LED Lighting for Shelves
Written by Ben Teele | A Leader in LED Technology
LED lighting can transform ordinary shelves into visually striking and functional displays. Whether you're looking to highlight art pieces, illuminate books, or provide accent lighting, LED shelf lighting offers versatile solutions tailored to your needs. This article will explore various considerations when installing LED lighting on shelves, including purpose and placement, suitable shelving material for LED installation, wiring and power supply considerations, light temperature and brightness, control options, and the best products for effective and aesthetic lighting. By understanding these key factors, you can create beautifully lit shelves that enhance both the functionality and ambiance of your space.
Things to Consider When Installing LED Lighting for Shelves
Purpose and Placement
LED lighting on shelves can serve multiple purposes. The recommended placement of your LED shelf lighting will depend on the desired outcome. If you are illuminating items on the shelf such as books, art pieces, or memorabilia, then you will want to position the lighting on the underside of the shelf above to highlight these objects. If you are looking for accent lighting using a backlit effect, you can install the lights on the back edge of the shelf to accomplish this.
Type of Shelving for LED Installation
LED lighting is best suited for thick wooden shelves but can also be used on metal, plastic, and other materials.
Wiring Considerations for Shelf Lighting Installations
When wiring shelf lighting, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. It's important to ensure that the strip lights and wire are protected from any potential physical damage. While LED Strip Lights have a maximum run length, often 16.4 ft, you can run multiple strips in parallel to a single power supply. Using in-wall-rated wire is recommended to reduce fire hazards. Additionally, use a voltage drop chart to determine the appropriate wire gauge based on load and distance. When in doubt, partner with a licensed electrician.
When wiring your shelves, you have two options:
- Parallel: Parallel wiring, or "homerun" wiring, means you are running a dedicated wire from your power supply to each fixture or LED strip.
- Series: Series wiring, or "daisy-chaining", means you are running wire from the power supply to the first fixture or LED strip, then connecting directly to the next fixture/LED strip. Be especially mindful of voltage drop when connecting lights in series from the power source and do not exceed the maximum run length of LED strips, which is the total amount of strip that can be wired in series.
Power Source
Power supplies are essential for operating your shelf lighting system. Place power supplies in accessible locations, such as at the back of a shelf, in a corner, or any other concealed spot that keeps them out of sight while maintaining accessibility.
Light Temperature and Brightness
Choose the light temperature and brightness based on your preferences and the intended use:
- Common Residential Choice: 3000K-4000K color temperature
- Common Commercial Choice: 4000K-6000K color temperature
Control Options
- Line Side Dimming: If using a standard dimmer switch, you will need a dimmable power supply. Ensure the power supply remains accessible and is not sheet-rocked into the wall.
- Remote Control: Consider using Casambi for app-based control, or our Wireless 4 Channel LED Controller with Channel Pairing along with one of our handheld RF remote controls. These control options use non-dimmable power supplies as all the dimming is done through the controller.
Best Products for Shelving LED Lighting
Under Shelf LED Strip Lighting:
Strip lighting is available in various colors and brightness levels and is ideal for both highlighting objects and accent lighting. When choosing strip light for your shelves we recommend using non-waterproof strip lights. Prioritize the aesthetic and work with the structure and design of your shelves.
These are our most popular strip lights for shelf lighting:
- N-Series Ultra-Bright: Ideal for situations where the strip is not directly visible, such as unseen on the bottom of the shelf or when using aluminum mounting channel.
- L-Series Single Color, Color Tuning, and RGB Color Changing: These options have no visible dots, high CRI, and are aesthetically pleasing, making them suitable for any location on the shelf.
Our most popular channel for shelf lighting:
- Recessed Channel: Provides a seamless look but requires a thick shelf for installation. The shelf must be routed to place the channel inside.
- 45 Degree Channel: Can be used on the top of the shelf to highlight objects or underneath the shelf to illuminate items below.
LED Light Bars for Shelving:
LED Light Bars provide uniform, linear lighting that's perfect for shelves. Available in various lengths and color temperatures, they are easy to install and offer a sleek, modern look, that is ideal for both task and accent lighting. These pre-assembled solutions save time and simplify installation. If surface mounting the light bars, and not recessed into the shelf, use VHB tape or mounting clips to attach the light bar to the shelf. Measure your shelves before purchasing light bars to select the correct length. If our standard sizes will not work, please reach out to one of our LED Lighting experts for our custom light bar options.
Shelving Inspiration Images
Safety Considerations When Using LED Lighting for Shelves
Electrical Safety: For installation, be sure that all LED lights are disconnected from power sources. Take care to follow all electrical safety precautions and local electrical codes. Contact a professional licensed electrician if you are not confident or have questions on how to properly install LED lighting.
Final Thoughts
Installing LED lighting on shelves can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. By keeping in mind the shelving material, carefully considering the purpose and placement of the lights, and ensuring proper wiring and power supply size and location, you can make informed decisions for your project. Always be sure to prioritize safety and follow local electrical codes.
By selecting the best products for LED shelf lighting, such as strip lighting or LED Light Bars, and choosing the right light temperature and control options, you can find the perfect lighting system to meet your needs.
With these considerations in mind, you can create beautifully lit shelves that not only highlight your cherished items but also add a modern and sophisticated touch to any room.