ᐅ How can I add lighting to Ikea BRIMNES shelves?

Hello everyone,

I am considering adding suitable lighting to my Ikea Brimnes shelves and wanted to ask here for any experiences and specific tips.

My goal is to illuminate the shelves so that the contents are clearly visible without the light source being too dominant or disturbing. I especially want to achieve even lighting of the shelves, ideally with a simple way to switch the lights on and off.

Does anyone know good solutions that are easy to install and also visually integrate well with the design of the BRIMNES furniture? My limitation is that I don’t want to run cables through the shelves, so either wireless LEDs or solutions with hidden cable management.

I look forward to concrete suggestions, preferably including advice on dimmability, power supply, and any recommended products that work particularly well.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Jannisto,

For your project, I recommend using LED light strips, as they are easy to install along the shelves and provide even illumination.

The following tips may be helpful:
- Choose LED strips with a self-adhesive backing to simplify installation.
- Opt for a warm color temperature (2700–3000 K) to create a cozy atmosphere.
- To hide cables on the shelves, you can route them through designated channels or secure them with cable clips along the edges.
- For cordless use, battery-operated LED strips are an option; they often come with a remote control, but installation can be a bit more involved, especially if frequent battery changes are inconvenient.

Dimmable models are available and useful if you want to adjust the brightness. For wired options, make sure there is a power outlet nearby.

An easy alternative is LED modules or spotlights with motion sensors, which you can mount on the side of the shelves if you want to light up individual compartments only.

I installed thin LED strips in my BRIMNES shelves, which I power with a 12V power supply. I routed the cables along the groove at the back, so they are barely visible.

Jannisto schrieb:
I mainly want to achieve even lighting of the shelves, ideally with a simple way to turn the lighting on and off.

If simplicity is the main focus, I recommend LED light strips with a wireless remote control or a switch.

Battery-operated is fine if used infrequently. Otherwise, use mains power and hide the cables, for example behind the back panels of the shelves.

RAFAEL schrieb:
Dimmable models are available and useful if you want to adjust the brightness.

I can only agree with that! I installed smart LED strips myself that can be dimmed via an app and even change colors. Admittedly, with BRIMNES it looks pretty stylish and really creates a nice atmosphere in the room. Of course, this is only for those willing to invest a bit more.

Otherwise, make sure that the LED strips are not too thick. Shelves often have very little space at the back panel. LEDs with a low profile are really valuable there.

And one more thing: battery-operated LEDs are very practical if you don’t want to install wiring, but you should regularly check the batteries—otherwise the light show will eventually go out. 😉

In addition to the previous suggestions, I recommend paying attention to the mounting methods. Flexible LED strips with adhesive backing work well for the BRIMNES shelves, but it’s better to stick them onto dust- and grease-free surfaces to ensure lasting adhesion.

For the power supply: Planning the cable routing in advance is advisable. Ideally, cables can be hidden behind the furniture. It might be possible to attach a slim cable duct behind the back panel of the shelves to keep the wiring neat.

Alternatively, LED puck lights with self-adhesive backing, usually battery-operated, are suitable. These are easier to install but often do not provide even light distribution, instead creating light spots.

In summary: For even illumination, LED strips powered by mains electricity with tidy cable management are preferred; for flexible and minimally invasive solutions, battery-operated lights are more suitable.