Hello everyone,
I have recently assembled a Billy shelving unit, which is placed next to a window where the sun shines strongly and quite low in the evening. This causes the light to cast unfavorable shadows inside the shelves, which in my opinion negatively affects the appearance and the display of the items I have placed there.
Does anyone have experience or tips on how to set up or adjust the Billy shelving unit so that the problem with the unfavorable evening light is less disturbing? I am thinking, for example, about repositioning the shelves, choosing different objects, or maybe additional measures like curtains, films, or alternative lighting.
I would appreciate it if you could share your tricks or solutions, including technical details or special materials that have proven effective. Thanks in advance!
I have recently assembled a Billy shelving unit, which is placed next to a window where the sun shines strongly and quite low in the evening. This causes the light to cast unfavorable shadows inside the shelves, which in my opinion negatively affects the appearance and the display of the items I have placed there.
Does anyone have experience or tips on how to set up or adjust the Billy shelving unit so that the problem with the unfavorable evening light is less disturbing? I am thinking, for example, about repositioning the shelves, choosing different objects, or maybe additional measures like curtains, films, or alternative lighting.
I would appreciate it if you could share your tricks or solutions, including technical details or special materials that have proven effective. Thanks in advance!
In situations with strong, low-angle light, such as with your Billy shelf near a window, it is advisable to first check the orientation.
Ideally, the shelf should be positioned so that sunlight does not shine directly onto the back panel, in order to minimize harsh shadows. If this is not possible, a matte, light-colored back panel (for example, a white backing film) inside the shelf can help diffuse the light and reduce reflections.
Regarding the positioning of the shelves: by placing individual compartments higher or lower, you can deliberately influence how the light enters. Light-colored, less textured items reflect light better, whereas matte and dark surfaces tend to emphasize shadows more.
Additional measures, such as a thin, off-white curtain, can scatter the light without darkening the room completely. For lighting, I recommend LED strips with neutral white light, which you can attach to the shelves to brighten shadows. This creates a more balanced illumination even under challenging lighting conditions.
Ideally, the shelf should be positioned so that sunlight does not shine directly onto the back panel, in order to minimize harsh shadows. If this is not possible, a matte, light-colored back panel (for example, a white backing film) inside the shelf can help diffuse the light and reduce reflections.
lionellu schrieb:
I am thinking, for example, about the positioning of the shelves, the choice of objects, or maybe additional measures like curtains, films, or alternative lighting.
Regarding the positioning of the shelves: by placing individual compartments higher or lower, you can deliberately influence how the light enters. Light-colored, less textured items reflect light better, whereas matte and dark surfaces tend to emphasize shadows more.
Additional measures, such as a thin, off-white curtain, can scatter the light without darkening the room completely. For lighting, I recommend LED strips with neutral white light, which you can attach to the shelves to brighten shadows. This creates a more balanced illumination even under challenging lighting conditions.
Good morning,
I agree with SUBEN60 on the basic considerations and would like to add something. With strong lateral or side-backlighting, so-called reflected glare is often the main problem.
Therefore, I always recommend shielding the shelf not only from the front but also slightly from the back. If possible, you can apply a light-diffusing film to the window, which works well especially with low sunlight. These films allow daylight to pass through but soften harsh shadows and reduce glare.
That’s a good tip for better light diffusion – for shelves with an open back, a narrow back panel is worth considering if your Billy shelf allows it.
Regarding the objects on the shelf: transparent or semi-transparent items let light pass through better and reduce sharp edges, while highly glossy surfaces can create strong reflections.
If the shelf is purely for display, you might also consider using indirect LED lighting (possibly dimmable) under the shelves at dusk to soften shadows and balance the overall look.
I agree with SUBEN60 on the basic considerations and would like to add something. With strong lateral or side-backlighting, so-called reflected glare is often the main problem.
Therefore, I always recommend shielding the shelf not only from the front but also slightly from the back. If possible, you can apply a light-diffusing film to the window, which works well especially with low sunlight. These films allow daylight to pass through but soften harsh shadows and reduce glare.
SUBEN60 schrieb:
A matte, light-colored back panel (e.g., a white back panel film) in the shelf that diffuses the light
That’s a good tip for better light diffusion – for shelves with an open back, a narrow back panel is worth considering if your Billy shelf allows it.
Regarding the objects on the shelf: transparent or semi-transparent items let light pass through better and reduce sharp edges, while highly glossy surfaces can create strong reflections.
If the shelf is purely for display, you might also consider using indirect LED lighting (possibly dimmable) under the shelves at dusk to soften shadows and balance the overall look.
Hello,
I can fully understand how disruptive strong evening light can be when you want to make good use of the shelf. Sometimes it’s also emotionally challenging because you care about the look and atmosphere, and it just doesn’t turn out as planned.
I can only agree with that—I have worked on finding a similar solution that balances the light while remaining pleasant. What also helped me was a light, color-coordinated fabric curtain that softens the evening light without darkening the room. Especially when you slightly reduce the brightness, the shelf overall appears more harmonious.
Sometimes it also helps to choose decorations with plenty of wood or matte materials, as they reflect less light and make shadows appear softer.
I hope this encourages you to keep experimenting! 🙂 It’s never entirely easy, but with a few small adjustments, you can usually find a comfortable solution.
I can fully understand how disruptive strong evening light can be when you want to make good use of the shelf. Sometimes it’s also emotionally challenging because you care about the look and atmosphere, and it just doesn’t turn out as planned.
TEOZAR schrieb:
If the shelf is purely for display purposes, you might consider whether using indirect LED lighting under the shelves at dusk helps
I can only agree with that—I have worked on finding a similar solution that balances the light while remaining pleasant. What also helped me was a light, color-coordinated fabric curtain that softens the evening light without darkening the room. Especially when you slightly reduce the brightness, the shelf overall appears more harmonious.
Sometimes it also helps to choose decorations with plenty of wood or matte materials, as they reflect less light and make shadows appear softer.
I hope this encourages you to keep experimenting! 🙂 It’s never entirely easy, but with a few small adjustments, you can usually find a comfortable solution.
Similar topics