Lighting On Top Of Bookcase: A Personal Experience And In-Depth Guide
As an interior designer, I always look for ways to make a space more beautiful and functional. One of the things I’ve been experimenting with recently is lighting on top of bookcases. It all started when I was working on a client’s home office. The room had a beautiful built-in bookcase, but it was quite dark. I suggested adding some lighting on top of the bookcase, and the result was stunning. The room felt brighter and more inviting, and the bookcase became a real focal point.
What is Lighting On Top Of Bookcase?
Lighting on top of bookcases is a design trend that involves placing lights on the top of a bookcase to illuminate the space above. This can be done with a variety of different types of lighting, including recessed lights, track lighting, or even simple lamps. The goal is to create a more visually interesting and functional bookcase.
Step-by-Step Guide for Current Trends on Lighting On Top Of Bookcase
If you’re interested in trying out lighting on top of your bookcase, here are the steps to follow:
- Choose your lighting: Decide what type of lighting you want to use. Recessed lights are a popular choice, as they are unobtrusive and can be directed to shine on specific areas of the bookcase. Track lighting is another option, as it can be adjusted to focus on different parts of the bookcase. Alternatively, you could simply use table lamps on top of the bookcase.
- Plan your layout: Figure out where you want your lights to go. Consider the size and shape of your bookcase, as well as the items you have on display. You want to make sure the lighting enhances the space rather than distracting from it.
- Install the lighting: If you’re using recessed lighting or track lighting, you may need to hire an electrician to install it. If you’re using table lamps, simply place them on top of the bookcase.
- Test the lighting: Once your lighting is installed, turn it on and see how it looks. You may need to adjust the direction of the lights or add more lamps to get the desired effect.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas on Lighting On Top Of Bookcase
Here are some tips and ideas to inspire your lighting on top of bookcase project:
- Use LED lights: LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them a great choice for lighting on top of bookcases.
- Go for a warm glow: Choose lighting that has a warm, inviting glow rather than harsh, bright light.
- Use multiple lights: Don’t rely on just one light source. Use multiple lights to create a more interesting and dynamic look.
- Highlight artwork: If you have artwork or other decorative items on your bookcase, use lighting to highlight them.
- Choose adjustable lighting: Consider using track lighting or other adjustable lighting that can be directed to shine on specific areas of the bookcase.
- Use colored lights: For a more dramatic effect, consider using colored lights on top of your bookcase.
- Use battery-operated lights: If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of wiring, consider using battery-operated lights.
- Use a dimmer switch: If you want to be able to adjust the brightness of your lighting, install a dimmer switch.
- Consider the height of your bookcase: If your bookcase is very tall, you may need to use a ladder or stool to install the lighting.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overdo it with the lighting. Keep it simple and understated for the best effect.
Pros and Cons of Lighting On Top Of Bookcase
Like any design trend, there are pros and cons to lighting on top of bookcases. Here are some to consider:
Pros:
- Creates a more visually interesting bookcase
- Can highlight artwork or other decorative items
- Makes the room feel brighter and more inviting
- Can be adjusted to shine on specific areas of the bookcase
Cons:
- Can be expensive to install
- May require the help of an electrician
- Can be difficult to install on tall bookcases
- May need to be adjusted frequently to get the desired effect
My Personal Review and Suggestion on Lighting On Top Of Bookcase
Overall, I think lighting on top of bookcases is a great way to add visual interest and functionality to a space. It can be a bit expensive to install, but the effect is well worth it. I would suggest using LED lights, as they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Also, consider using adjustable lighting that can be directed to shine on specific areas of the bookcase. And don’t forget to keep it simple – too much lighting can be overwhelming.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of lighting on top of my bookcase?
A: Yes, you can use a variety of different types of lighting, including recessed lights, track lighting, or even simple lamps.
Q: Do I need to hire an electrician to install lighting on top of my bookcase?
A: If you’re using recessed lighting or track lighting, you may need to hire an electrician to install it. If you’re using table lamps, you can install them yourself.
Q: How many lights do I need to use?
A: The number of lights you use will depend on the size and shape of your bookcase. Generally, it’s best to use multiple lights to create a more interesting and dynamic look.
Q: Can I use colored lights on top of my bookcase?
A: Yes, you can use colored lights for a more dramatic effect.