves or Pegboards
Good for accent lighting, not primary lighting. Use this only as a secondary light source.
Brightness and Color Temperature Tips
- Start at 30–50% brightness
- Use neutral white (4000–5000K) for work calls
- Avoid saturated RGB colors for meetings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pointing the light directly at your face
- Mounting too low behind the monitor
- Using maximum brightness
- Mixing warm and cool lights randomly
FAQ
Should an LED light bar face the wall or the room?
It should face the wall. Bouncing light off the wall creates softer, more even lighting.
Is an LED light bar enough for video calls?
For most people, yes—especially when combined with natural light. If your room is very dark, add a small front key light.
Can LED light bars cause screen glare?
Yes, if placed too low or angled forward. Always tilt the light upward and away from the screen.
Next: See best webcams for video calls and desk setup cable management tips.