ᐅ Are there options to retrofit BILLY shelves with LED lighting?

Created on: 29 Aug 2016 18:03
M
MARCMAR
Hello everyone, I am currently considering whether there are practical options to retrofit IKEA Billy shelves with LED lights. I am especially interested in whether there are suitable add-on or built-in modules that can be easily installed without affecting the appearance of the shelves or requiring extensive modifications. It is also important to know if such solutions are truly reliable, meaning if the LEDs provide sufficient illumination and how the power supply can be best managed – with batteries or mains electricity. Has anyone had experience with this or can recommend specific products? Thanks in advance for your help!
F
Franz
30 Aug 2016 07:52
I really like how many different approaches are presented here. Just a quick note on the emotional aspect: for me, it was a real relief to add lighting to the bookshelf because I often browsed it in the evening, and the lighting was too dim, which I found uncomfortable.
barge schrieb:
motion sensor-controlled strips are really good

Great idea! Especially if you use the shelf frequently but don’t always want to search for the switch. Of course, the motion sensor should be set so the light isn’t on constantly, as that could become annoying.

I couldn’t find any ready-made IoT modules that are directly compatible with BILLY, but with some modification, it’s all doable. I wish everyone good luck with upgrading!
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BELLA34
30 Aug 2016 08:14
As an addition: LED strips with a 12V power supply are best suited. Indoor installation under the shelves using 3M double-sided tape works well. Power supply is best via a mains plug; batteries do not last long.
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mipau
30 Aug 2016 09:00
A tip for installation: Clean the surface with alcohol before applying. This helps the tape adhere better and prevents the LEDs from falling off quickly.