How to Choose the Right LED Bookshelf Lights for Your Home

Proper lighting can make any environment a comfortable, functional space, and your bookshelves are no exception to this rule. Whether you're an avid reader or simply want to showcase your collection of novels, choosing the right lights can make a world of difference. 

First Lighting is here to help you choose the right LED bookshelf lights for your home. Today, we’ll explore some LED bookshelf light ideas and recommend products that will take your home decor to the next level. 

We’ll discuss the benefits of LED lights and provide tips on selecting the perfect LEDs to suit your needs and preferences. Let’s get started! 

Benefits of Using LED Bookshelf Lights

LED lights offer several advantages over traditional lighting options. 

In recent decades they have dominated the lighting industry because of their low cost and energy efficiency. Their residential and commercial appeal has made LEDs one of the most widely used bulbs in UK homes and has slowly replaced older models like halogen and incandescent bulbs. 

If you want to decorate your new bookshelf, LEDs will be the perfect lighting source: their impressive 30,000-50,000 hour average lifespan makes them fantastic for long, relaxing reading sessions. Not to mention, they are versatile, energy-efficient and low-maintenance: 

Low heat emission and no UV radiation

LED lights emit very little heat, which makes them a safer option for bookshelves that contain delicate items. They also do not emit UV radiation, which can cause fading and discolouration of book covers and spines.

Long lifespan and durability

While the lifespan of traditional incandescent bulbs is typically around 1,000 hours, and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) last up to 10,000 hours, LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours or more!

LED lights have no filament that can burn out, making them a durable and long-lasting lighting solution: they produce light in a completely distinct way, using less heat in a more energy-efficient way.

Available in a diverse range of colours and styles

LED lights are chameleons! 

They come in countless forms, shapes, sizes and colours, making it easy to find a lighting solution that complements your home decor. Choose from warm white to daylight temperatures, or purchase red, green, and blue colour-changing LED products for a customised lighting environment. 

How to Choose the Right LED Bookshelf Lights from First Lighting

Now that you know more about the wonders of LEDs, how do you choose the right product? There are a couple of factors to keep in mind: 

Consider the size and design of your bookshelf

Your bookshelf’s shape and design will determine the type of LED bookshelf lights that will work best. For example, a large bookshelf may require multiple strip lights, while a smaller bookshelf may only require a few puck lights.

Choose the appropriate colour temperature and brightness level

The colour temperature and brightness level of your LED bookshelf lights will impact the ambience of your space. A cooler colour temperature with a higher brightness is recommended for reading purposes, while a warmer colour temperature with lower brightness can create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. 

Luckily, First Lighting offers LED bookshelf lights in various colour temperatures and brightness levels, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Select the power source (battery-operated or plug-in)

Battery-operated LED bookshelf lights offer convenience and flexibility, as you can move them around without accommodating electrical outlets. 

Plug-in LED bookshelf lights provide a more reliable and constant source of power. First Lighting offers battery-operated and plug-in LED bookshelf lights, so you can choose the power source that best suits your living arrangements. 

LED Bookshelf Lighting Ideas

It’s time to get into the nitty gritty: when it comes to LED bookshelf lighting, what products should you consider purchasing? We’ve established that LEDs are a diverse light source, but what types of LEDs should you be looking at?

Below, we’ve listed our top three LED bookshelf light ideas for your consideration.

2. LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights are a versatile option for bookshelf lighting, providing even and consistent illumination to highlight your book collection. 

These LED strip lights are available in several lengths and can be cut to the exact dimensions of your bookshelf, ensuring a perfect fit. 

They are the ideal functional and aesthetic solution for your reading corner and offer a range of colour temperatures, ranging from warm white to bright daylight. First Lighting's RGB IP65 Waterproof Colour Changing LED Tape is a first-rate option for those looking to add cost-effective customisation to their bookshelves. 

These RGB strip lights can be applied to your bookshelf via their self-adhesive tape and offer a wide range of colours and colour-changing options to suit your mood and preferences.

2. LED Downlights 

Combine the rustic aesthetic of wooden bookshelves with the sleek, contemporary stainless steel finish of the Capella 240v Surface-Mounted LED cabinet downlight

LED downlights, like the Capella surface-mounted lighting source, can be wired directly into the mains and mounted on your bookshelf in mere minutes: what’s not to love? 

Downlights are unique because you can position them to highlight specific areas or objects on your bookshelf. 

The Capella 240v is designed to be used under cabinets but can be easily adapted for bookshelf use. Its high-quality LED technology ensures that it's energy-efficient, while its modern design adds a touch of sophistication. 

3. LED Clip-On

Clip-on lights are a simple and easy solution for bookshelf lighting, and First Lighting offers a great selection of clip-on lights for glass bookshelves in particular. 

These shelf lights can be easily attached to the edge of your bookshelf, providing targeted illumination where you need it. With First Lighting, you can choose between warm white and daylight colour temperatures to fit your reading requirements.

One option is the Shine LED Shelf Clip Light, which provides bright and efficient lighting in a compact, stylish design. Its clip-on base ensures the lamp stays securely on your bookshelf, whilst its high-output LEDs can create a light effect up and down through the glass.

Incorporating a sleek and minimalist design into your bookshelf will allow it to blend seamlessly with your bookshelf.

Choose First Lighting for your LED Bookshelf Lights!

Don't settle for dull and outdated lighting options. Upgrade to LED bookshelf lights from First Lighting today and experience the benefits of energy-efficient, long-lasting, and customisable lighting.

Contact us today to learn more and get started on creating the perfect bookshelf lighting setup for your home. Whether you’re looking for surface-mounted downlights, strip lights and LED clip-on lights, we have everything you need to create the perfect lighting setup for your home.

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