ᐅ How can I build an Ikea BESTA wall unit with integrated LED elements myself?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to build a living wall using Ikea BESTÅ units myself and would like to add LED lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Since I’m not yet sure how to best integrate the LEDs—especially regarding power supply, cable routing, and control options like remote control or smart home integration—I’m hoping to gather some experience-based advice here.

My questions in detail:
- Which LED systems are best suited for interior and edge lighting of BESTÅ units?
- How can I route cables neatly and discreetly, especially inside the cabinets and behind the carcasses?
- Are there any recommended self-adhesive LED strips or external modules that are easy to connect?
- What power supply options should I consider, particularly if the living wall is not close to an electrical outlet?
- How do you handle control—simple switches, dimmers, or smart-controlled lighting?

I look forward to your tips and any advice on what to avoid. Thanks in advance!

Mega cool project! ? Last year, I built a BESTÅ wall unit with LED lighting just like this, and I can tell you, it really looks impressive!

For the lighting, I used flexible RGB LED strips from IKEA – they’re very easy to work with and have good adhesive strength. I routed the cables behind the back panels, which looks really neat.

Siri70 schrieb:
Which LED systems are best suited for interior and edge lighting of BESTÅ components?

I can only recommend sticking with the original IKEA solutions—they fit perfectly and are exactly matched to the module sizes. If you want more color options, go for the RGB strips; otherwise, white LEDs are absolutely sufficient!

Siri70 schrieb:
How can I route cables cleanly and discreetly, especially inside the cabinets and behind the carcasses?

For this, I used cable ducts from the hardware store, attaching them to the back panel with small cable ties—it’s very stable and hidden from view. It’s important to plan the cable routes during assembly of the modules.

Siri70 schrieb:
What power supply options should I consider, especially if the wall unit isn’t near a power outlet?

I’d recommend having a power outlet as close as possible to the unit. If that’s not possible, extension cords are an option, or you could install an outlet afterward.

Siri70 schrieb:
How do you handle control—simple switches, dimmers, or smart-controlled lighting?

I used a small IR dimmer; it’s easy to use and covers the essential functions. If you want more, you can of course go for smart home systems like Philips Hue or similar.

Don’t be discouraged—it’s really fun to work on DIY LED projects! Good luck! ?

Hello Siri70,

I would like to add a few structured tips to help you establish a solid foundation for your building project.

1. Choosing LED strips:
- Original IKEA LED strips are ideal for BESTÅ and usually have design adjustments to ensure proper fit.
- Alternatively, you can use high-quality 12V LED strips from electronics retailers. Pay attention to the IP rating (IP20 is sufficient for indoor use).

2. Cable routing:
- For BESTÅ units, I recommend pre-drilling the back panels or creating cable passages to guide power cables neatly from one section to another.
- Use adhesive cable channels or holders to secure everything tidily.

3. Power supply:
- First, check how close the power outlet is. If it’s too far, consider consulting an electrician for installation options (e.g., an additional outlet near the media wall).
- When purchasing LED drivers, ensure their power rating (wattage) matches your LED strips and that they are compatible.

4. Control systems:
- For simple switching, an inline switch or dimmer is sufficient.
- Smart controls are possible with Zigbee- or Wi-Fi-based controllers, which can be connected directly to the LED driver or through compatible LED controllers.

5. Mistakes and tips:
- Avoid multiple socket setups that could lead to excessive current load.
- Keep power cables separate from signal cables to prevent interference.

In summary: plan the wiring before assembly, use quality components, and seek professional advice if you have electrical questions.

If you need precise measurements or product recommendations, feel free to ask!

Hello Siri70,

I’d like to add some technical details that might be useful for your project:

- First, you should arrange and assemble the complete BESTÅ modules in a way that allows you to precisely plan the cable routing from the power supply to each LED strip. Otherwise, you may end up with unnecessary cable lengths or need to extend cables.

- Make sure to buy LED strips with the correct voltage (usually 12V) and ensure that the power supply can handle the wattage per meter. When using RGB LEDs, the current consumption is higher than with white LEDs.

- A very practical step is to use short connecting cables (so-called jumpers) between individual modules to create flexible connection options. These can be made with either plugs or soldered joints.

- For control, I recommend a controller that supports multiple zones. This way, you can, for example, switch the front lighting separately from the interior lighting.

- Regarding power supply: if there is no power outlet near the wall, consider using a slim-profile power supply that you can hide behind the media wall inside a cavity or a cabinet.

- Also, consider allowing small ventilation slots or air circulation to prevent the LEDs and power supplies from overheating.

One last question: are you planning to install the LEDs inside the glass display cabinets as well? In those, light color and glare control are important factors.

I’m happy to help if you need specific information!