How many LEDs do you need for a starry sky? A guide to calculating lig

You're about to realize your dream of sleeping under the stars, but you're stuck in the face of the most common doubt: "How many light points should I install to avoid having a blank, sad ceiling?"

This is a fundamental question. Getting the LED density wrong can ruin the final effect: too few look like isolated spots, too many create a chaotic "Christmas lights" effect.

In this article, we'll reveal the mathematical rules we use in Oniroview to design professional starry skies and show you 3 positioning schemes for a wow-factor result.

(Note: If this is your first time and you don't know how to connect wires or drill holes in drywall, please read our main technical guide first: How to Build an LED Starry Sky .)

The Mathematics of the Starry Sky: How Many LEDs per Square Meter?

Forget about guesswork. To achieve a realistic, immersive effect, the ideal density is between 6 and 10 light points per square meter .

Here's a practical plan to follow based on the size of your room:

1. Small Room or Specific Areas (8 – 10 m²)

If you need to illuminate a children's bedroom, a bathroom, or just create a frame above the double bed.

Recommended number of LEDs: 50 light points.
Expert advice: Don't go below 40 LEDs, otherwise you lose the perception of "sky".
Ideal solution: 50-light LED starry sky kit (Transparent or Silver version).

2. Standard Double Room (12 – 15 m²)

The classic size of an Italian bedroom. Here, more density is needed to conceal the visual volume.

Recommended number of LEDs: 80 – 100 light points.
Expert tip: This is the best-selling configuration. It provides good coverage of the central area while leaving the edges softer.
Ideal solution: 100-light LED starry sky kit (Or the combination of two 50-light kits).

3. Large Rooms and Home Cinemas (18 – 20+ m²)

Living rooms, taverns or cinema rooms where the ceiling is high.

Recommended number of LEDs: 120 – 150 light points.
Expert advice: In these spaces, it's essential to work in zones, concentrating the LEDs where needed.
Ideal solution: Mix of multiple kits + single mini spots to integrate extra light points in shadow areas.

Example of light point density on plasterboard.

3 Layout Ideas: How to Arrange Stars?

Having the right number is just the beginning. Now you need to decide where to drill holes in the drywall. Avoid a "geometric grid" (ordered rows) entirely: stars in nature are random!

Here are 3 layouts tested by our customers:

1. The "Central Band" (Milky Way Effect)

Instead of scattering LEDs across the entire ceiling, concentrate 70% of the light points in a diagonal or irregular band that crosses the room.
Why choose it: It creates depth and makes the ceiling appear to be "open" to infinity. Great for hallways or above the bed.

2. The Spiral

Start from the center of the room (or around the chandelier) with a very high density and expand towards the walls, thinning out the light points.
Why choose it: It simulates a galaxy and guides the eye toward the center. Perfect for square rooms.

3. The Royal Constellations

Use an astronomy map. Take the 50-point LED starry sky kit and use 7 LEDs for the Big Dipper, 5 for Cassiopeia, and use the rest as background stars.
Technical Tip: For the stars of the constellations, you can use our Cool White light mini spots (brighter) and use the Blue light ones for the far background.

Can I add LEDs later?

Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. You'd have to drill new holes in the finished drywall, risking ruining the paint, and rewire in awkward locations. Our advice? When in doubt, use plenty.

If you're unsure between 50 and 80 LEDs for a 13m2 room, choose the 100-point LED starry sky kit . If you have any leftovers, you can leave them in the suspended ceiling or use them to brighten up a corner. 10 more stars are better than an empty sky.