ᐅ Are there integrated lighting options available for Ikea PLATSA?
Created on: 23 Apr 2021 18:07
L
LjuboHello everyone,
I am currently planning my new shelving system with Ikea Platsa and came across the topic of lighting. Since I find integrated lighting for PLATSA very practical, I wanted to ask: Are there any specially adapted integrated lighting options for the PLATSA system, either from Ikea itself or from third-party suppliers?
I am particularly interested in solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into the modules—that is, no external lamps, but built-in light sources that can ideally also be connected to the Ikea TRÅDFRI system or similar smart controls.
If so, which products would you recommend, and are there any special tips for installation or wiring?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
I am currently planning my new shelving system with Ikea Platsa and came across the topic of lighting. Since I find integrated lighting for PLATSA very practical, I wanted to ask: Are there any specially adapted integrated lighting options for the PLATSA system, either from Ikea itself or from third-party suppliers?
I am particularly interested in solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into the modules—that is, no external lamps, but built-in light sources that can ideally also be connected to the Ikea TRÅDFRI system or similar smart controls.
If so, which products would you recommend, and are there any special tips for installation or wiring?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello Ljubo,
Basically, Ikea does not offer officially integrated lighting elements specifically designed for the PLATSA system. Most Ikea lighting solutions are modular and can generally be integrated into furniture, but they are not directly customized for PLATSA modules.
Some users use Ikea TRÅDFRI products, which can be connected to smart home systems, but these are mostly designed as individual lamps or light strips that need to be attached separately inside the shelves. These are usually LED strips that can be fixed to the interior walls using double-sided tape.
If you are looking for a neatly integrated and wired solution, this is more of a DIY project or requires third-party suppliers offering compatible LED modules for PLATSA. In that case, I would pay special attention to the quality of the LEDs as well as the size and connectors to ensure easy installation.
Hope this helps you already.
Basically, Ikea does not offer officially integrated lighting elements specifically designed for the PLATSA system. Most Ikea lighting solutions are modular and can generally be integrated into furniture, but they are not directly customized for PLATSA modules.
Some users use Ikea TRÅDFRI products, which can be connected to smart home systems, but these are mostly designed as individual lamps or light strips that need to be attached separately inside the shelves. These are usually LED strips that can be fixed to the interior walls using double-sided tape.
If you are looking for a neatly integrated and wired solution, this is more of a DIY project or requires third-party suppliers offering compatible LED modules for PLATSA. In that case, I would pay special attention to the quality of the LEDs as well as the size and connectors to ensure easy installation.
Hope this helps you already.
Hello Ljubo,
I largely agree with Gregory’s points but would like to go into more detail, especially regarding the technical feasibility and possible challenges when installing integrated lighting in PLATSA.
The PLATSA system is modular, with internal frames made of metal and wood particleboard, which makes mounting integrated lighting easier but can also cause issues with cable routing. Important points are:
- Power supply: PLATSA modules do not have pre-installed channels for cables. You need to organize the power yourself and carefully plan where the cables will run to keep them hidden and safe.
- Light source: 12-volt LED strips are best suited because they produce little heat, are efficient, and can be easily powered by suitable power supplies.
- Mounting: Many users use self-adhesive LED strips, but for painted or rough surfaces, additional preparation (e.g., cleaning, degreasing) is necessary to ensure a secure hold.
- Control: Integrating Ikea TRÅDFRI is possible but requires a TRÅDFRI gateway and compatible LEDs. The standard Ikea LED strips usually fit, but the length may need to be adjusted.
I recommend measuring precisely before purchase and, if necessary, using flexible cable conduits to keep cables neatly concealed. For smart lighting, it’s also important to check the compatibility of power supplies and controllers.
How advanced are your DIY skills? Are you planning to do the entire installation yourself, or would you prefer ready-made solutions?
I largely agree with Gregory’s points but would like to go into more detail, especially regarding the technical feasibility and possible challenges when installing integrated lighting in PLATSA.
The PLATSA system is modular, with internal frames made of metal and wood particleboard, which makes mounting integrated lighting easier but can also cause issues with cable routing. Important points are:
- Power supply: PLATSA modules do not have pre-installed channels for cables. You need to organize the power yourself and carefully plan where the cables will run to keep them hidden and safe.
- Light source: 12-volt LED strips are best suited because they produce little heat, are efficient, and can be easily powered by suitable power supplies.
- Mounting: Many users use self-adhesive LED strips, but for painted or rough surfaces, additional preparation (e.g., cleaning, degreasing) is necessary to ensure a secure hold.
- Control: Integrating Ikea TRÅDFRI is possible but requires a TRÅDFRI gateway and compatible LEDs. The standard Ikea LED strips usually fit, but the length may need to be adjusted.
I recommend measuring precisely before purchase and, if necessary, using flexible cable conduits to keep cables neatly concealed. For smart lighting, it’s also important to check the compatibility of power supplies and controllers.
How advanced are your DIY skills? Are you planning to do the entire installation yourself, or would you prefer ready-made solutions?
kibutar schrieb:
How skilled are you with DIY tasks? Are you planning to do everything yourself or would you prefer ready-made solutions?Thanks for the detailed information, kibutar. I would say I’m reasonably handy, but I don’t have much experience with electrical work. So, I could install an LED strip and connect a power supply, but I want to avoid anything that’s unsafe or too complicated.
What I’m looking for is a solution that is as safe and easy to install as possible, ideally one that can be connected and smart-controlled, without needing to do much soldering or hide exposed wires.
I have considered using individual TRÅDFRI components, but they don’t offer the option to integrate the lighting discreetly and nicely within the cabinet. Are there any suitable sets available for third-party LED strips that are designed specifically to fit PLATSA or similar furniture with matching interior dimensions?
I’m open to any tips that offer this kind of modularity.
M
Matthewt4824 Apr 2021 11:46Hello Ljubo,
I have installed integrated lighting in PLATSA shelves myself and can share my personal experience. There is no official Ikea solution for what you’re looking for, but I have found good alternatives:
- You can use flexible LED strips, preferably operating at 12V, for example from the “furniture lighting” range offered by specialized manufacturers. These are often available in various lengths and can be easily cut to size.
- It is important that the LEDs are dimmable and can be connected to a compatible dimmer or smart controller. For Ikea TRÅDFRI, this works well with their gateway and compatible LED strips, which are not directly from Ikea though.
- I attached the LED strips with double-sided tape on the inside of the top shelf so that the light shines from top to bottom. I routed the cables through the back panel. I drilled small holes there and used rubber grommets to lay the cables neatly and safely.
- If you don’t have electrical skills, I definitely recommend not making your own power supply, but rather using ready-made power adapters and controllers compatible with Ikea systems.
If you want, I can gladly send you a list of the products I have had good experiences with so far.
I have installed integrated lighting in PLATSA shelves myself and can share my personal experience. There is no official Ikea solution for what you’re looking for, but I have found good alternatives:
- You can use flexible LED strips, preferably operating at 12V, for example from the “furniture lighting” range offered by specialized manufacturers. These are often available in various lengths and can be easily cut to size.
- It is important that the LEDs are dimmable and can be connected to a compatible dimmer or smart controller. For Ikea TRÅDFRI, this works well with their gateway and compatible LED strips, which are not directly from Ikea though.
- I attached the LED strips with double-sided tape on the inside of the top shelf so that the light shines from top to bottom. I routed the cables through the back panel. I drilled small holes there and used rubber grommets to lay the cables neatly and safely.
- If you don’t have electrical skills, I definitely recommend not making your own power supply, but rather using ready-made power adapters and controllers compatible with Ikea systems.
If you want, I can gladly send you a list of the products I have had good experiences with so far.
Matthewt48 schrieb:
You can use flexible LED strips, preferably operating at 12V (12V), for example from the "furniture lighting" category offered by specialized manufacturers.That sounds very reasonable. 12V (12V) LED strips were also my first idea, but I was unsure whether they might be too bright or too dim.
One more question: How well does the smart control work for you using TRÅDFRI? Were you able to integrate the LED strips into the system without major issues, or did you experience compatibility problems?
Also, were there any special considerations for the power supply, for example how you accommodated the transformer? Platsa modules are quite slim, so wiring can quickly become a space issue.
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