Brighten Your Boat Bookshelf: Top Lighting Tips

There are many ways to light up a boat bookshelf. You can use plug-in lights, battery-operated lights, or smart lights. If you want to hardwire your lights, you can do so by drilling holes and running wires. You can also use LED light strips, which are flexible, dimmable, and can be cut to length. These lights can be stuck onto the surface of your bookshelf or hidden from view. When choosing the perfect lighting, consider the size of the light relative to the bookshelf, the placement of the lights, and the style of the lights.

Choosing the right size light for your boat bookshelf

When choosing the right size light for your boat bookshelf, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the light itself is important – you don't want it to be too big or too small for the bookshelf. As a general rule, choose a light that is about one-third the width of the shelf to ensure it is proportional and provides adequate illumination.

Another consideration is the placement of the light. If you plan to place the light above the bookshelf, make sure to leave enough room between the bottom of the light mounting plate and the top of the bookshelf – around 4-6 inches is a good amount. If your bookshelf has multiple columns, you may want to centre one light above each column. Alternatively, you could opt for a longer light that spans the width of the bookshelf.

The style of the light is also a factor to keep in mind. Picture lights are long and narrow, taking up more space horizontally, whereas wall sconces are typically more vertical and can extend upwards or downwards. Choose a style that complements the overall décor of the room. For a traditional look, go for a classic shape such as a cylinder, globe, or cone. If you're after a more modern aesthetic, opt for a contemporary fixture with clean lines.

Finally, you'll need to decide between a wired light or a battery-operated light. Wired lights can be plugged into an outlet, whereas battery-operated lights offer more flexibility in terms of placement but will need their batteries replaced or recharged periodically.

Deciding where to place the light

• Size of the light: Ensure that the light fixture you choose is proportionate to the size of your boat bookshelf. A light that is too small may not provide sufficient illumination, while a light that is too large may be visually overwhelming. As a general rule, select a light that is approximately one-third the width of your bookshelf.
• Placement options: You can opt to place your lights in the centre above the bookshelf or on either side of it. If you have multiple columns in your boat bookshelf, you may want to consider placing one light centred above each column. Alternatively, you can use a long picture light in the centre, as we did in our living room.
• Mounting height: When mounting the light above the bookshelf, ensure you leave adequate space between the bottom of the light mounting plate and the top of the bookshelf. A gap of 4-6 inches is generally recommended to avoid a cramped appearance.
• Light direction: If you mount wall sconces above the bookshelf, choose a sconce that shines downwards. On the other hand, if you mount the sconces beside the bookshelf, opt for a sconce that illuminates outward.
• Number of lights: Depending on the size and layout of your boat bookshelf, you may need to use multiple lights. For example, if your bookshelf has multiple columns, you may want to place one light centred above each column.

Selecting the type of light: picture light vs wall sconce

When it comes to selecting the type of light for your boat bookshelf, you have a few options to consider: picture lights or wall sconces. Here are some factors to help you decide which type of lighting is best for your needs.

Picture Lights:

Picture lights are a great option if you're looking for a long and narrow light fixture. They provide a similar amount of light as wall sconces but take up more horizontal space. This type of light is perfect if you have the width to accommodate it and want a sleek and modern look. Picture lights also come in various styles, such as cylinder, globe, or cone shapes, to match your boat bookshelf's aesthetic.

Wall Sconces:

Wall sconces, on the other hand, are typically more vertical in size and extend upwards or downwards. They are a good choice if you're tight on horizontal space. When mounting wall sconces above your boat bookshelf, choose a sconce that shines downwards. If you mount them beside the bookshelf, opt for a sconce that illuminates outward. Wall sconces also come in various styles, such as traditional or contemporary designs, so you can find one that complements your boat bookshelf's décor.

Other Considerations:

When deciding between picture lights and wall sconces, it's essential to consider the size of the light relative to your boat bookshelf. A light that is too small may not provide enough illumination, while a light that is too large may be visually overwhelming. As a general rule, choose a light that is about one-third the width of your boat bookshelf to ensure proportionate lighting.

Additionally, think about the placement of your lights. You may prefer to have lights on either side of your boat bookshelf or a single light in the centre above it. The placement will also depend on the setup of your boat bookshelf and the amount of space you have available.

Finally, keep in mind that you can find battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired options for both picture lights and wall sconces, so you can choose the power source that best suits your needs and space constraints.

With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether picture lights or wall sconces are the best choice for your boat bookshelf lighting project.

Mounting the light above or beside the boat bookshelf

When mounting the light above or beside the boat bookshelf, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the light should be proportional to the bookshelf; a light that is too small will not provide adequate illumination, while a light that is too large will be visually overwhelming. Secondly, decide on the placement of the light. Options include mounting a single light in the centre above the bookshelf or placing lights on either side. If mounting above the bookshelf, ensure there is sufficient space between the bottom of the light mounting plate and the top of the bookshelf to avoid a cramped look.

When it comes to the type of light, you can choose between picture lights and wall sconces. Picture lights are long and narrow, taking up more horizontal space, while wall sconces are typically more vertical in size, extending up or down. If using wall sconces, opt for a sconce that shines downwards if mounting above the shelf, or one that illuminates outward if mounting beside the shelf.

Now, for the step-by-step guide on how to mount the light above or beside the boat bookshelf:

• Prepare the bookshelf: If your bookshelf did not come with a board at the top, you may want to add one to provide a place for the lights to attach to. You can also add boards to the front of the shelves to give them a more custom look and provide additional support for the lights. Paint the bookshelf if desired.
• Plan the lighting setup: Centre the lights on the bookshelf, as close to the top shelves as possible, ensuring that the wires can reach a common location to be plugged in.
• Connect the wiring and test the lights: Before permanently installing the lights, connect the wiring and test to ensure the lights are working properly.
• Add any necessary bracing or support: Install bracing or additional support for attaching the lights and any decorative moulding or trim.
• Fit and cut panels to hide the wiring: Measure and cut a panel with a groove to hide the wiring and mount the lights. Drill a large hole where the light post will end, and use a saw to cut out the groove. Test fit the panel carefully before nailing it into place with finishing nails.
• Add crown moulding: Install crown moulding to hide the groove and provide a finished look.
• Cover any remaining gaps: Cut a piece of MDF or similar material to cover any remaining gaps between the light base and the crown moulding. Caulk and paint as needed to ensure a seamless finish.
• Plug in and enjoy your new lighting: Once the lights are securely mounted and any necessary concealment is in place, plug in the lights and enjoy your beautifully illuminated boat bookshelf!

There you have it! A step-by-step guide to mounting lights above or beside your boat bookshelf, with some general considerations to keep in mind when choosing and installing your lights.

Ensuring the light is not too close to the boat bookshelf

When installing lighting on top of a boat bookshelf, it is important to ensure that the light is not too close to the shelf to avoid any safety hazards and to achieve the desired lighting effect. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Consider the size and placement of the light: Choose a light that is proportionate to the size of the shelf. As a general rule, select a light that is about one-third the width of the shelf. This will provide adequate illumination without being visually overwhelming. Also, consider the placement of the light. If placing the light above the shelf, leave enough room between the bottom of the light mounting plate and the top of the bookshelf (4-6 inches is recommended). This will create a more spacious and aesthetically pleasing look.
• Use a timer or smart outlet: To make it easier to turn the lights on and off, consider plugging the lights into a timer or a SMART outlet. This way, you can set a schedule for the lights to turn on and off automatically, eliminating the need to access hard-to-reach switches.
• Hide the cords: To maintain a neat and tidy appearance, hide the cords by threading them through the back of the bookshelf or drilling holes in discreet locations. For a more finished look, consider framing out the bookshelf to match the top, as this will provide a more custom appearance and help conceal any cords or wiring.
• Choose the right type of light: Decide between picture lights and wall sconces based on your personal preference and the setup of your bookshelf. Picture lights are long and narrow, taking up more space horizontally, while wall sconces are typically more vertical in size. If mounting the lights above the shelf, choose a sconce that shines downwards. If mounting them beside the shelf, opt for a sconce that illuminates outward.
• Ensure proper ventilation: When installing lighting, it is important to maintain adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Avoid placing the lights too close to the bookshelf or any other objects that may obstruct airflow. This will help ensure the longevity of the lights and reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Frequently asked questions