Custom Illuminated Acrylic Shelving for Liquor Displays.
Project Overview
This project involved the design and manufacture of custom illuminated acrylic shelving for a liquor display installation. The client supplied the external dimensions of the cabinet panels that the shelves needed to slot into. From that information, our team handled the complete design, fabrication, and lighting integration process.
The full solution was designed and produced within two days using our in-house micro-factory workflow.
Design & Engineering
Using the supplied outer dimensions, we engineered a shelving system that combined structural precision with integrated illumination. Tight tolerances were essential, as the shelves were required to fit seamlessly into pre-built cabinetry without on-site modification.
Each panel was designed in CAD and optimized for CNC machining to ensure:
Accurate fitment within cabinetry
Controlled light diffusion through the acrylic
Clean internal LED channels
Repeatable production for future expansion
Materials & Construction
The illuminated shelves are machined from solid acrylic panels, typically produced in:
3/8 inch acrylic
1/2 inch acrylic
Up to 1 inch acrylic, depending on load requirements and visual impact
The acrylic thickness is selected based on shelf span, weight capacity, and desired light diffusion. All panels are precision-machined on CNC equipment to ensure consistent edge quality, internal channels, and clean finishes suitable for premium installations.
Manufacturing Process
Production combined:
CNC routing of thick acrylic panels
Precision-machined LED recesses
In-house LED assembly, wiring, and testing
Manufacturing everything locally allowed full control over tolerances, finish quality, and turnaround time, while avoiding delays associated with outsourced fabrication.
Lighting Integration
With extensive experience in LED lighting, signage, and display systems, illumination was designed to enhance product presentation without glare or hotspots.
Lighting considerations included:
Even light spread through thick acrylic
Edge-lit and internally diffused configurations
Serviceable LED components for long-term reliability
The result is shelving that functions as both a structural element and a refined lighting feature.
Applications
While originally produced for a liquor display, these illuminated acrylic shelves are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
Upmarket residential interiors
Home automation and integrated lighting systems
Retail and commercial display environments
Cosmetics, fragrance, and luxury product displays
Hospitality, bars, and feature shelving installations
The design is scalable and adaptable across different industries and design styles.
Why This Project Matters
This case study demonstrates the strength of combining:
CNC machining of thick acrylic
Integrated LED lighting expertise
Display and signage industry experience
Rapid micro-factory production
Together, these capabilities allow 865 Fab Lab to deliver high-quality, design-ready illuminated components on tight timelines.
