ᐅ How can IKEA PLATSA shelving units be better illuminated in dark rooms?

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased IKEA Platsa shelving units for my home office, but I’m facing the issue that the room is quite dark, so the shelves don’t really stand out.

My question is: What options are there to better illuminate PLATSA shelves in dark rooms without completely renovating the space or buying expensive specialized lighting? I’m especially interested in solutions that can be nicely integrated into the shelving design, and practical tips regarding the choice of light color and positioning of the light sources would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

The easiest option is LED strips that can be directly attached underneath the shelves. This allows you to illuminate each compartment individually. You can choose warm white for a cozy lighting effect.

I recommend dimmable LED panels or spotlights that can be mounted on interior walls. This way, you can avoid shadows and adjust the light intensity.

It should also be considered that simply adding extra lighting does not always solve the problem when the room is generally very dark. It is important to take the overall impression into account – such as wall colors, light sources, and reflections. Why not choose a combination of indirect lighting in the room and targeted shelf lighting? Lighting only the shelves can sometimes have a counterproductive effect.

Thanks for the initial suggestions!

@difepeo: Your point is important; I had overlooked the room lighting so far because I mainly want to work at the shelf.

Currently, the wall color is dark, which limits light reflection. Would it make sense to install some kind of light strip along the top edge of the shelf in addition to the LED strips on the shelves? I imagine the light would gently shine down into the compartments from above.

Yes, exactly, an LED strip on top of the shelf can make a big difference. Be careful with the color temperature: 3000 Kelvin (5432°F) creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, while 4000 Kelvin (7232°F) appears cooler and more neutral. It depends on the effect you want.