Adding Visual Interest With Millwork Lighting

We recently completed a residential project where the homeowner requested that we work with his millwork designer to add lighting to the custom cabinets, bookcases, and wine room. We included the homeowner, millwork designer and electrical contractor in the design process and the homeowner was thrilled with the outcome. We did this utilizing LED tape to enhance the functionality of the millwork and to achieve visually stunning effects. 

Do you want to incorporate LED tape lighting into millwork?

1. Plan with creativity: Reach out to the millwork designer to obtain drawings or 3D models. Prioritize meticulous planning to determine where and how the LED tape will be integrated into the millwork. Determine whether horizontal or vertical placement provides the best solution. For non-adjustable shelving, horizontal placement is best. Vertical placement is best for adjustable shelving. Consider the desired aesthetic and how the lighting can accentuate the lines, contours, and textures of the woodwork.
2. Choose the right LED tape and channel: There have been tremendous advancements in LED tape products. Smaller apertures, higher lumen packages and complete concealment of LED diodes are all now available. Do the research to choose the proper lumen output, color temperature, mounting and lens options for your application. Consider flexible sources which can be shaped to fit curved applications.
3. Strategically position the LED tape: Place the LED tape within the millwork to highlight specific features, such as shelving or decorative elements. Conceal the tape within recesses or channels to create a seamless and sophisticated look. Collaborate with the millwork designer to coordinate channel finish and placement of all components. Often the millwork designer can make slight modifications to conceal sources and drivers (See photo above).
4. Experiment with lighting angles: Explore different angles for mounting the LED tape to create unique effects. Try backlighting translucent materials or grazing the surface of the millwork or inserts to emphasize its texture and depth.
5. Control and dimming options: Always incorporate dimmers or control systems to adjust the brightness and color (if applicable) of the LED tape lighting. This will allow you to create different moods and adapt the lighting to various activities and occasions. In our latest millwork project, the homeowners were very satisfied with the dimming system since they used this area during both daytime and nighttime. 
6. Provide drawings to the electrical contractor: That includes a complete bill of material, lighting schedule, plan and elevation views that indicate placement of lighting and power components.

Our best results have been when we have included the homeowner, millwork designer and electrician in the design process. It makes for an easier installation and a happy client. By incorporating LED tape into your millwork, you can transform ordinary woodwork into captivating focal points. The interplay of light and shadow will add a mesmerizing visual interest, creating an enchanting atmosphere in your space.