Hello everyone, I am planning to install interior lighting in my Ikea Pax wardrobe because it is often difficult to find individual clothing items in low light. My question is: What options are available specifically for lighting the inside of an Ikea Pax that are both technically simple and visually unobtrusive? I have already read about LED strips, battery-powered lights, and magnetic lights, but I am unsure which solution is durable and can be integrated well without major modifications. Could you also provide advice on power supply, installation, and possible control options such as motion sensors or switches? Thank you in advance for your tips!
Hi foneo59, your question is really well thought out! There are some great lighting solutions for the Ikea Pax that are quick to install. The most popular are LED strips because they are flexible, use little power, and generate very little heat. I especially recommend LED strips with a self-adhesive backing, which you can easily attach inside on the sides or at the top.
Many people use 12V systems with a small power supply that can be well concealed. Motion sensors are a nice feature here—they automatically turn the light on as soon as the wardrobe is opened. Alternatively, there are affordable battery-powered LED lights with sensors that don’t require wiring, but these usually provide a bit less brightness.
And if you want something a bit more stylish: there are also magnetic LED panels that simply attach to metal strips. This way, you can easily remove them when you need to charge them.
Pretty cool, right? 😊
Many people use 12V systems with a small power supply that can be well concealed. Motion sensors are a nice feature here—they automatically turn the light on as soon as the wardrobe is opened. Alternatively, there are affordable battery-powered LED lights with sensors that don’t require wiring, but these usually provide a bit less brightness.
And if you want something a bit more stylish: there are also magnetic LED panels that simply attach to metal strips. This way, you can easily remove them when you need to charge them.
Pretty cool, right? 😊
Wesley, you mentioned LED strips and motion-activated systems as the best solution. But honestly, aren’t these motion sensors often too sensitive or slow to respond? The simple battery-powered LED option is weaker, but for me, the simplicity and low maintenance outweigh several 12V systems, which also require more installation effort.
Regarding power supply: Is it really practical to use a 230V power adapter for an Ikea Pax? You almost need an electrician for that, at least if you want it done properly.
I’m interested in knowing which alternatives are more cost-effective and safer in the long run, considering both user convenience and effort. Does anyone have reliable comparison information or practical experience?
Regarding power supply: Is it really practical to use a 230V power adapter for an Ikea Pax? You almost need an electrician for that, at least if you want it done properly.
I’m interested in knowing which alternatives are more cost-effective and safer in the long run, considering both user convenience and effort. Does anyone have reliable comparison information or practical experience?
kasan schrieb:
I am therefore interested in which alternatives are more cost-effective and reliable in the long term, considering both ease of use and effort.This is exactly my dilemma as well. I want a solid solution without constant battery replacements, but at the same time no complicated wiring that could damage the furniture or be difficult to remove when moving. Therefore, I am interested in all options that can be installed and adjusted with reasonable effort by oneself, including tips for installation and ways to save costs.
Hello foneo59 and everyone here,
I would like to explain the technical implementation in more detail, as I have installed lighting in several Pax wardrobes myself and tested different systems.
- Fiber optic lighting is hardly practical; LED-based solutions are more common.
- LED strips with 12V (usually 3528 or 5050 LEDs) are energy-efficient, produce little heat, and are very slim. I highly recommend waterproof and dustproof versions, even if they are "only" inside the wardrobe – dust accumulation can reduce their lifespan.
- Power supply can be provided via an external plug-in power adapter, which you can place on the back panel of the wardrobe or underneath the wardrobe floor. Cable management using small cable ducts or clips is advisable to avoid loose wires hanging.
- Motion sensors work well if you install them directly in the door area. Microcontroller-controlled systems even allow programmed delays (e.g., 30 seconds of afterglow).
- For mounting the LED strips, use clean surfaces and sometimes clean them beforehand with alcohol to ensure good adhesion.
- Alternatively, there are self-adhesive battery-powered LED panels with integrated motion sensors, but they are less bright and require regular battery replacement.
I would recommend considering the necessary cable length, possible location for the power supply, and the number of slots for LEDs when planning. If you want to take a closer look: Which exact Pax type do you have (width, height, internal layout)?
That helps to calculate the amount of LEDs and light intensity precisely.
I would like to explain the technical implementation in more detail, as I have installed lighting in several Pax wardrobes myself and tested different systems.
- Fiber optic lighting is hardly practical; LED-based solutions are more common.
- LED strips with 12V (usually 3528 or 5050 LEDs) are energy-efficient, produce little heat, and are very slim. I highly recommend waterproof and dustproof versions, even if they are "only" inside the wardrobe – dust accumulation can reduce their lifespan.
- Power supply can be provided via an external plug-in power adapter, which you can place on the back panel of the wardrobe or underneath the wardrobe floor. Cable management using small cable ducts or clips is advisable to avoid loose wires hanging.
- Motion sensors work well if you install them directly in the door area. Microcontroller-controlled systems even allow programmed delays (e.g., 30 seconds of afterglow).
- For mounting the LED strips, use clean surfaces and sometimes clean them beforehand with alcohol to ensure good adhesion.
- Alternatively, there are self-adhesive battery-powered LED panels with integrated motion sensors, but they are less bright and require regular battery replacement.
I would recommend considering the necessary cable length, possible location for the power supply, and the number of slots for LEDs when planning. If you want to take a closer look: Which exact Pax type do you have (width, height, internal layout)?
That helps to calculate the amount of LEDs and light intensity precisely.
If you need a quick solution: LED strips with motion sensors and USB power supply. They are easy to hide and modular.
For sustainable solutions: wired 12V LEDs with a fixed power supply are more practical.
Battery-powered lights are only recommended for small, rarely used cabinets.
For sustainable solutions: wired 12V LEDs with a fixed power supply are more practical.
Battery-powered lights are only recommended for small, rarely used cabinets.
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