When you invest in custom shelving—whether it’s for a bar, kitchen, living room, office, or commercial space—you want to make sure it stands out. The right lighting doesn't just enhance visibility; it can elevate the entire space.
At Soil & Oak, we know how important lighting is to both style and function. Below, we break down the best lighting options for custom shelves, including LED solutions, backlighting techniques, and design and installation tips.
1. LED Strip Lighting (Undermount Lighting)
Best For: Highlighting items on the shelf below
Ideal Shelf Type: Wood or opaque material
LED strip lights are a sleek and modern way to add illumination directly beneath your shelves. Installed along the underside of the shelf, this method works well for showcasing bottles, books, or decorative pieces. If you've chosen wood shelves, a benefit of this style of lighting is that a small channel can be cut into the shelving itself, where the LED light strip can be tucked away and less visible.
Pro Tips:
- For narrow shelves, place the strip near the front edge for brighter visibility, or near the rear for a more subtle, backlit effect.
- On top-level shelves, mounting can be tricky if hardware like flanges obstructs placement.
2. Top-Mounted Shelf Lighting (Upward Facing)
Best For: Creating glow from below
Ideal Shelf Type: Opaque shelves with space above
This technique places LED strips on the top surface of each shelf, pointing upward to light the items above. It’s great for highlighting bottle shapes or glassware with a unique glow.
Considerations:
- Narrow shelves may limit how much light hits the front of each item.
- Light positioning is crucial to avoid harsh shadows.
3. Backlighting
Best For: Ambient, artistic lighting effects
Ideal Shelf Type: Display shelving with back panels or open-backs
Backlighting adds an architectural, high-end feel to shelving. It involves installing LED strips behind the shelving or along the wall, creating a soft glow around the edges of your shelves or bottles.
Perfect For:
- Creating dramatic silhouettes
- Adding ambiance to bar areas or entertainment spaces
4. Overhead or Accent Lighting
Best For: General illumination
Ideal Shelf Type: Any type, especially when built-in lighting isn’t possible
If integrated lighting isn’t practical, consider external lighting options like:
- Gooseneck wall sconces
- Track lighting mounted to the ceiling
These fixtures direct light toward your shelves, ideal for traditional bar shelving or rustic-modern setups.
Drawback:
-
Less effective for dark or opaque shelves, as the light doesn’t travel through the material.
Installation Tips:
1. Plan Early with Your Electrician
To ensure a clean, functional result, integrate your lighting plan into the design phase. Custom lighting often requires concealed wiring, dimmer switches, and thoughtful placement—especially if you're hardwiring LED strips. We recommend working closely with your electrician during the construction phase.
2. Considerations for Lighting for Glass Shelves
Glass shelves offer a unique design challenge. While transparent, they can reveal wiring and adhesive if not lit properly.
Recommendations:
- Avoid under-shelf LED strips, which may be visible through the glass.
- Use backlighting behind the shelves to give the glass an ethereal glow.
- Consider coordinating with your electrician to conceal wiring and connect to dimmer switches for added control.
Whether you're building a modern home bar or designing display shelves for your living space, the right lighting makes all the difference. At Soil & Oak, we work with you to create custom shelving solutions that not only look great—but shine.
Need help planning the perfect lighting setup for your shelves? Contact us to talk through ideas—we’re here to help.