LED strip lights are the first option that should knock your head to light your shelves up. These flexible fixtures can be mounted anywhere on the shelf, giving your space a modern and sleek look. But how do you install or place them on the shelf? 

LED strips come with an adhesive backing, allowing you to mount these fixtures to your shelves quickly without drilling or nailing hassles. All you need to do is peel the back tape and press it to the location you want to fit them. You can also cut these strips to the required length that matches your shelves. Besides, they are foldable and found in different widths, so you can easily fit them in the corners of the shelves. 

However, if you want a more robust installation, using clips to secure the LED strips on the shelves is also a brilliant idea. Besides, there is also an option for built-in shelf lighting using aluminum channels. To learn more, keep reading below- 

Why LED Strips Are Important For Shelves Lighting?

LED Strips have brought a revolution in lighting technology. From high efficiency to a longer-lasting life cycle, LED strips are a breakthrough for today’s lighting world. As LED strip lights are flexible and easy to install, you can quickly mount them to your residential or commercial shelves without professional help. The importance of LED strips for shelf lighting is-

• Flexibility: LED strip lights are famous for their slim-fit design and corner fold feature. You can fold them in angles to fit corner spaces. The cuttable part of the LED strip provides them maximum flexibility. You can quickly size them to your required length and connect one strip with another using an LED strip connector.

• Energy-Efficient: The LED strip light is more energy-efficient than fluorescent and halogen light. Besides, they are 75%-80% more energy efficient than the traditional incandescent bulb. So, it is ideal for all types of commercial shelves that need lighting thoroughly. For instance, in commercial spaces like hospitals, hotels, or industrial areas, lights must be kept on 24/7. So, using LED strips on the shelves of these areas can save you electricity bills. Check out Commercial Lighting: A Definitive Guide to learn more about commercial lighting.

• Enhance The Beauty: LED strip lights are excellent fixtures to increase the beauty of any indoor and outdoor shelves, cabinets, and closets. Also, it makes the atmosphere more attractive and inviting. LED strip lights are an excellent choice for accent lighting. You can use them on the shelves of retail stores, restaurants, bars, salons, and more. Besides, installing LED strips on the kitchen and closet shelves enhances the space’s beauty by providing a soft glow. 

• Highlighting Objects: Installing LED light strips on different shelves creates gorgeous vibes and clearly highlights the objects. You can show your expensive collections to your guests. For example, you can use museum LED strip lights to highlight the artworks and other exhibits. Besides, you can create a thematic environment in the museum using these fixtures. For instance, a dim to warm blue light at the antique selves gives the visitors an archaic atmosphere. Check this for more information- A Definitive Guide To Museum Lighting. 

• Long-Lasting: LED strip lights are longer-lasting than traditional ones, lasting 50,000 hours or longer. Meanwhile, incandescent light lasts only 1000 hours, and fluorescent light gives 20,000 hours of illumination. This feature makes this a durable option for regular light to occasional use. 

• Safe: The reason for the LED strip’s popularity is also its safe use and secure installation. This light produces less heat during its function. Thus, it is free from overheated damage and no chance of fire. Apart from this, this fixture has different IP ratings to protect them from various weather ingress such as dust and water. For more details, check this- IP Rating: The Definitive Guide.

• Adjustable: The LED strips have different colors that match all types of shelves according to the materials and colors. You can use the cool yellowish color strips for the wooden kitchen cabinets. On the other hand, installing a warm amber color is excellent for your bedroom cabinets. Besides, using the RGB LED strips, you can make 16 million hues with the three primary colors: red, green, and blue!

• Easy Installation: The adhesive backing of the LED strip lights makes installation easy and fast. You can experiment with different zones and lighting in more creative ways without the help of an expert. Also, the adhesive backing allows you to install them on plastic, glass, and wooden shelf surfaces without spending extra budget.

Different Installation Processes For Shelves Lighting

The LED strip lights support different flexible installation processes. Depending on the shelves’ functions and locations, you may choose any installation method. The installation processes are as follows-

Based On The Mounting Technique

You can mount the LED strip on the shelves in several ways. The common processes are as follows- 

1. Using The Adhesive Backing  

Adhesive backing is the easiest way to install the LED strips on the shelves. Most of the LED strips come with an adhesive backing; you only need to peel off the tape and press it to the surface. Thus, you will not need to drill the shelves using this method. However, you must ensure the installation surface is clean enough. The adhesive will not stick firmly if dirt and dust are on the surface. As a result, it can get loose at any time. So, it is better to clean the surface and dry it properly before installing the LED strips. 

2. Drilling & Cliping Lighting

If you want a robust shelf lighting installation, drilling and clipping methods are great options. In this case, you must specify where to set the LED strip and drill holes in specific zones to fit clippings. Next, insert the LED strip into those clips to ensure they fit perfectly on the shelves. However, you can only implement this technique on some kinds of shelves. It’s okay if you have a wooden or cardboard shelf, but you won’t want to damage any glass or marble shelves by drilling.  

3. Built-in/ Hardwired Installation 

Built-in LED strip installation in the shelves gives it a professional lighting outlook. LED strips are inserted within the shelves in this installation by creating a built-in housing. You can insert aluminum channels into the shelves and insert the strips into it for a seamless effect. However, such installation is costly and needs professionals to conduct. To learn more about different LED strip mounting methods, check this-  Installing LED Flex Strips: Mounting Techniques.

Based On The Power Source 

The power source is a matter of concern regarding shelving lighting. You won’t always find sockets and plug-in systems readily available near the shelves. So, here I’m sharing two ways to install LED strips considering the power source- 

1. Battery-Powered Lighting

The battery-powered installation is more appealing for outdoor shelf lighting. You can choose the strips with a rechargeable battery to power up. Also, you can attach the LED strips that match the battery voltage and power terminals. The battery-power fixture provides a wire-free shelf lighting experience. You can use them anywhere without working on a power supply. For instance, you can install battery-based strip lights on the shelves of a mobile coffee shop. Thus, wherever you take the cart, the light from the plugin will glow without any hassle. However, adhesive backing strip lights are ideal for temporary battery-powered installation. For more information on the installation without a plugin, read this- How To Use LED Strip Lights Without Plug?

2. Plug-In Lighting

The LED strip light is the best option for plug-in shelf lighting. You won’t need any drilling or screws to install the fixture. But you need to match the light voltage with the voltage of the power source. Otherwise, the light will dim or not glow, and there is a chance of fire or damage from overloading. First, select the strips that match the electric outlet and wire voltage to power up securely. Turn off the power to start the installation process and ensure the surface is polished and dry. Then, set up the strips on the surfaces and plugin. Light up is done! 

Factors To Consider For Shelves Lighting

LED strip lights are available in different variants. But not all categories might be suitable for your shelf lighting. So, you need to consider some factors to pick the most suitable LED strip that fits your shelves best. Here are some factors to consider- 

Location Of The Shelves

Location is the main factor to consider in selecting suitable LED strips. Indoor strips’ light features are different from outdoor strips. Again, different indoor shelves require different strip lights. For example, when choosing LED strips for the shelves of your bedroom, spa, or other relaxing areas, go for warm lights. In contrast, cool-tone LED strips are best suited for the shelves of hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s chambers. Again, if you are lighting up the shelves in bars or pubs, colorful LED strips, RGB ones are the perfect choice. Besides, you can also use an addressable LED strip to bring more fun! 

Size Of The Shelves

Selecting the perfect size of LED strips is crucial for brighter illumination. The LED strips come with different reel lengths, such as 5 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters,  50 meters, etc. If your shelf is larger than 5 meters, you need to purchase an extra reel separately. Again, you also need to see the width of the strips. The standard widths of the LED strips are 8mm, 10 mm, and 12mm. The width varies for different brands. You can install ultra-narrow LED decorative strips to light up narrow wall edge shelves. To learn more about the different widths of LED strips, check this- What LED Strip Widths Are Available?  Besides, you can install multiple rows and SMD5050 LED strips for more prominent shelf lighting.    

IP Ratings Of LED Strips

Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates the ability of a device to resist solid and liquid particles like- dust, water, or unwanted contact. The requirement of IP ratings differs for different shelving locations. For instance, the IP ratings of indoor and outdoor shale are different. Again, the shelves you use in the kitchen need a higher IP-rated fixture than the one you use for bedroom shelves. The LED strips have a minimum IP rating range of IP20. IP ratings ensure you safe and long-lasting lighting functionality. The LED strips’ IP ratings vary depending on the purpose and atmosphere. Below, I am adding the suggested IP rating for LED strips for different locations on the shelves- 

To learn more about IP rating, check this- IP Rating: The Definitive Guide.

Color Of The Shelves

You have to choose the perfect color fixture that matches your shelves. Wooden shelves look best with warm-colored LED strips. You can choose yellow or orange tones fixtures for these shelves. However, dim-to-warm LED strip lights work best in this case. You can use them on the shelves of your bedroom, bathroom, living area, or any other space where you want to create a cozy ambiance. These strips allow you to adjust the CCT to get your perfect warm color. Besides, if you have colorful shelves, go with the rule- warm for warm and cool for cool. Use cool white LED strips if your shelves are painted in cool colors like blue, green, etc. Use warm white LED strips if painted in warm colors like yellow, red, orange, brown, or similar colors. However, tunable white LED strips work best for all types of shelves as they can be customized from warm to cool hues.  

Light Color Temperature

The light’s color temperature can greatly impact your space’s ambiance. Choosing an ideal light color increases productivity, concentration, efficiency, and tasking ability. For instance, you should use a cool-tone LED strip on the shelves of the office. This will keep them empty and energetic and increase productivity. Using a warm-tone LED strip in the office will create a cozy atmosphere, making the open office sleepy. Thus, it will hamper productivity. However, a warm LED strip is an excellent choice for bedroom shelves. This will act as an accent lighting and help you sleep well, creating a cozy ambiance. Besides you can also go for colorful options based on the location and the mood you want to set. Color greatly influences the mood. You can install different color temperature strips for different zones shelves lighting to create various atmospheres by following the chart-

Check this to choose the ideal LED strip color for your shelves-  How To Use LED Light Colors For Different Moods?

CRI

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is how perfectly the lights illuminate different objects compared to the sunlight. It is measured on a scale between 0-100. The most common CRI 80 is appropriate for at least demanding atmospheres like hallway showcase, storage closet, and garage shelf. But the kitchen prep zone and bathroom makeup application light CRI should be 90 to 95 for accurate visibility. To learn more about CRI, check this- What is CRI? 

Right Placement Of LED Strip On The Shelves

The proper placement of the shelf lighting ensures the correct brightness and increases visibility. LED strip lighting has its own setting rules for the correct sequence. You should follow these rules for your DIY shelf lighting. These are-

1. Front Of The Shelves

Installing the LED strips on the front surfaces of the shelves illuminates direct lights and enhances task productivity. Following this method will aid in more light for tasks and avoid backsplash issues. You can install the strips around the front frame of your bedroom shelf for reading tasks. If the shelf has front bars, install the strips, keeping 2-3 inches of space from the bars. This will eliminate the shadowing issues. Also, you can hide the light on the inner side of the bars to get an indirect lighting effect. 

2. Middle Of The Shelves

You can install LED strips in the middle of the shelf to light up the entire space under the shelves. This process is perfect for the supermarket’s commodity, jewelry, and library bookshelves. It will share the light equally front and back off the counter, perfect for the task and ambient lighting. You need to consider the strip’s size and density for equal brightness balance. Install high-density LED strip lights on the middle of the shelf of your retail super shop to ensure the brightness of all sections evenly. Generally, the jewelry section is more light demanding than the grocery section. You can use a wall washer for the jewelry section to highlight the gold and diamond collections. Again, you can use an LED diffuser to reduce harsh glaring and reflection for less demanding zones like grocery shelves. To learn about LED strip diffusers, check this- How To Choose An LED Diffuser For Light Strips?

3. Back Of The Shelves

The LED strips are usable on the back of your kitchen counter as a secondary option for indirect glow. When your kitchen counter has enough natural or ambient elementary light, go to the back of the shelf. Most of the kitchen countertops use glowing tiles or marble. Avoiding the countertop lip will aid reflection issues when chopping vegetables. In this situation, lighting the back of the shelf and counter won’t have much light to glare. And you can experiment with a warm tone light to create a cozy and warm vibe. You can apply yellow, orange, amber, and pink colors to your interiors and make a warm environment. Check this to find the best light color for your kitchen cabinet. How do you choose the right color lighting for a kitchen?

4. Corner And Bottom Of The Shelves

The corner is the darkest area of a room; most of the time, this area’s lighting has less priority. But the corner is the most light-demanding zone for residential and commercial lighting. Thus, lighting this area is the most challenging for DIY shelf projects. But you can make this space entertaining using ultra-narrow LED strips, mainly designed for corner decorative lighting. Also, correctly placing the bottom of the shelves makes the space more beautiful and functional. For instance, you can install a Dim-To-Warm 2700K-3500K  LED strip underneath your cabinet lip as accent lighting. This lighting creates accurate visibility for your tasks, such as bedtime reading. Also, you can control the brightness according to your needs using a controller connected to your smartphone. You won’t need to switch off and can dim the light to sleep without staying in your seat. To get more creative ways for the under cabinet lighting, read this- How To Choose The Right Placement For Under Cabinet Lighting?

Top 7 Ideas To Light Shelves Using LED Strip 

The LED strip light is outstanding for architectural cabinet lighting. You can follow different installation processes for the indoor and outdoor shelves. Commercial lighting will be different, bulkier, and more functional. So, you have to plan your DIY shelf projects wisely. Below, I have added 7 excellent ideas for your cabinet projects. Let’s see-

1. Closet Shelf Lighting

Closet shelf lighting is popular for DIY cabinet projects. You must select the correct color and installation process according to the closest color and location. For instance, you can install warm-tone lights along the closest front, as accent lighting provides accurate visibility and prevents your clothes from harsh rays. Additionally, you can install the battery-powered LED strips inside the closet or wardrobe back portion. Thus, you can enjoy wireless-free secure functions inside the closet and drawers. Also, it aids in lighting up the hard-to-tough corners and specific areas like shoe racks in every drawer. If you want more creative closet ideas, read- Top 29 Brilliant Shelf/closet Lighting Ideas

2. Bathroom Shelf Lighting

The LED strip light provides your bathroom with practical natural illumination. There are a lot of shelves to install the LED strip lights in the bathroom. You must go with high IP ratings and a warm tone for bathroom cabinets. A Dim-To-Warm single-color install around the cabinet frame makes your bathroom warm and comfortable. Also, you can experimentally install the LED strip 2-3 inches backward from the front edge of the shelves around the mirror. This type of installation creates accurate visibility and brightness for applying makeup and shaving. Do you want more information about bathroom lighting? It will help you- Top 26 Creative Bathroom Lighting Ideas. 

3. Office Shelf Lighting

Office shelf lighting is an integral part of the office interiors. A well-furnished office is a symbol of hygiene and productivity. Proper lighting makes the office more attractive and gives a positive impression. Clients feel proud to go along and agree to provide and take the service. You can lighten up your office in different colors and installation methods. For accent task lighting, you can install cool tone 3500K-4000K strip lights around every desk’s front shelf. Thus, you can increase the brightness for accurate visibility to make employees more active and productive. Again, the warm color 2000K-2700K fixture makes the restroom relaxing and refreshing. For further office shelf lighting information, deal with this- Office Lighting: The Definitive Guide

4. Lighting Up The Shelves Of The Bar

Different bar designs are included with the interior shelves to create attractive looks. You need tricky applications when you have bars in front of the shelves. Otherwise, the light illumination will be shadowy. If a bar is around the shelf’s frame, installing the fixture 2-3 inches underneath the shelf will aid accurate illumination. Again, install LED strips of rope light inside the rack instead of LED strips of tape light to reduce the reflection issues and spread it around evenly. For this case, colorful single-color LED strips or RGB LED strips work best.

5. Kitchen Shelf Lighting

Kitchen shelf lighting will differ from bedroom or living room shelf lighting. The kitchen is the most light-demanding zone for indoor and outdoor kitchen lighting. A professional interior designer helps you with precise lighting in a commercial kitchen. If your home has a small kitchen with dark walls and cabinet colors. Also, it is less accessible to natural light. Make it spacious and comfortable using a cool tone 3500K-4000K tunable white, amber, or light pink with a high-CRI LED strip light. You won’t need to install extra light for more brightness. But there is a large kitchen with modern interiors; install LED strips along the front lip of the shelves as secondary decorative lighting. Also, a warm 3000K-3500K accent light for the countertop area makes cutting more accessible and secure. A 3500K-4100K yellow tone creates the perfect vibe for the culinary prep zone. For a better understanding, read- Top 43 Creative Kitchen Lighting Ideas

6. Bookshelf Lighting

A perfect bookshelf lighting is essential for reading and highlighting books. Generally, the books are arranged on the shelves in a line. Install LED strip liner lights underneath the shelves for library ambient lights that aid in finding books and reading directly. A cool white 4100K and 90+ CRI fixture is perfect for the home’s bookshelf that assists in organizing the shelves. Again, a tunable white 4100K-4500K and 95+ CRI strip light is the best for the outdoor library shelf.

7. Motion Sensor Lighting

Motion sensor lighting brings a revolution in the modern lighting industry. A sensor is connected to the lights that detects any movement. If anyone comes in front of the light, the light turns on instantly. You can install this lighting in your bedroom closet doors, under the kitchen cabinet, and in the bathroom cabinet. When you open the closet, the light will turn on and brighten inside the closet without touching the on/off switch. You can do your night activities in silence without waking your family members. Also, connecting the motion sensor to the light increases your home’s security.

LED Strip Installation On Shelves-Stepwise Guidance

LED strip light installation is easy and fast. You won’t need any professional to install it for your residential lighting. But for any large DIY commercial project, a professional interior designer or lighting expert is essential for accurate lighting. Otherwise, the light can’t brighten all areas evenly. Also, you may face premature damage to the fixture. The below steps will ensure you a secure connection. So, let’s start- 

Step 1: Location And Measurement

Start the LED strip installation, selecting a location where you want to lighten up. After selecting, measure the space correctly and write it down to keep a note. Then, purchase the LED strips that meet your needs. You need to consider some of the issues I mentioned above. You can read these factors on the labels of the packets during purchase. Thus, you can ensure the quality of the fixtures.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Tools

You need tools to make the installation fast, firm, and secure. These are-

• A measurement tape
• LED strips light
• Clear scotch tape
• Connection clips
• Scissors
• Connector
• Controller
• Power source
• Electric cable and switchboard
• Driller
• Screwdriver
• Wall washer( If needed)
• Diffuser( If needed)
• Aluminum channel 
• Old and dry clothes and dirt remover, etc.

Step 3: Clean The Surface

In this step, you need to clean surfaces. If the surfaces are dirty, clean them with old and dry clothes. You can use a dirt remover solution to deep clean. Also, you can paint or repair the surfaces for accurate brightness and a neat look. Let the surface dry. Turn off the power switch and clean it carefully for desired brightness.

Step 4: Cut And Join The LED Strips  

Check the strips and measure them strips to see if they fit the shelves’ size. Cut the strip to the desired size if it is larger than the installation surface. When the fixture is smaller than the surface, you can join multiple strips using an LED strip connector. Put one reel’s start point on the other reel’s ending point. Wrap the joining end with transparent scotch tape to make the connection secure. Also, using a connector makes the connection firm and safe. Next, peel the adhesive and press it on the surface for 10 seconds. Using clips and aluminum channels can strengthen the connection and hide the cables. For further information, read this article- Can You Cut LED Strip Lights and How To Connect: Full Guide.

Step 5: Mount The LED Strips

There are different installation processes for LED strip lights. You can apply any one of them. The battery-powered adhesive backing strip light perfectly fits the wireless precise connection for residential shelf lighting. The hardwired installation is excellent for permanent and commercial DIY lighting. For plug-in lighting, peel the adhesive and press it on the surface for 10 seconds. Using clips and aluminum channels can strengthen the connection and hide the cables. Installation done! 

Step 6: Power Up

Lighting up or powering up is the last step of the LED strip light installation process. After mounting the strips on the surface, connect the LED strip’s positive terminal with the power source’s positive terminal. And negative terminal with the negative terminal. Turn on the switch to light up. If the light doesn’t turn on, is not glowing, or is dimming, you must recheck the process and fix the problem. Enjoy your lighting!

FAQs

Conclusion

Shelf lighting not only gives you additional visibility but also provides accent lighting. It enhances the beauty of your space and adds a wow factor to your interior. The idea of shelf lighting is popular for both residential and commercial spaces. Closets, kitchens, and display shelves are the most popular lighting options for residential shelves. 

Again, you will find shelving lighting in retail stores that attractively highlight the products. And LED strips are the ideal choice for shelf lighting for several reasons. Firstly, it is a lightweight, compact, and flexible light form. You can cut them to your shelving size and fold them to fit the corners. Besides, installing them is also super easy as they come with an adhesive backing. Therefore, you don’t need to hire any professional; you can go for DIY shelf lighting with LED strips. 

However, all LED strips are not equally reliable, and when it comes to premium & trusted LED strip solutions, LEDYi is your best option. We have all the variants of LED strip lights that meet your shelf lighting needs. We also offer customization facilities. So, why wait any more? Place your order ASAP!