How to Install a Display Lamp on a Bookcase
Lighting in a bookcase can add a lot of visual interest to your decor. Unobtrusive lights also can be used to spotlight valued possessions and family heirlooms you keep on the shelves, so they can really star in your room's decor, not just gather dust. And the ambient glow of carefully placed lights can add a warmth and luxury to any room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Purchase your lights. Most home improvement stores will carry a selection of lights designed for bookcase and display lighting. Lighting specialty stores also are an excellent source, especially if you're uncertain about how much wattage you need for your lights. Measure your shelves and bookcase before consulting them, so you can provide accurate information to assist them.
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Test the positions you'll be placing the lights in. Stick the lights up temporarily, using tape, and plug them in. Lights too far forward in the bookcase will illuminate too much of the room, and too far back in the bookcase may not effectively light the objects you want to feature. Try several different positions to be sure you know where you want the lights. When you've decided, mark the spots with a pencil.
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Run the wiring. Drill holes in an unobtrusive location on the back of the bookcase, so you can run the wiring to your electrical source. Once the holes are complete, run the wiring through, and attach the lights to the bookcase.
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Add trim. You can leave the lights as is, but the finished job will look more professional if you put a strip of wood or wood trim, in front of the lights. You'll only see the glow of the lamps then, not the lights themselves. Plan this step out ahead of time, and be certain you can match the finish and style of your bookcase with the wood trim you've chosen.
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Tips & Warnings
Err on the side of lower wattage lamps. Lights of 10 to 15 watts is usually plenty for bookcase lamps.
