Design ideas for alcove shelves with lighting

J_J_Carter

As title really, I want to put shelves into the alcove beside chimney breast.

I want floating shelves rather than seeing loads of supports.

There's a wall light there now, so I'd like to get ideas - maybe hidden downlights?

Anyone done something similar and can make suggestions?

Jonesya

You could have shelves made with a slightly wider front edge, used to conceal strip lights or LED light tape to light up the objects on the shelves/alcove.

kabayiri

http://www.downlightsdirect.co.uk/Mirror-Shelf-Lights/Fluorescent-Shelf-Lights/Shelf-Light-50mm-Fluorescent-28W-1200mm-Length-Major/prod_515.html

We have ordered some of the above for our new kitchen.

The question will be , do they generate enough light for you?

27col

A batten on three sides of the alcove and a thickened front edge. No support showing and the thick front edge can easily hide a miniature fluorescent fitting.

fluffpot

its possible to fit down lights in shelves, but they need to be pretty thick in order to 1. fit the down lights in and 2. have enough space to dissipate the heat produced by the lights. 20W lamps will be more than enough. You're aiming for a lighting effect rather than task lighting.
Personally I'd now go with LED strips - but they are bright to the eye, so make sure that you fit them where they can't be seen, check when you are sitting on the sofa too!
You'll need to hide the driver (transformer) maybe in the body of the floating shelf?
If you put them under the bottom of the lowest shelf, they can give the effect of the shelf floating on a cushion of light

here's some links
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/LED_Undercupboard_Fittings/index.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/LED_Strips/index.html