Hello everyone,
I am planning to get an Ikea Platsa shelving unit and would like to add lighting to it afterward. My specific question is: How can I retrofit Ikea PLATSA shelves with lighting without significantly changing the design, using a simple but effective system?
I am open to suggestions regarding the type of lighting (e.g., LED strips, spotlights), the best way to route the wiring, and what to watch out for to ensure the fixture operates safely while keeping installation effort minimal.
Since I don't have much experience with electrical work, a clear instruction guide or tips for safe solutions would be very helpful. Are there any specific product guidelines or known kits that work well with PLATSA?
I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
I am planning to get an Ikea Platsa shelving unit and would like to add lighting to it afterward. My specific question is: How can I retrofit Ikea PLATSA shelves with lighting without significantly changing the design, using a simple but effective system?
I am open to suggestions regarding the type of lighting (e.g., LED strips, spotlights), the best way to route the wiring, and what to watch out for to ensure the fixture operates safely while keeping installation effort minimal.
Since I don't have much experience with electrical work, a clear instruction guide or tips for safe solutions would be very helpful. Are there any specific product guidelines or known kits that work well with PLATSA?
I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
Hello emingu,
very good question! Retrofitting lighting in PLATSA shelves is technically quite feasible and more popular than you might think. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide and what you should keep in mind:
- First: Decide whether you want a mains-powered solution (with a power connection) or battery-operated lighting. Battery solutions are easier to install but are usually less bright and require more maintenance.
- For a mains-powered solution, I recommend LED strips with 12V or 24V DC, such as the common 12V LED strips. They are energy-efficient and can often be connected with suitable plugs.
- Next, check where cables can be hidden and how they can be routed. PLATSA has some space behind the carcass for cable channels; often it helps not to fully close the back panel or to create small cable openings.
- Most LED strips can be operated with an external power supply, which is usually installed outside the shelving unit.
- For convenient operation, it’s best to add a switch or a remote control.
- The tools you will need are just a cordless drill/driver, possibly a drill for cable openings, tape, and a multimeter for verification.
- Safety comes first: power supplies should comply with standards, especially if you plan a permanent installation.
Would you like more detailed information on which switch or LED strip I recommend? Or how to best route cables in PLATSA?
very good question! Retrofitting lighting in PLATSA shelves is technically quite feasible and more popular than you might think. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide and what you should keep in mind:
- First: Decide whether you want a mains-powered solution (with a power connection) or battery-operated lighting. Battery solutions are easier to install but are usually less bright and require more maintenance.
- For a mains-powered solution, I recommend LED strips with 12V or 24V DC, such as the common 12V LED strips. They are energy-efficient and can often be connected with suitable plugs.
- Next, check where cables can be hidden and how they can be routed. PLATSA has some space behind the carcass for cable channels; often it helps not to fully close the back panel or to create small cable openings.
- Most LED strips can be operated with an external power supply, which is usually installed outside the shelving unit.
- For convenient operation, it’s best to add a switch or a remote control.
- The tools you will need are just a cordless drill/driver, possibly a drill for cable openings, tape, and a multimeter for verification.
- Safety comes first: power supplies should comply with standards, especially if you plan a permanent installation.
Would you like more detailed information on which switch or LED strip I recommend? Or how to best route cables in PLATSA?
Domau0 schrieb:
Retrofitting lighting in PLATSA shelves is technically quite feasible and more popular than you might think.Exactly, I agree! And hey, good lighting for your shelves not only makes the furniture look better but also makes the whole room cozier. 😊
My tip: LED strips with warm white light are great because they don’t appear too harsh. You can stick them inside on the back panel of the shelf or under each individual shelf level—whichever you prefer.
And don’t worry about cable clutter: there are self-adhesive cable channels you can easily attach on the side or back, keeping everything looking neat.
Also, motion sensors can be really cool—shelves open, the light turns on. Super convenient when you don’t want to fumble with a switch in the evening.
Have fun with your project!
Domau0 schrieb:
First, decide whether you want a mains-powered solution (connected to the grid) or battery-operated lighting. Battery options are easier to install but are usually less bright and require more maintenance.This is an important point. I would also add that the power supply should ideally be sized appropriately to avoid shortening the LED lifespan.
Additionally, I recommend choosing LED strips with a good color rendering index (CRI >80) so that the colors of your shelf contents appear natural.
For installation: The adhesive strips provided with the LED strips stuck very well to the smooth back panel of the PLATSA unit in my case. However, if your back panel has a textured surface, additional hot glue or mounting rails can be helpful.
Considering the integration of dimmers is also worthwhile, allowing you to adjust the lighting as needed.
KNUTGI schrieb:
And don’t worry about tangled cables: there are self-adhesive cable channels you can easily attach to the side or back – this keeps everything looking quite neat.Thanks, that sounds good! Do you happen to have any tips on how to best run the cable to an outlet behind a wall or long piece of furniture? I was afraid that you might have to break open walls or something like that.
Domau0 schrieb:
Would you like more detailed information about which switch or LED strip I recommend? Or how to best route cables inside a PLATSA unit?Yes, please, I would appreciate specific product recommendations or a more detailed guide on how to hide the cables and control the lighting.
Would it also make sense to power the system via USB? Are there LED systems that work with USB, which might offer more flexibility?
M
Matthewt4819 Jun 2022 09:17Hello emingu,
Your project can be perfectly realized with LED strips, which can often be powered easily via USB – for example, with a simple USB power adapter.
It is important to pay attention to the voltage: USB typically supplies 5 volts. There are many 5V LED strips that you can connect directly to a USB power adapter. These are compact, usually come with a remote control, and can be well concealed.
Regarding cable management: For longer distances, I recommend running the cables behind the shelving or through the panels. Small holes are often already pre-drilled or can be carefully drilled without compromising stability.
It is also very practical to have a power outlet near the shelving – this saves you from using long cables. Otherwise, cable ducts, as already suggested, are helpful.
A tip: Be sure to note the voltage and power consumption of your LED strips to avoid any overload or voltage drop.
I can also gladly recommend specific models if you share your intended use and measurements.
Your project can be perfectly realized with LED strips, which can often be powered easily via USB – for example, with a simple USB power adapter.
It is important to pay attention to the voltage: USB typically supplies 5 volts. There are many 5V LED strips that you can connect directly to a USB power adapter. These are compact, usually come with a remote control, and can be well concealed.
Regarding cable management: For longer distances, I recommend running the cables behind the shelving or through the panels. Small holes are often already pre-drilled or can be carefully drilled without compromising stability.
It is also very practical to have a power outlet near the shelving – this saves you from using long cables. Otherwise, cable ducts, as already suggested, are helpful.
A tip: Be sure to note the voltage and power consumption of your LED strips to avoid any overload or voltage drop.
I can also gladly recommend specific models if you share your intended use and measurements.
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