How to Choose the Perfect LED Shelf Lighting for Your Space

Looking for a modern, energy-efficient way to light up your shelves? LED shelf lights are the perfect solution! Offering a wide range of customization options and easy installation, these lights will not only brighten your space but also help reduce energy costs.

Let’s explore how LED shelf lighting can transform your setup and create the ideal atmosphere.

What Are LED Shelf Lights? 

LED shelf lights are specifically designed to enhance and illuminate shelves, display cabinets, and cupboard lighting. These lights come in different forms, such as self-adhesive LED strips and LED spotlights, they can be powered by batteries or hard-wiring into the mains usually via an LED power supply.

For example, the shelf lights shown above features 120 LEDs per metre, in a sunset 1800K to 3000K colour temperature. LED strip lights are easy to attach to the shelves and can be cut down to the size you require. The utilisation of flexible LED strip lights offers the advantage of providing indirect, soft lighting while highlighting features within the room. With their customisable nature, LED shelf lights are suitable for various applications, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere in any space.

The Benefits of LED Lighting

LED lighting is known for its numerous benefits, such as high energy efficiency, long lifespan, and superior lighting control compared to other lighting types. LED lights consume less energy, translating to cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

Moreover, they have a remarkably long lifespan, typically lasting up to 50,000 hours, which can be as long as 45 years if used for 3 hours per day. Another significant advantage of LED lighting is its versatility.

Where LED Shelf Lighting can be used?

It can be used in multiple applications, including:

Accent lighting

Task lighting

Decorative lighting

Outdoor lighting

Under cabinet lighting

Retail display lighting

Furthermore, LED lights can be fitted in various shapes and sizes, they have cut points at regular intervals which is around 100mm, but differs on each type of LED tape. It provides endless options to create special lighting effects and enhance aesthetics in any space.

Key Features of LED Shelf Lighting

Self-Adhesive LED Strips

Self-adhesive LED strips are lighting solutions that can be affixed directly to shelves or other surfaces. These strips are particularly useful for display cabinets and retail shelving, where they provide a subtle or bright lighting effect around products or signage.

The ease of installation and versatility in application make self-adhesive LED strips a popular choice for shelf lighting. To ensure optimal adhesion, follow these steps to install self-adhesive LED strips on your shelves or cabinets:

Start by cleaning the surface where the LED strip will be attached.

Carefully peel the backing off the flexible strips.

Secure the LED strips in small sections to the clean surface.

This method provides a straightforward and efficient way to install self-adhesive LED strips.

Endless Colour Temperature Choices

No matter which colour scheme you’re looking for you, you can source LED tape in all of the popular colour temperatures from extra warm white to daylight and everything else in-between. If you don’t want to be limited to just one colour, you could opt for colour changing RGB (Red, Green & Blue) or RGBW (Red, Green, Blue & White), which is colour changing and a true white in one neat LED strip.

Aluminium Profile Rails for LED Tape

Aluminium profile rails are a more structured and durable option for installing LED strip tape and look particularly well on shelves. These rails have the following features:

Constructed of high-quality anodized aluminum

Come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different LED strip lights

Easily cut to length

Can be extended by butting them up to each

Provide a safe environment for LED strip lights, with improved heat dissipation

Installing aluminium profile rails is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to follow.

Measure the length of the LED strip tape and cut the profile rail accordingly.

Attach the profile rail to the shelf using mounting brackets with screws, foam tape or adhesive.

In addition, some aluminum profiles have magnets on the back that can be directly adsorbed to the surface of the metal bracket.

Insert the LED strip tape into the profile rail, securing it using the clips provided.

Fit with end caps if required, with versions available with or without a hole for cable entry.

Fit the cover onto the rail, which usually slides or snaps into position.

By using aluminium profile rails, you can protect your LED strip tape from dust and moisture while achieving a neat and professional aesthetic.

Installing LED Shelf Lighting

Installing LED shelf lighting is easier than it seems with the right steps. From preparing your shelves to connecting the LED strips and power supply, you can easily create the perfect lighting effect, whether for ambient, feature, or functional illumination.

Start by determining the strip length based on your shelf size and the desired lighting effect. Decide if you want dimmable lights and select the appropriate dimmable LED driver and controllers, or use an LED-compatible dimmer switch.

Preparing Your Shelves

Proper shelf preparation is key for a smooth installation. Measure the shelf length and consider the type of items you’ll display and the position of the power supply. If you choose recessed aluminium profile rails, make sure your shelves have a groove or purchase ones that do. Clean the surface where the strip will attach for optimal adhesion.

Connecting LED Strips and Power Supply

Once the shelves are ready, connect the LED strips to the power supply. Attach the profile rails to the shelves, ensuring the strips have enough cable to reach the power supply. Position the power supply and controllers conveniently, then plug or wire the power supply into the mains. Ensure all connections are secure and the lights function correctly. Position the LED strips close to the edge of the shelf for the best illumination.

Moreover, if you need to install multiple LED strips on your display shelves and are concerned about the wires getting tangLED, you can use a power track to organize and bundle the wires together, then connect them to a power supply to light up the strips. It works like the connection diagram below:

Customising Your LED Shelf Lighting

Customizing your LED lighting allows you to create the perfect atmosphere. Adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit your space—whether it’s warm white for a relaxing vibe or cooler shades for clarity. The Sunset strip example offers a color temperature range from 1800K to 3000K, allowing you to dim the light easily with a regular dimmer switch.

By customizing your LED shelf lights, you can make your space both functional and visually appealing.

If you’re interested in these shelf lights and connection systems, feel free to get in touch with our lighting experts. We’ll be happy to recommend or customize a lighting solution that perfectly suits your display shelves or furniture needs.