ᐅ How do I build Ikea Besta with LED accent lighting?

LED aluminum profiles also work well with Ikea Besta units. They can be mounted lengthwise along the edge, providing diffuse and even lighting. Additionally, they protect the LEDs from dust and impact.

RON57 schrieb:
You should really avoid bending the strips at the edges, as this damages the LEDs.

Thank you, a tip like that is very helpful. What about the length? Should you solder multiple strips together or is it better to use individual ones? Does power supply become an issue with longer strips?

ixpalu schrieb:
What about the length? Should you solder multiple strips together or use separate ones? Does the power supply cause issues with longer strips?

This is an important question. Generally, LED strips come in 5-meter (16 feet) rolls, but it’s better to divide long strips into shorter sections because voltage drop occurs at the end of very long strips. Soldering is a reliable method for making connections, but be aware that the more connection points you have, the higher the risk of faults. Alternatively, you can use connectors. The power supply should be sized to deliver enough current — it’s best to calculate the total power consumption in watts (LEDs × current draw) and then choose a power supply with a 20-30% margin. Using multiple feed points can also help prevent voltage drop.

Joe52 schrieb:
Cable management can be really frustrating if you’re too relaxed about it, because the whole setup can quickly look messy or cause problems when opening doors.

That’s absolutely true, I underestimated it myself as well. I used cable ties and flexible cable ducts to keep everything neatly secured. Additionally, small labels at the end of the cables help distinguish individual wires, which is useful if maintenance is needed later. This saves a lot of time and hassle.