Good morning everyone,
I recently purchased several Billy bookcases from Ikea and am now considering the best way to light them. I want both practical lighting to clearly see the contents and an appealing, cozy atmosphere. Some of the shelves are open, while others have glass doors, and they are located in living and workspaces.
I have heard about LED strips, small spotlights, and even subtle light bars, but I am unsure which options provide the best results without being too intrusive or expensive.
Does anyone have specific tips or experience with the most suitable lighting solutions, how to install them effectively, which light color works best, and the smartest way to handle the power supply?
Thank you in advance for your help!
I recently purchased several Billy bookcases from Ikea and am now considering the best way to light them. I want both practical lighting to clearly see the contents and an appealing, cozy atmosphere. Some of the shelves are open, while others have glass doors, and they are located in living and workspaces.
I have heard about LED strips, small spotlights, and even subtle light bars, but I am unsure which options provide the best results without being too intrusive or expensive.
Does anyone have specific tips or experience with the most suitable lighting solutions, how to install them effectively, which light color works best, and the smartest way to handle the power supply?
Thank you in advance for your help!
efecanlo schrieb:
I like the idea of indirect lighting at the top of the shelves. Could you perhaps briefly explain how to best install it, especially regarding thin shelves and cable management?Sure! For thin shelves, like those commonly used in Billy units (usually 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick), there are several options:
- Use strong 3M double-sided tape for LED strips; it usually holds very well without causing damage.
- For cable routing, it’s best to use slim cable channels or holders that can be discreetly attached to the back or edge of the shelf. There are also flexible cable ties or clips that don’t add much bulk.
- Be careful not to place the LED strips too close to the edge to avoid damage when placing or removing items.
- If you want indirect lighting, mount the LEDs firmly behind the front edge of the top shelves so the light shines onto the back panel and is softly reflected.
- For power supply, you can use in-wall cables and run them along the back or underside of the shelf. If multiple shelves are aligned, you can bundle the wiring at one spot.
If cable management is challenging, flat USB extension cables with small connectors, for example for USB-powered LEDs, can also help as they are easier to hide.
I hope this clarifies the practical installation. If you have exact measurements, I can also put together a materials list.
Hello efecanlo and all interested,
I would like to add that when it comes to lighting Billy shelves, the intended use plays a big role. For purely decorative purposes, a simple LED light bar with a motion sensor is often enough, automatically turning on and off—ideal, for example, for living room shelves.
If you mostly need lighting for working or reading, dimmable LED systems with adjustable color temperature are advisable to reduce eye strain and adapt the light conditions.
It is also important not to choose lighting that is too bright or too cool, as this can quickly spoil the cozy atmosphere. It is better to opt for warm color tones, as has been recommended multiple times.
Regarding installation, I have had very good experiences with plug-and-play systems that are easy to install and can be quickly removed if needed.
Hopefully, this overview is helpful to you! 🙂
I would like to add that when it comes to lighting Billy shelves, the intended use plays a big role. For purely decorative purposes, a simple LED light bar with a motion sensor is often enough, automatically turning on and off—ideal, for example, for living room shelves.
If you mostly need lighting for working or reading, dimmable LED systems with adjustable color temperature are advisable to reduce eye strain and adapt the light conditions.
It is also important not to choose lighting that is too bright or too cool, as this can quickly spoil the cozy atmosphere. It is better to opt for warm color tones, as has been recommended multiple times.
Regarding installation, I have had very good experiences with plug-and-play systems that are easy to install and can be quickly removed if needed.
Hopefully, this overview is helpful to you! 🙂
Parbo schrieb:
To manage the cables, it’s best to use thin cable ducts or clips that can be mounted discreetly on the back or edge.I can only confirm that. For my Billy shelves, I used 5mm (0.2 inch) flat cable ducts and routed them along the very back on the wall side. They are almost invisible there and reliably protect the cables.
Additionally, I can recommend LED puck lights if you want to highlight specific areas like display cases or glass shelves. These are also available as battery-powered versions with a timer function, which I find very convenient.
Regarding light color, I would also suggest neutral to warm white LEDs.
If you’d like, I can gladly find some suitable product recommendations that are often suggested for Billy shelves.
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