Curio Cabinet Lighting Problems (1 Viewer)

[sceic2]

I have a problem with too many items on shelves in a couple of my cabinets. I have been searching the web, unsuccessfully, to find interior bookcase or curio cabinet lighting that can be attached to the third or fourth shelf that shines its light downward. The cabinets have halogen lights in the top, but too many vehicles block the light so that the bottom shelves are dark. The halogen lights have a cord running up the interior right back corner of the cabinet and Howard Miller provides some electrical outlet connection boxes that allow display lighting to be plugged in on each shelf.

I have thought of a 36-inch florescent light strip somehow clipped to the bottom of the shelf, but that seems a little bit cheesy and very large. Sort-of-like sticking out like a black eye or a broken nose on prom night. Experiences anyone else other than me?

Has anyone got a suggestion how to solve this problem by installing lights under the glass shelves? I am not talking lighting outside the cabinet. I am talking about lighting inside the cabinet under the shelf. Web sites where lighting can be purchased, anyone know of any and if so please post them? And how do the lights attach to the bottom of glass shelves? Suggestions and ideas welcome.

 

[Fullyautomatic]

Just my opinion but how often do people use there lighting in the curio cabinets? I have four curios, all with lights and have never had the lights on. Maybe its just me(probably) and maybe my collection isn't as elaborate as others so lighting would be a concern for you. Don't get me wrong I love looking at my toys but I have never left those lights on for maybe a couple of minutes to show someone if interested.
Sceic2 I didn't mean to take away from your question and by no means am trying to steal your thunder as I know your collection is well worth showing off.

 

[Steven Chong]

I have a problem with too many items on shelves in a couple of my cabinets. I have been searching the web, unsuccessfully, to find interior bookcase or curio cabinet lighting that can be attached to the third or fourth shelf that shines its light downward. The cabinets have halogen lights in the top, but too many vehicles block the light so that the bottom shelves are dark. The halogen lights have a cord running up the interior right back corner of the cabinet and Howard Miller provides some electrical outlet connection boxes that allow display lighting to be plugged in on each shelf.

I have thought of a 36-inch florescent light strip somehow clipped to the bottom of the shelf, but that seems a little bit cheesy and very large. Sort-of-like sticking out like a black eye or a broken nose on prom night. Experiences anyone else other than me?

Has anyone got a suggestion how to solve this problem by installing lights under the glass shelves? I am not talking lighting outside the cabinet. I am talking about lighting inside the cabinet under the shelf. Web sites where lighting can be purchased, anyone know of any and if so please post them? And how do the lights attach to the bottom of glass shelves? Suggestions and ideas welcome.

Depending on how thick your glass shelves are, IKEA makes several very inexpensive lighting sets ($8 to $15) that either attach to the inside edge of a glass shelf with clips or into an unused shelf mounting hole. I will try to post links later tonight.

 

[sceic2]

Just my opinion but how often do people use there lighting in the curio cabinets? I have four curios, all with lights and have never had the lights on. Maybe its just me(probably) and maybe my collection isn't as elaborate as others so lighting would be a concern for you. Don't get me wrong I love looking at my toys but I have never left those lights on for maybe a couple of minutes to show someone if interested.
Sceic2 I didn't mean to take away from your question and by no means am trying to steal your thunder as I know your collection is well worth showing off.

I don't use my lights that often either. I would just like to be able to have some light on the bottom shelving when I do use them. I too only use them when I am showing off my stuff. Too much light is a bad thing for most collectables and I try to keep it at a minimum. Althought I do occassionally use them for self amusement when I add to the collection. I will light up one or more cabinets for a few hours to just enjoy what I have. I use the bottom shelf for dioramas. The theme this month is winter in all of them.

 

[kilted vampire]

I have two different cabinets. One is wood and 18 inches deep. The other is glass and not as deep. Guess which one gets the light turned on at night and I want to look or show someone something? I have a light kit for the glass cabinet and have been lazy. Guess what I do for a living?

 

[Steven Chong]

Dear Michael,

Here is the IKEA link for the light I suggest, which is only $5.99:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stor...-1&categoryId=16082&chosenPartNumber=80021452

I noticed it is only available at IKEA stores and not online. The picture is deceptive since it does not show the light secured to a glass shelf. The light has two brackets at the top and the light is held on the bottom of a glass shelf by the brackets.