Exploring Smart Lighting Solutions for a Bookcase Display

General
1

Hey everyone, I’m diving into the world of smart lighting to create a stunning display for my collection of books and little trinkets. I came across some really cool ideas and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with you all. :star2:

I’ve been eyeing IKEA Billy bookcases for their sleek design and versatility. My plan is to incorporate lighting to make the display pop, but I’m a bit torn between different options. Here’s what I’ve been considering:

  1. LED Strip Lighting: Running a strip of LEDs around the inside of the doors seems like a great way to evenly illuminate the shelves. It would create a soft, ambient glow that highlights the books and decorations. However, with 10 doors each about 2 meters tall, the length adds up—over 40 meters in total! I’m not sure how feasible that is or how I’d manage the wiring. Plus, bending the strips at 90-degree angles might be tricky.

  2. Shelf Lighting: Installing a strip of LEDs on each shelf could provide focused lighting for the items on display. But with 36 shelves, this could get expensive and complicated. I’m worried about the maintenance and the aesthetic impact of having so many lights.

  3. Under-Shelf Lighting: Using individual panels or strips mounted under each shelf might be a cleaner solution. It would cast light downward, creating a nice contrast against the shelves. But I’m not sure if nanoLeaf offers this kind of setup or if it’s within my budget.

I’ve also been exploring different brands like Govee for their RGB strips, which would add a fun, customizable touch to the display. The idea of syncing colors or creating dynamic effects sounds amazing, but I’m not sure how it would integrate with my existing setup.

Another consideration is energy efficiency and ease of control. I’d love to be able to adjust the lighting remotely, maybe through an app, and have it work seamlessly with my smart home system. Integration with Home Assistant or Alexa would be a huge plus.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Have you tackled a similar project? What lighting solutions did you find worked best? Any tips on wiring, installation, or specific products you’d recommend? Let’s brainstorm together! :rocket: