5 Creative Shelf Lighting Ideas

9th May 2022

Shelf lighting is a practical type of lighting, but it does not need to be boring. Shelf lighting is something that you can have fun with! Say goodbye to basic lamps. There are many creative ideas that will make your shelves a centrepiece in any room.  Whether it is a bookshelf, ornament shelf or clothing shelf you are looking to upgrade, we have got something for you. If you want to impress your guests and take your house to the next level, then check out our list of 5 creative shelf lighting ideas below. 

Impact of Lighting  

Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design. It can ‘make or break’ a room in your house, so it is essential to get right. Not only does lighting need to look amazing, but it should also be practical. 

There are three different types of lighting, and you should not just rely on one type. Layering lighting is one of the best things that you can do.

The three types of lighting are: 

• Ambient lighting: The main light source e.g overhead light. 

• Task lighting: Targeted lighting for completing tasks e.g. desk lamp. 

• Accent lighting: Highlights a certain area in the room e.g. wall lighting. 

Shelf Lighting Ideas

Floating Shelf Lighting

Floating shelf lighting is a unique and beautiful way to have light-up shelves in your home. At Light Supplier, we have various options for this type of lighting. Here are our 2 favourite products: 

The Sirius LED Shelf

The Sirius LED shelf has subtle and beautiful lighting, due to the illuminated glass panel. The light colour is a natural, soft white glow, which makes it ideal for any room in your house. These shelves are easy to install as they come with hanging brackets. Available in 600mm and 900mm. 

Sirius - Floating LED Shelf Lighting Price From £113.28

Designer Illuminated LED Floating Box Shelf Light

The Designer Illuminated LED Floating Box Shelf Light is a stylish, stunning and practical shelf light, which will take your house to the next level. The shelf can be purchased in 3 different lengths, which are 450mm, 600mm and 900mm. The shelves are available in natural white or warm white. So there is truly something for everyone. 

Designer Illuminated LED Floating Box Shelf Light Price From £155.04

 

 

LED Strip Lighting

LED strip lighting is a versatile, creative and beautiful way to light up your shelves in your house. Strip lights are easy to install, as you simply cut them down to size and stick them down with self-adhesive tape. 

There are many different ways to use strip lights on shelves. For example, you could stick the lights at the top or bottom of the shelves to create a subtle glow. 

At Light Supplier, we sell various types of LED strip lighting. With RGB, solid strips and natural colours are available to purchase. 

Read our quick and easy guide on ‘How To Install LED Strip Lights - The Definitive Guide’.  

RGB Colour Changing COB Flexible LED Strip 5m Reel Price From £2.16

 

Fairy Lights

There are many creative possibilities to do with fairy lights and shelves. Fairy lights add a soft light, which creates a cosy atmosphere and mood.

Fairy lights are reusable and versatile. A popular and easy way to install fairy lights is to wrap them around your shelf. Alternatively, you can get more innovative with them, and put a set inside a clear vase or mason jar to create a magical vibe. 

Fairy lights are particularly great for bookshelves, as it enhances the appearance and draws attention to that area of your room. 

LED Spotlights 

LED spotlights are an interesting and effective way to bring light to your shelves. Spotlights can highlight the area that you want, drawing attention to it, as well as act as practical lighting so you can see what is on the shelf.

LED spotlights often provide a clear and harsh light. This makes them ideal for shelves in kitchens or bathrooms, where the overall lighting tends to be prominent. However, for bedrooms or bookshelves, this type of lighting may ruin the mood of the room. 

Flameless Candles

Flameless candles are a cosy and safe way to add lighting to your shelves. Candlelight is a subtle and beautiful way to add light to a room, but it can often be dangerous, especially if you are placing the candle near books or electronics. Flameless candles offer a great alternative to this. 

It is important to note that flameless candles are purely for decorative purposes. The light that they provide is not practical and is simply to improve the aesthetics of the room. So, you could pair this type of lighting with a more practical option like display cabinet lighting.