Locating recessed ceiling accent lights for built-in bookshelves
I have a built-in bookshelf project under way. My plan is to put four recessed, gimbal accent lights in the ceiling to put accent light onto each of the four bookshelves. Are there any rules of thumb for where to locate the lights on the ceiling? My initial thought was to center the lights in the narrow "hallway" space in front of the bookshelves. But then it occurred to me that the farther the lights were from the bookshelves, the more they would be able to cast light onto the lower shelves, and the less they'd produce shadows, though of course ceiling-mounted lights are going to produce huge shadows regardless. So my second thought was to move them to the edge of that "hallway" space to get a better angle, either on the imaginary line on the ceiling that defines the edge of that space or just inside that line. I'm aware there are other ways to light bookshelves, including with lighting hidden inside each shelf. I won't be doing that, so my question is about where to locate ceiling-mounted recessed accent lights. Thanks!
Comments (11)
PROMae Day Organizing and Interior Design
3 years agoYour idea for placement is perfect. Go for it. Another way is to do track lighting with directional spots. The nice thing about them is that you can add lights if you want and move them on the track if you need. Like the ones on this link:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-10-ft-5-Light-Black-Flexible-Track-Lighting-Starter-Kit-EC6827BK/202204239
Of course you can install them in a straight line.MAE
Anonymous Anonymous
3 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (13)Start by removing everything, including what's behind the doors, giving the cabinet a good cleaning and inspection to see if it needs to be painted or repaired. Consider changing the hardware for a lighter, beachy look. Think about using luan or foam core to cut inserts for the back of the openings, so you can paint or paper them and change the vibe at will. Sort photos, decor and books into labeled boxes or categorized piles/stacks. Then reduce the items in the categories again, separating the sentimental items from the generic ones. Next, go to the sentimental categories and work through them. What is important about this item, was it a gift that means something, what is it that attaches you to the item, does it really need to be displayed or is it just a special keepsake? The items that you must keep, but don't need to look at or display daily, can be kept behind the doors. Work through the generic items in a similar way. For me, I would first decide how hard it is to keep the item clean. In my case, the topiary, the basket and the birdcage would have to go because they're intricate and are hard to clean dust-catchers. This may be a good time to analyze items in the rest of the home. Some may need to be used in this cabinet (or not.) Anyway, spring cleaning is good for the soul. When you put the cabinet back together use 1/3 books, 1/3 large decor and 1/3 open space. Don't line up items like soldiers, but layer them. Photos can be used but should be in different sizes so you can layer them for interest; trios of a large one behind two smaller ones is good. Don't put photo groupings on the same level of shelf, but mix them up, still keeping them low enough to be seen, and limit them to two or three groupings. Books can stand, lean or stack to support other decor items. You can wrap books in other paper to change their look. Decor should be large enough to be identified from the seating without having to approach the cabinet. Small photos will be better if put on tables in the room for closer inspection. Keep the top clear until you've staged the rest. One large item might be sufficient. You can also light the shelves with LEDs it you think that helps draw the eye to the shelves instead of the top....See MoreMary Elizabeth
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