ᐅ How can I add integrated lighting to my Ikea BESTA furniture?

Hello everyone,

Some time ago, I assembled a few Ikea Besta units and now I’m considering how to add integrated lighting to them. My main goal is to have lighting that looks discreet and smart, meaning it should be installed subtly inside the cabinet without requiring major modifications afterwards.

I’ve heard about LED strips that can be mounted in the shelves and also about switchable light bars that can be controlled by remote or even by an app. However, I’m not very familiar with the electrical side of things, especially regarding wiring and power supply.

Therefore, my question is: What are the specific options for upgrading Ikea BESTA furniture with discreet, integrated lighting? What types of LEDs are suitable, how can the power supply be handled unobtrusively, and what should I be careful about during installation to avoid damaging the furniture or compromising safety?

I appreciate any tips, experiences, or recommendations!

I would recommend LED strips that you attach inside the shelf using double-sided tape. For power supply, you can either use a plug-in power adapter or opt for USB-based LEDs. It is important to plan the wiring in advance to ensure nothing is visibly exposed.

To expand your Ikea BESTA furniture with integrated lighting, I recommend using 12V LED strips, ideally with a color temperature between 2700K and 4000K, as these produce a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

For power supply, a 12V power adapter with sufficient capacity is necessary, which can often be discreetly installed inside the furniture behind a back panel or within a cable duct.

Make sure to use LED strips with an appropriate IP rating if moisture is a concern. Wiring should be properly routed and secured to prevent damage.

Switches and controls (e.g., dimmers or remote controls) can also be easily installed in or on the furniture.

Hello Gukilu,

I read your question about integrated lighting in BESTA furniture and would like to give you a brief guide.

1. Lighting Planning: Consider whether you want just accent lighting, for example behind glass or under shelves, or general lighting. This will determine how many LED strips you need and their length.

2. Choice of LEDs: Flexible 12V LED strips are ideal. They are easy to cut, dimmable, and available in different colors.

3. Power Supply: A 12V power adapter is required. Ikea itself offers power supplies with plugs for some systems, which you can hide behind the furniture. Sometimes a nearby outlet is enough.

4. Installation: Use the self-adhesive tape on the back of the LED strips. Make sure the surface is really free of dust and grease to ensure good adhesion.

5. Wiring and Safety: Route cables preferably in cable channels or secure them with tape. Connectors should be stable. For safety, do not cover power supplies and pay attention to the maximum load capacity of the LEDs and power adapters.

6. Control: If you want smart control, you can use LED strips with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi control. Make sure to consider good signal reception when installing.

In conclusion: Avoid 230V installations inside the furniture – this can be dangerous and is not recommended.

Hope this helps!

fredle schrieb:
Stay away from 230V installations inside furniture; it can be dangerous and is not recommended.

I generally agree with this, but I see the statement a bit more nuanced: It depends on who performs the work. A qualified electrician can indeed integrate safe 230V solutions into furniture that comply with safety standards. For non-professionals, however, this is definitely off-limits.

Additionally, the question arises whether it might be better to switch entirely to low-voltage options, as these are more flexible in terms of placement and pose less risk in case of faults. The argument of "safety" should therefore be considered in context.

SETHBLA schrieb:
I would recommend LED strips that you attach inside the shelf using double-sided tape.

Thanks for the start! That sounds like a practical solution. I'm particularly interested in whether these LED strips can also provide warmer light – I often find that the artificial look of LEDs can be an issue.

Dopoki schrieb:
Make sure to use LED strips with a sufficient IP rating if moisture is a factor.

Regarding moisture: The furniture is in the living room, which is usually dry. Do I really need an IP rating there, or is a standard product enough?

And regarding safety: What exactly makes 230V so risky? I’m not using main electrical wiring, but thought I could manage this safely with power adapters. Are there any catch points?