There are different LEDs, the shorter the distance between the LEDs, the brighter they are, you just have to compare. Watts / m or lumens are specified.
I could imagine milling a groove into the top edge of the shelf. Then glueing the LED strip in.
I have thought about it again. As I said, I lack the skills to mill a groove. But maybe there is a profile that is intended for such applications, that is, the top edge of the shelf in this case?