Hello everyone,
I recently bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and am planning to install LED strips for indirect lighting. Now the question is: Has anyone in this forum had experience with how to properly and, above all, invisibly hide LED strips in a KALLAX unit?
I am particularly interested in the best ways to route the cables, whether special fasteners are used, or if there are tricks to integrate the lighting as unobtrusively as possible. I want to avoid the strips being directly visible or looking untidy.
Perhaps there are recommendations for specific types of LEDs or practical tips on installing LED strips behind the back panel or in joints without having to modify the furniture extensively.
It would be great if you could share your experiences and solutions here so I can benefit from your insights. Thanks in advance!
I recently bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and am planning to install LED strips for indirect lighting. Now the question is: Has anyone in this forum had experience with how to properly and, above all, invisibly hide LED strips in a KALLAX unit?
I am particularly interested in the best ways to route the cables, whether special fasteners are used, or if there are tricks to integrate the lighting as unobtrusively as possible. I want to avoid the strips being directly visible or looking untidy.
Perhaps there are recommendations for specific types of LEDs or practical tips on installing LED strips behind the back panel or in joints without having to modify the furniture extensively.
It would be great if you could share your experiences and solutions here so I can benefit from your insights. Thanks in advance!
Good morning everyone!
Just jumping in quickly with a little insider tip: inside the KALLAX, around the side under the shelves, you can neatly attach LED strips. This makes the light glow softly along the cabinet sides without the LEDs themselves shining directly or standing out. You could call it a kind of “light strip stealth mode” 😉
Also, I think anyone wanting some colorful atmosphere should definitely go for RGB lights. They really make the KALLAX stand out in the evening!
Looking forward to hearing if you try this, hilda43!
Just jumping in quickly with a little insider tip: inside the KALLAX, around the side under the shelves, you can neatly attach LED strips. This makes the light glow softly along the cabinet sides without the LEDs themselves shining directly or standing out. You could call it a kind of “light strip stealth mode” 😉
Also, I think anyone wanting some colorful atmosphere should definitely go for RGB lights. They really make the KALLAX stand out in the evening!
Looking forward to hearing if you try this, hilda43!
JORDON schrieb:
best to glue it on the side underneath the shelves, soft light on the cabinet sidesThanks for the tip! That sounds like a subtle but effective solution. I prefer indirect lighting instead of direct light spots, which was exactly my plan.
Do I need to watch out for anything specific, like heat generation from the LEDs or possible reflections on the white MDF? The interior surfaces are painted, and I definitely want to avoid “hotspots” or discoloration later on.
Do you have any experience with this?
Hello,
Regarding heat and reflection aspects: LEDs in the form of SMD strips generate low heat, which under normal operating conditions poses no risk to MDF or painted surfaces. Caution is advised with higher-power COB LEDs or stronger light sources.
The reflective effect of painted surfaces is generally desirable, as it diffuses light and creates a cozy indirect lighting. A matte finish is better suited than high gloss to avoid glare.
In summary: LED strips with approximately 4.8 to 14.4 W/m (1.5 to 4.4 W/ft) and heat dissipation through mounting on aluminum or metal profiles are optimal. Mounting on the side panels of the KALLAX is practical, provided the strips are compatible and cable management is tidy.
During installation, attention should also be paid to secure and durable connector connections to prevent loose contacts.
From my perspective, this approach offers a professional and safe solution.
Regarding heat and reflection aspects: LEDs in the form of SMD strips generate low heat, which under normal operating conditions poses no risk to MDF or painted surfaces. Caution is advised with higher-power COB LEDs or stronger light sources.
The reflective effect of painted surfaces is generally desirable, as it diffuses light and creates a cozy indirect lighting. A matte finish is better suited than high gloss to avoid glare.
In summary: LED strips with approximately 4.8 to 14.4 W/m (1.5 to 4.4 W/ft) and heat dissipation through mounting on aluminum or metal profiles are optimal. Mounting on the side panels of the KALLAX is practical, provided the strips are compatible and cable management is tidy.
During installation, attention should also be paid to secure and durable connector connections to prevent loose contacts.
From my perspective, this approach offers a professional and safe solution.
Similar topics