ᐅ How can I upgrade Ikea HEMNES furniture with built-in LED lights?
Created on: 13 May 2024 10:07
T
TaritarHello everyone, I would like to upgrade my Ikea Hemnes furniture with built-in LED lights to create a modern and functional lighting solution. Specifically, I’m interested in options that allow for a clean installation with minimal effort, such as LED spotlights or slim LED panels that can be recessed into the existing shelves or surfaces.
It is also important for me to understand the best way to route the power supply without it looking messy, and which light sources are compatible or particularly well suited. Does anyone have experience with this or any tips on which types of built-in LED lights work especially well with HEMNES?
Additional advice on tools like dimmers or controls is also welcome, as long as they can be installed without complicated technology. Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions!
It is also important for me to understand the best way to route the power supply without it looking messy, and which light sources are compatible or particularly well suited. Does anyone have experience with this or any tips on which types of built-in LED lights work especially well with HEMNES?
Additional advice on tools like dimmers or controls is also welcome, as long as they can be installed without complicated technology. Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions!
Hello Taritar,
I would recommend approaching the installation in three steps:
- Step 1: Choose the appropriate LED recessed lights. Pay attention to the dimensions and installation depth, as space is limited, especially with HEMNES despite its sturdy wooden construction.
- Step 2: Pre-drill and, if necessary, rout the installation openings. A hole saw matching the LED size is recommended.
- Step 3: Cable routing and power supply. It helps to run the cables along the existing joints and edges and to place a small 12V power supply unit in one of the lower compartments.
Tip: Use dimmable 12V LEDs with a compatible dimmer to create a pleasant atmosphere. Also, make sure the lights do not get hot to avoid damaging the wood.
I would recommend approaching the installation in three steps:
- Step 1: Choose the appropriate LED recessed lights. Pay attention to the dimensions and installation depth, as space is limited, especially with HEMNES despite its sturdy wooden construction.
- Step 2: Pre-drill and, if necessary, rout the installation openings. A hole saw matching the LED size is recommended.
- Step 3: Cable routing and power supply. It helps to run the cables along the existing joints and edges and to place a small 12V power supply unit in one of the lower compartments.
Tip: Use dimmable 12V LEDs with a compatible dimmer to create a pleasant atmosphere. Also, make sure the lights do not get hot to avoid damaging the wood.
Hello Taritar,
I think it’s important to clarify first what purpose the LED recessed lights in your HEMNES should serve: Are you mainly looking for accent lighting, practical task lighting, or decorative mood lighting?
From my own experience, flat LED panels often work very well because they can be installed flush and require little depth. You can easily mount them on the shelves or even attach them underneath the shelving boards.
Regarding power supply, I recommend using 12V LED systems as they are safer and easier to wire. You can run the cables behind the furniture or use small cable ducts that are almost invisible.
For dimmable options: Wireless or IR dimmers often work well and can be plugged into the socket for convenient control—perfect if your furniture is placed in an open area.
I’m happy to answer any detailed questions if you want!
I think it’s important to clarify first what purpose the LED recessed lights in your HEMNES should serve: Are you mainly looking for accent lighting, practical task lighting, or decorative mood lighting?
From my own experience, flat LED panels often work very well because they can be installed flush and require little depth. You can easily mount them on the shelves or even attach them underneath the shelving boards.
Regarding power supply, I recommend using 12V LED systems as they are safer and easier to wire. You can run the cables behind the furniture or use small cable ducts that are almost invisible.
For dimmable options: Wireless or IR dimmers often work well and can be plugged into the socket for convenient control—perfect if your furniture is placed in an open area.
I’m happy to answer any detailed questions if you want!
Thanks in advance for the helpful answers!
@Jensson: Your structured approach is very helpful. Now I would like to know if, based on your experience, you can recommend an LED recessed light that fits precisely and looks discreet in the relatively thin shelves of HEMNES?
Regarding installation, I am somewhat concerned about the stability of the shelves after cutouts. How do you handle this?
@Ramon4: Your question about functionality is good – primarily, I want the lights for accent lighting to highlight individual shelves effectively. Decorative mood lighting is also a nice bonus.
Does anyone have tips on which LED color temperature (warm white, neutral white) works best here or what suits HEMNES well?
@Jensson: Your structured approach is very helpful. Now I would like to know if, based on your experience, you can recommend an LED recessed light that fits precisely and looks discreet in the relatively thin shelves of HEMNES?
Regarding installation, I am somewhat concerned about the stability of the shelves after cutouts. How do you handle this?
@Ramon4: Your question about functionality is good – primarily, I want the lights for accent lighting to highlight individual shelves effectively. Decorative mood lighting is also a nice bonus.
Does anyone have tips on which LED color temperature (warm white, neutral white) works best here or what suits HEMNES well?
Hello Taritar,
For wooden shelves like those in HEMNES, I strongly recommend shallow LED spotlights with a low installation depth, ideally under 20 mm (0.8 inches). This minimizes any impact on stability.
Regarding stability: It is often sufficient to mill or cut the hole for the LED with a hole saw without breaking all the way through. This keeps the shelf sturdy enough for typical loads.
About color temperature: Warm white (around 2700 to 3000 K) is, in my opinion, the best choice for furniture in living spaces as it creates a warm, inviting light. Neutral white can sometimes feel too cool but works well if you prefer a more functional, clear illumination.
For concealed wiring, there are very fine cables available that you can hide behind edges without affecting the appearance. When installing, be careful not to put tension on the cables.
For wooden shelves like those in HEMNES, I strongly recommend shallow LED spotlights with a low installation depth, ideally under 20 mm (0.8 inches). This minimizes any impact on stability.
Regarding stability: It is often sufficient to mill or cut the hole for the LED with a hole saw without breaking all the way through. This keeps the shelf sturdy enough for typical loads.
About color temperature: Warm white (around 2700 to 3000 K) is, in my opinion, the best choice for furniture in living spaces as it creates a warm, inviting light. Neutral white can sometimes feel too cool but works well if you prefer a more functional, clear illumination.
For concealed wiring, there are very fine cables available that you can hide behind edges without affecting the appearance. When installing, be careful not to put tension on the cables.
Similar topics