ᐅ How can I equip Ikea PLATSA furniture with LED lighting?

In addition to the already very good input so far, I would like to highlight three points:

- Cable Routing: For electrical supply, it is advisable to use flat self-adhesive cable ducts that can be discreetly installed on inner surfaces.

- LED Selection: Flexible LED strips with IP20 protection are sufficient if the furniture remains dry inside. For rooms with higher humidity (kitchen, bathroom), it is better to choose IP65.

- Control: For those who do not want a simple on-off solution, smart controllers controlled via app or voice are available.

The challenge with Platsa is often that some parts offer very little internal depth. This means that when installing the LEDs, you should carefully measure and test the thickness of the glued strips beforehand and check whether the back panel can still be mounted without problems.

RIDAN schrieb:
Hi, I would recommend LED strips that you can simply stick onto a back panel.

Sure, that’s the easiest way – but honestly, it’s also quite uninspired and a bit too simple if you think about aesthetics and functionality. There are definitely other options to install LEDs either hidden or as a design feature in PLATSA.

For example, you could consider indirect lighting with continuous LED channels or even programmable RGB strips controlled by a controller that allows color changes, turning the furniture piece into a design statement.

Sometimes it’s more worthwhile to invest a bit more effort and know-how instead of just covering the back panel with LED strips. Just my opinion.

Thanks in advance for the many helpful answers!

To clarify: my PLATSA units are mainly shelving units with doors used as a living room cabinet. I want to install lighting inside the shelves so that the contents are better visible when the doors are opened, while also creating a pleasant atmosphere. The idea of a dimmable system sounds very good.

Could someone share more advice regarding installation precautions? Specifically, I’m concerned about the back panel, which is often quite thin, and whether I can simply stick LED strips there without affecting stability or causing the back panel to warp. Are there alternatives to replace the back panel with a different material or add an extra board to make mounting the LEDs easier?

Also, how have you handled turning the lights on and off in the furniture—using sensors, switches, or manual controls? Looking forward to your ideas!

Tytusron schrieb:
Specifically, I have concerns about the back panel, which is often quite thin, and whether I can simply attach LED strips there without compromising stability or causing the panel to warp.

That is a valid point. The original PLATSA back panels are usually thinner and not designed to bear additional weight.

My recommendation:
- Instead of sticking the LED strips directly onto the original back panel, you can cut a thin MDF board about 3–4 mm (0.1–0.15 inches) thick and place it as an additional back panel in front of the original one. This will hold the adhesive and LEDs well while providing extra stability.
- Alternatively, you can use transparent acrylic sheets to achieve diffusion.
- It is important to secure the wiring and LEDs carefully with medium-strength double-sided tape so that the back panel does not warp or buckle.

Tytusron schrieb:
How have you implemented switching on and off for the furniture? Do you use sensors, switches, or manual control?

Many people use magnetic sensors that switch the LEDs on via a relay or controller when the door is opened. This looks great because the lighting turns on automatically as soon as you open the door.

Manual push buttons or small switches placed under the shelves are also very popular and often simpler to install.

Depending on your budget and technical skills, I can gladly provide you with a list of recommended components.