ᐅ How can I customize IKEA BESTA into an open shelving unit with LED lighting?
Created on: 12 Aug 2023 09:24
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JuanjaHello everyone, I want to convert my IKEA BESTÅ system into an open shelving unit and integrate LED lighting. My goal is to remove the fronts to make the shelving look more open and airy, while equipping each compartment with subtle LED lighting. It is important to me that the LEDs are installed neatly—meaning, for example, no visible tangled cables and ideally with a transformer integrated into the furniture. Does anyone have experience with the best way to approach this? Which LED strips work particularly well for furniture like this, how should I connect them, and what should I keep in mind regarding power supply and heat generation? Additionally, I’m wondering whether it’s better to install the LED strips on the inside of the sides or on the back panel, and how to wire everything to avoid problems during use later on. Looking forward to tips, tricks, and possibly experiences with specific products!
Hello Juanja, your project is technically feasible but requires careful planning. For installing LED lighting in an open BESTÅ shelving unit, I would recommend the following:
- Choose LED strips with a warm white color temperature (2700 to 3000 K), as they produce a pleasant light that works well in living areas.
- Make sure the LED strips are self-adhesive and have an adequate IP rating (at least IP20), since they will be integrated into the furniture and must not get wet.
- To avoid cable clutter, it is advisable to attach the LED strips to the sides of the inner carcasses or side panels. The back panel of the BESTÅ is often thin and needed for stability, so side mounting is usually better.
- For power supply, use a small, flat 12V transformer, ideally with a remote control for dimming or color changing if desired.
- Secure cables with cable channels or clips to prevent them from hanging loose and interfering when using the cabinets.
Do you already know how many BESTÅ modules you plan to modify? And do you want to control the LED strip on each level separately or via a single circuit? This will affect the wiring and choice of control system.
- Choose LED strips with a warm white color temperature (2700 to 3000 K), as they produce a pleasant light that works well in living areas.
- Make sure the LED strips are self-adhesive and have an adequate IP rating (at least IP20), since they will be integrated into the furniture and must not get wet.
- To avoid cable clutter, it is advisable to attach the LED strips to the sides of the inner carcasses or side panels. The back panel of the BESTÅ is often thin and needed for stability, so side mounting is usually better.
- For power supply, use a small, flat 12V transformer, ideally with a remote control for dimming or color changing if desired.
- Secure cables with cable channels or clips to prevent them from hanging loose and interfering when using the cabinets.
Do you already know how many BESTÅ modules you plan to modify? And do you want to control the LED strip on each level separately or via a single circuit? This will affect the wiring and choice of control system.
Wow, that sounds like a really exciting project! 😄 I once installed LEDs in a similar shelf, and it looks fantastic – very modern yet cozy at the same time. It’s really important to stay flexible with the wiring; otherwise, it can become annoying later when cleaning or if you want to rearrange something.
A small tip: I used RGB LED strips with a remote control, which makes the shelf a real eye-catcher! And if you want to change anything later, you can, for example, adjust the colors or dim the lights.
Good luck – I’m looking forward to updates from you!
A small tip: I used RGB LED strips with a remote control, which makes the shelf a real eye-catcher! And if you want to change anything later, you can, for example, adjust the colors or dim the lights.
Good luck – I’m looking forward to updates from you!
Regarding installation, I recommend carefully measuring before the renovation and laying out the LED strips dry to determine the correct lengths. Most LED strips can be cut in 5cm (2-inch) segments, which makes adjusting them much easier.
I also suggest using regulated power supplies to avoid voltage spikes, which can extend the lifespan of the LEDs. For mounting along edges, aluminum profiles designed for LED strips are ideal, as they not only simplify installation but also improve heat dissipation, resulting in longer LED life.
Have you considered how you want to conceal the power supply? I would always try to route it on the back of the furniture or inside cable channels to keep the appearance clean.
I also suggest using regulated power supplies to avoid voltage spikes, which can extend the lifespan of the LEDs. For mounting along edges, aluminum profiles designed for LED strips are ideal, as they not only simplify installation but also improve heat dissipation, resulting in longer LED life.
Have you considered how you want to conceal the power supply? I would always try to route it on the back of the furniture or inside cable channels to keep the appearance clean.
It’s interesting that so many people rely on LED strips – I’m always a bit skeptical about whether they might quickly end up looking cheap. The appeal of BESTÅ also lies in its clear and simple design language, and there’s a risk that LEDs could actually spoil that.
Maybe it’s worth considering classic light sources like small, discreet recessed spotlights, which can be positioned precisely and, when needed, clearly offer better light quality and direction. Of course, this approach requires more effort and costs more, but in my opinion, the result is also more refined.
What do you think – is LED lighting really the best choice for the open BESTÅ, or is it more of a trendy gimmick?
Maybe it’s worth considering classic light sources like small, discreet recessed spotlights, which can be positioned precisely and, when needed, clearly offer better light quality and direction. Of course, this approach requires more effort and costs more, but in my opinion, the result is also more refined.
What do you think – is LED lighting really the best choice for the open BESTÅ, or is it more of a trendy gimmick?
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