Okay, let's break down the LED lighting options for your display cabinet. You're on the right track with both of your ideas: cut-and-splice strips and a continuous strip. Here's a more detailed look, with product recommendations and things to consider

Option 1: Cut-and-Splice LED Strips

This involves using individual strips for each shelf, cutting them to the right width, and then wiring them together to share a power source. This offers more control and a cleaner look. LED Strip Type



COB (Chip-on-Board) LED Strips

COB strips have a continuous line of light, with no visible individual LED dots. This looks very smooth and high-end, which is great for display cabinets. They are usually a little more expensive.

SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED Strips

SMD strips have individual LED chips spaced along the strip. They are more common and generally less expensive than COB. The density of LEDs per foot affects how smooth the light appears. Aim for a higher density (e.g., 60 LEDs/meter or more) for fewer visible dots. Look for "2835" or "5050" SMD chips.

Color Temperature

Think about the objects you're displaying.

Warm White (2700K-3000K)

Cozy, inviting light, good for warmer colors, wood tones, and creating a relaxed feel.

Neutral White (3500K-4000K)

A good all-around choice, natural-looking, and suitable for a wide range of objects.

Cool White (5000K-6500K)

Bright, crisp light, good for displaying cool colors, metals, and creating a modern look.

Voltage

12V or 24V are the most common and safest for DIY projects.

IMPORTANT

Make sure your power supply matches the voltage of the LED strips.

Brightness

Look for lumens per foot or meter. You don't need extremely bright lights for a display cabinet. 200-400 lumens per foot is usually sufficient.

Cutting and Connecting



Cut Points

LED strips have designated cut points, usually marked with scissors icons.

Only cut at these points. Solderless Connectors

These are fantastic for easy connections. You can get straight connectors (to connect two strips end-to-end) and corner connectors. Make sure you get connectors that are the right width (e.g., 8mm, 10mm) for your LED strips.

Wire

Use low-voltage wire (e.g., 22 AWG or 20 AWG).

Soldering (Optional)

Soldering provides the most secure and reliable connection, but it requires a soldering iron and some skill. If you are not comfortable soldering, use the solderless connectors

Power Supply (Wall Wart)



Voltage

Must match the voltage of your LED strips (12V or 24V).

Wattage

Calculate the total wattage your strips will consume:1. Find the wattage per foot or meter of your LED strip.
2. Multiply that by the total length of LED strip you'll be using.3. Add a safety margin (20-30%) to ensure the power supply isn't overloaded.Example: You have 4 shelves with 4ft length. You need a 16ft LED strip. The Strip uses 5W per foot. 16ft x 5W = 80W. Add 20% safety margin = 96W. You need a power supply capable of supplying 100W or more.

Tip

It's always better to err on the side of a slightly higher wattage power supply.

Mounting

Most LED strips have an adhesive backing. Clean the surface of your shelves with isopropyl alcohol before applying the strips. For added security, consider using LED strip mounting clips or channels. These are small plastic clips that screw into the shelf and hold the strip in place.

Option 2: Continuous LED Strip with Vertical Drops

This involves using one long strip and running it down the sides of the shelves. LED Strip Type

Same considerations as above (COB or SMD, color temperature, voltage, brightness). Flexibility is key here since you'll be bending the strip.

Bending and Management



Gentle Curves

Avoid sharp bends in the LED strip, as this can damage the circuitry. Create gentle curves around the corners.

Black Tape/Heat Shrink Tubing

Use black electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to cover the vertical portions of the strip to minimize light bleed and hide the wires.

Mounting

As with Option 1, use the adhesive backing and/or mounting clips/channels to secure the strip.

Product Recommendations (Examples - check local retailers or online marketplaces for availability and best prices)



LED Strips



BTF-LIGHTING

Reputable brand for both COB and SMD strips. (Amazon, AliExpress)

HitLights

Specializes in LED lighting, good quality. (Amazon, HitLights website)

SUPERNIGHT

More budget-friendly option (Amazon)

Solderless Connectors

Search Amazon, eBay, or electronics suppliers for "LED strip connector [strip width]mm".

Power Supplies

Mean Well: A well-known brand for reliable power supplies. (Digi-Key, Mouser, Amazon) "12V/24V LED Power Supply" on Amazon or eBay.

Wire

18AWG or 20AWG low-voltage wire (Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon).

Steps for Option 1 (Cut-and-Splice)


Measure

Measure the width of each shelf where you want to mount the LED strips.2.

Cut

Cut the LED strips to the correct length at the designated cut points.3.

Connect

Use solderless connectors (or solder) to attach wires to the ends of the LED strips. Make sure you observe the correct polarity (+ and -).4.

Wire

Connect the LED strips in parallel to the power supply. (Each strip gets its own + and - connection to the power supply.)5.

Test

Before mounting, connect the strips to the power supply to make sure everything is working.6.

Mount

Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully apply the strips to the shelves. Use mounting clips for added security.7.

Connect Power Supply

Plug in the power supply.

Steps for Option 2 (Continuous Strip)


Plan the Route

Plan how you'll run the strip across the shelves and down the sides.2.

Mount

Starting at one end, peel off the adhesive backing and carefully apply the strip, creating gentle curves at the corners. Use mounting clips where needed.3.

Cover Vertical Sections

Use black electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to cover the vertical sections of the strip.4.

Connect Power Supply

Plug in the power supply.

Important Considerations



Heat

LED strips generate some heat. Ensure there's adequate ventilation within the cabinet. This is less of a concern with low-power strips.

Safety

Always work with low-voltage LEDs and a properly rated power supply.

Dimming: If you want to be able to control the brightness of the lights, you'll need a dimmable power supply and a compatible LED dimmer switch.Good luck with your project! Take your time, plan carefully, and double-check your connections. Flag for review