Hello everyone, I want to retrofit my Ikea Pax wardrobe with LED lighting and I’m unsure about the best approach. Specifically, I’m interested in solutions that can be neatly integrated into the wardrobe, so they are as discreet and functional as possible. I’m looking for recommendations on suitable LEDs (rail lights, bars, strips), safe connection options (preferably without major electrician work), and the most effective ways to control the lighting (rocker switch, motion sensor, remote control, or smart app integration). I’m also seeking advice on cable management, as I don’t want to damage the existing wardrobe, as well as information on whether additional power sources are needed and how to install them discreetly. Has anyone completed a project like this or knows good solutions I should consider? Thank you in advance for all ideas, tips, and experiences!
It’s best to use LED strips with integrated adhesive backing. You can power them with a simple 12V power adapter, and use connectors for the connections, so everything can be easily disconnected. Depending on the application, use a switch or motion sensor. It’s easiest to run the cables outside, under the boards.
Hello sirigu, to properly retrofit your PAX wardrobe with LED lighting, I recommend a step-by-step approach where you first define your exact needs: Do you want to illuminate only the shelves or the entire interior? Also consider whether you want dimmable LEDs or fixed brightness.
A proven method is to use 12V LED light strips – they are energy-efficient and relatively safe. Important: Make sure the power supply is not visible behind the wardrobe; for example, you can hide the adapter behind the back panel or under the wardrobe floor. You can route cables through the standard PAX cable channels or secure them neatly with small cable clips.
Switch recommendation: Motion sensors work well as they turn on automatically when the door is opened. Alternatively, rocker switches are good, ideally installed in an easily accessible location. If you prefer smart solutions, use Wi-Fi-enabled LED controllers controllable via an app, but you should check whether your Wi-Fi signal in the wardrobe area is stable.
If you have power outlets nearby, you can plug the power adapter there; otherwise, you might consider a power strip with an extension cable. There are also power banks for LEDs, but they are often cumbersome to handle.
Cables need to be well secured; I used small cable clips myself to guide the cables flush along the side wall, which looks neat and allows the doors to close smoothly.
If you have specific product questions, I can also suggest concrete models – just get in touch!
A proven method is to use 12V LED light strips – they are energy-efficient and relatively safe. Important: Make sure the power supply is not visible behind the wardrobe; for example, you can hide the adapter behind the back panel or under the wardrobe floor. You can route cables through the standard PAX cable channels or secure them neatly with small cable clips.
Switch recommendation: Motion sensors work well as they turn on automatically when the door is opened. Alternatively, rocker switches are good, ideally installed in an easily accessible location. If you prefer smart solutions, use Wi-Fi-enabled LED controllers controllable via an app, but you should check whether your Wi-Fi signal in the wardrobe area is stable.
If you have power outlets nearby, you can plug the power adapter there; otherwise, you might consider a power strip with an extension cable. There are also power banks for LEDs, but they are often cumbersome to handle.
Cables need to be well secured; I used small cable clips myself to guide the cables flush along the side wall, which looks neat and allows the doors to close smoothly.
If you have specific product questions, I can also suggest concrete models – just get in touch!
Palenar schrieb:
A proven method is using 12V LED light strips – these are energy-efficient and relatively safe.Thanks for the detailed information! What exactly does an LED light strip set include, and what do I need? Is the adapter that usually comes with it sufficient, or is it better to use a separate power supply? Could you also briefly explain how the wiring is done? I don’t have any electrical knowledge, so that would be very helpful.
Also: Where is the best place to attach the LEDs? Inside at the top edge or rather on the sides? And if I want to use motion sensors – can these easily be combined with LEDs in a cabinet like this, or do they require special sensors?
Regarding the transformer: LED sets often include small power supplies for 12V, which are sufficient for standard LED types. However, pay attention to the total power consumption of the LED strips and preferably choose a slightly more powerful transformer; this extends the service life and ensures stable voltage.
Motion sensors should be compatible with 12V; most common models for LED lighting work without issues. Mounting them on the door frame or top edge works well – they often switch on when opening the door.
For installation: the top edge is common and distributes light evenly. Side mounting can be done if, for example, you have cabinet doors with mirrors or want to create special accents.
Secure cables along the corners, keeping them as smooth and flexible as possible to avoid pressure points and damage.
Motion sensors should be compatible with 12V; most common models for LED lighting work without issues. Mounting them on the door frame or top edge works well – they often switch on when opening the door.
For installation: the top edge is common and distributes light evenly. Side mounting can be done if, for example, you have cabinet doors with mirrors or want to create special accents.
Secure cables along the corners, keeping them as smooth and flexible as possible to avoid pressure points and damage.
blapau schrieb:
Motion sensors should be 12V compatible; most commercially available ones for LED lighting work without any issues.Okay, great, that sounds promising. Does anyone here use specific models of motion sensors that have worked well in an Ikea PAX wardrobe? What type of installation makes sense there – is it best to place the sensor at the top?
Also, I’ve heard that some LED strips have issues with warm white LEDs because they aren’t as bright – is that true? Or has the light quality improved since then?
Additionally, regarding smart control, I’m currently looking at simple options like Hue-compatible or ZigBee lamps that can be connected in series. Has anyone successfully implemented this with a PAX?
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