DIY: Wall Entertainment Unit Lighting

Determine the location of the lighting to be installed. Hold the lights in place and plug them in to get the full visual impression of their display at each position. Rearrange locations as necessary. Make a pencil marking for the mounting screw holes on each light.

Mark the position of each light by drawing a light pencil outline. Work from the light to the outlet and determine the most discrete path that the light's electrical cord should take. Mark the location of any holes that need to be drilled in walls or shelves, placing these holes as near the back of the unit as possible. Drill a hole with a drill bit diameter that is slightly larger than the biggest part of the electrical cord, which can often be detached from the light for easier installation.

Drill the holes marked earlier for the mounting screws, using a drill bit with a smaller diameter than the light mounting screws. Install the lighting by holding the light against the surface and drilling the mounting screws through the light and into the pre-drilled holes. Install all screws partway before tightening them fully, to ensure proper balance and position of the lights.

Stretch the light cord tightly against the ceiling of the shelf it is mounted on, and staple it in place to the surface. Stretch the cord along the back of the area and staple it every six inches and at every corner or turn until the cord exits the entertainment unit or plugs into an extension cord within the unit. Coil up remaining cord and secure it with a twist tie.