Our Residential Lighting Design Guides are your go-to resource for inspiration, ideas, and practical solutions to elevate every room in your home. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply updating a single space, these curated guides showcase real-life applications of our products, helping you visualize lighting in context, explore room-specific solutions, and make confident, informed decisions. Designed for homeowners, DIYers, and design professionals alike, our guides make it easy to bring your lighting vision to life. Get started and explore our Luminii Casework Design Guide now.
This guide introduces lighting details ideal for both integrated casework and floating shelves. When designing millwork lighting, layering is key—though a single layer may suffice, certain applications benefit from a second to enhance visibility and highlight objects or finishes, depending on how the shelves are styled and furnished.
Lighting floating shelves adds both function and a modern design statement—especially in kitchens and bars. For concealed cable management and soft illumination, the Floating Back Edge technique is ideal. For a clean, minimalist look, the Floating Front Edge approach hides the LED source while delivering even task or accent lighting. To enhance the illusion of the shelves themselves floating, Floating Back Wall lighting softly washes the wall behind, leaving the shelf unlit. For all three techniques, we recommend Luminii’s Kendo M Surface in Static White or Tunable White, or for a lower profile, the Myka Surface in Static White.
Perfect for kitchens and bars. Use back edge for easier cable management. LED is visible.
Detail Section: Using Kendo M
Perfect for kitchens and bars. Use front edge to conceal LED. Wire cable through end channel.
Detail Section: Using Kendo M
Perfect for kitchens and bars. Best to reinforce illusion of the floating shelves. (Shelf itself is not illuminated)
Detail Section: Using Kendo M
Being able to easily dim or brighten your home lighting adds flexibility, comfort, and control. Whether you’re setting the mood for a cozy evening, brightening your kitchen for meal prep, or winding down with soft lighting before bed, dimming lets you create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Beyond aesthetics, dimmable lighting is also energy efficient. Lower light levels mean less energy consumption, which translates to long-term cost savings on your utility bills. It’s a smart, stylish upgrade for any home.
Luminii offers a wide range of dimming options including ELV, 0–10V, TRIAC, DMX, and DALI2—compatible with smart home systems and tailored to your specific needs.
Slide the button left and right to explore the dimming options.
Color temperature plays a major role in how your home feels. From warm, cozy tones in the living room to crisp, bright light in the bathroom or kitchen, the right color temperature enhances both mood and functionality. It also impacts how furniture, artwork, and finishes appear, helping your home look its best.
Different spaces serve different purposes, and color temperature allows you to personalize each room’s vibe—from relaxed and inviting to clean and energizing.
Luminii offers a wide range of color temperature solutions, including Static White, Tunable White, and Warm Dim—giving you full control over the look and feel of your home lighting.
Slide the button left and right to explore the CCT options.
Down surface lighting brings functionality and flair to open shelves, cabinets, and display casework. Whether illuminating everyday items or showcasing special pieces, this technique offers multiple styling options. Front Down Surface mimics under-cabinet lighting, ideal for kitchens, with visibility-focused placement near the front edge. 45 Degree Wash Surface provides even illumination across shelves and back walls—perfect for retail or museum-style displays. For double-sided millwork or densely packed closets, Center Down Surface adds a soft glow from within. And for added drama, Back Down Surface lighting paired with mirrored or textured surfaces delivers depth and ambiance. We recommend Luminii’s Bosca Surface Mount with Frosted Lens or the low-profile Myka Surface Mount, with Tunable White options available for more expressive applications.
Simple surface mount. In the first detail section, the luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern. In the second detail section, the luminaire is concealed by millwork trim. Traditional.
Detail Sections: Using Bosca
Simple surface mount. Trim is recommended to conceal luminaire.
Detail Section: Using Kendo 45M
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Bosca
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Bosca
Down recessed lighting within millwork offers a clean, built-in look while delivering precise task and accent illumination. Front Down Recessed mimics classic under-cabinet lighting, providing excellent visibility—ideal for kitchen shelves and cabinets. 45 Degree Wash Recessed maximizes interior illumination and washes the back wall evenly, perfect for retail or museum-like displays. For millwork accessible from both sides, Center Down Recessed adds a soft glow—ideal for closets or room-dividing casework. And for added drama, Back Down Recessed enhances mirrored or textured surfaces in bar or display applications. We recommend Luminii’s Kendo RM, Kendo 45 MR, Kendo M Recessed in Static White or Tunable White, and for a lower profile, the Myka Recessed Trimmed.
Simple recessed mount. Detail Section one: Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern. Detail section two: Luminaire is concealed by millwork trim. Traditional.
Surface mount within routed millwork. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Kendo 45M Round
Simple recessed mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Simple recessed mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Recessed uplighting within millwork adds bold contrast and visual intrigue—ideal for creating eye-catching displays in bars, kitchens, or anywhere you want a little drama. Whether positioned at the Front, Center, or Back, uplighting helps accentuate items on display, especially in liquor risers or curated shelving. For all three techniques—Front Up Recessed, Center Up Recessed, and Back Up Recessed—we recommend Luminii’s Kendo RM with Frosted Lens. For a sleek, low-profile option, turn to the Myka Recessed Trimmed in Static White.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Vertical lighting is an effective way to bring visual interest and layered illumination to casework—especially in applications where shelf lighting isn’t an option. From wine displays to walk-in closets, these techniques add drama and depth to millwork designs.
Use Front Vertical Surface to accent shelves or racks where integrated lighting isn’t possible. We recommend Luminii’s Bosca Surface Mount in Static or Tunable White. For added flair, Front Vertical 45 Degree Surface offers a visible luminaire at an angle—ideal for wine racks or tall displays. Consider a decorative finish like brass or bronze. We recommend the Kendo 45M with Frosted Lens. Center Vertical Surface works beautifully in walk-in closets or entertainment cabinetry for symmetrical lighting. Use Bosca Surface Mount in Static or Tunable White here as well. For a bold and dramatic effect, Back Vertical Surface lighting draws attention and can be paired with mirrors or textured materials. Again, Bosca Surface Mount in Static or Tunable White is a top pick. Lastly, Back Vertical 45 Degree Surface delivers strong accent light from the rear at an angle—perfect for a dramatic display. We recommend Kendo 45M Round in Static or Tunable White for this application.
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Bosca
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
“45 Degree Vertical” is perfect for wine rack and tall millwork displays or displays where shelves are irregular or not flat.
Detail Section: Using Kendo 45M
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Bosca
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Bosca
Simple surface mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern. Locate the LED strip in the back of the casework for a strong dramatic look. This detail is bold and eye-catching and used to draw attention in unique circumstances.
Detail Section: Using Kendo 45M Round
Vertical recessed lighting brings elegance and intention to casework, adding depth, drama, and functional visibility to enclosed spaces. These techniques are ideal when shelf-mounted lighting isn’t an option or when a more integrated solution is desired. Whether placed at the front, center, or back of the casework, these details create clean, uninterrupted lines of light that elevate the design and enhance the overall experience.
Simple recessed mount. Luminaire is concealed by millwork trim. Traditional.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Simple recessed mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
Simple recessed mount. Luminaire is visible. Consider brass or bronze finish to add a decorative flair. Modern.
Detail Section: Using Kendo RM
When linear lighting isn’t the right fit, directional surface-mounted lighting provides targeted illumination and added flexibility to casework and display applications. These compact, stylish solutions are ideal for spotlighting objects, enhancing visual interest, and delivering functional light exactly where it’s needed. Whether highlighting a single item or creating an even wash across shelves, surface-mount display lights offer precision, adjustability, and a clean modern look.
Precision by Luminii’s Atto Surface Mount Adjustable Display Lighting offers a minimal yet powerful solution. With a slim profile, 360° pan, and 180° tilt, it brings flexibility to highlight specific elements with precision. The four site-changeable optics allow easy customization to suit evolving display needs.
Precision by Luminii’s Domino Surface Mount Display Lights deliver consistent illumination across shelving with your choice of beam angles and optical configurations. Available in both single-source and multi-source options, Domino lights offer a modern, flexible approach to display lighting within millwork.
From stylish surfaces to hardworking wardrobes, these lighting techniques elevate the everyday. Whether you’re showcasing stone countertops or organizing a dream closet, the right lighting delivers both practicality and polish. Back-Lit Counter is a sleek and modern way to highlight counter surfaces using a visible luminaire. For added style, consider finishes like brass or bronze. We recommend the Optic Arts Matrix Plus or Mini Plus Backlighting System, which can be mounted directly to the surface. Back Vertical Recessed uses the same Matrix Plus or Mini Plus system to softly illuminate vertical surfaces behind counters, adding depth and subtle glow. Closets benefit from task-oriented lighting that’s also elegant. The Luminii Runda Closet Rod is designed specifically for clothing illumination and is UL listed for safe use in closets and storage spaces.
Modern Detail for kitchens, baths and bars.
Modern Detail for kitchens, baths and bars.
The Runda closet rod is the ideal solution for closet lighting in the modern home.
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