Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in displays but it is very important. Not only for brightness but to show colors correctly. When selecting lights make sure you look at the Color Rendering Index (CRI) of the light. This is an indication of how well the colors in the display will match what they would be in natural daylight. The scale runs up to 100. The higher the CRI the more correct the colors. A CRI of 80-90 is considered good for most uses and 90+ being excellent, indicating colors appear accurate and vibrant compared to natural sunlight (CRI 100).

Note, if you are looking for information regarding UV displays, please see UV Display Lights.

Another factor to consider is the light color temperature. This is measured in degree kelvin with the lower numbers being more yellowish aka "warm" and the higher numbers blueish aka "cool". In general:

5,000 to 6,500 degree kelvin = daylight aka cool
2,700 degree kelvin = warm

These are the LED lights I've been using for a few years now with good results. They are 6,000 K with a CRI of 80+. (see below). Note, I have only found CRI of 80+, nothing higher.

You can set them ontop of a shelf and have them light the shelf below or you can use adheasive to attach them to the bottom of the shelf. Note I use the "Command Strips" becasue they are inexpensive, don't come off, and can be removed if needed.

Helpful hint: Try searching for LED under-cabinet puck lights.

Transparency note: The links provided are Amazon Associate links. Purchases made through these links earn me a small commission (about 4%), which helps support my rock habit. Everything you see here I purchased myself.

PS...Yes I know Amazon is evil but they have cool stuff and deliver to my door in rural Kentucky. :)

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