Open shelving/lighting/backsplash around sink - poll

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi all,

Thanks for your help in the previous thread. Now that I think I'm down to 2 options on this layout quandary, I'd love the opinion of the collective. Which shelf/backsplash/light looks better? Why? Or something different entirely?

Counter and shelves are matching wood, backsplash is slate blue tile, walls are white.

Option A: 2 short shelves at 18" from counter, 1 long shelf 12" above that, backsplash to bottom of upper shelf in the middle and bottom of lower shelves on the sides. Swing arm wall sconce above upper shelf to light sink area.

Option B: Paired short shelves on top and bottom, backsplash straight across. Light somewhere in there in the middle.

Light will probably look something like this, esp for option 1:

Thanks so much!

Option A

Option B

Featured Answer

daisiesandbutterflies

8 years ago

With a metal lampshade, you will get a more "spotlight" effect, without ambient light that would be emitted around the room if you had a less opaque shade. In this case, I don't like any light fixtures on that wall. I'd much prefer a ceiling light, such as a pendant, or recessed, plus under cabinet lights.

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Comments (9)

leah
Original Author
8 years ago
hmmm but if I went with option 2 I feel like I'd need something on that wall. Or do you prefer option 1?
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chiflipper
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Suggest you add lighting to the underside (cavity within) of your floating shelves.
leah thanked chiflipper
leah
Original Author
8 years ago
shelves aren't actually floating, but on brackets, and are 1.5 inches thick and solid, so don't know if it's possible to recess any real lighting into them, and I feel like I want something nicer than most of the surface stick-on ones i've seen...
kay kin
8 years ago
option A
sietam
8 years ago
Definitely option A. I like the fixture up higher on the wall. It will help cast out some more of the light. The tile going up higher also adds more visual interest to the space.

I'd also consider trying to find a way to recess lights into the shelving and agree the sick-on ones aren't very appealing.
herbflavor
8 years ago
option A but skip the elevated section of backsplash tile...run the two shelves right across full length left to right. Install a trac light in that part of ceiling with directional capability of fixtures on the trac. Assumption I am making is you are fully wanting significant amt of open shelves and you want a bit of style with the light fixture thing.....the trac lights can be good looking..and with directional and different sizes of the actual light ...you will have more capability.. The single fixture I think is a mistake.
mintcar123
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Option A is more functional and visually interesting. I would tile all the way up the way.
daisiesandbutterflies
8 years ago
I like option b. I don’t like a shelf above the faucet. I’d get a pendant light over the faucet area.