ᐅ How can I build an open shelving unit using IKEA Besta with integrated lighting?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to build an open shelving unit using IKEA Besta modules and want to integrate lighting into it. My main question is: How can I modify the IKEA Besta to make it look open (so without doors and back panel) while installing subtle yet effective lighting? I am especially interested in advice on choosing the lighting (LED strips, spotlights, etc.), wiring without visible cables, and how to mount the lights within the Besta system.

Has anyone had experience with this or even a construction guide on the best way to do it? It is especially important to me that it looks neat and that the shelf retains its sturdy structure.

Thank you very much for your tips!

Hey wanja69,

I’m familiar with this issue because I built something similar myself a while ago. It’s definitely a challenge to keep the unit looking open, since the back panel and doors usually add stability. I simply removed the back panel and instead installed small corner brackets that are hardly noticeable to maintain stability.

Regarding lighting: LED strips work great because they are flexible and can be easily attached with double-sided tape. I mounted them on the inside top, providing indirect light to the shelves. I routed the wiring through cable channels behind the unit—yes, it takes some fiddling. But with cable ties and clips, the cables end up almost invisible.

What concerned me a bit was the power supply, since I didn’t want everything exposed. I hid a power supply nearby. It’s important that you consider power consumption and controls before installing the LED strips. I used a remote control to adjust the brightness.

Hopefully, this gives you a starting point. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Alberto51 schrieb:
LED strips work great because they are flexible and can be easily attached with double-sided tape.

This matches my recommendation: LED strips are the most practical choice for this kind of application.

To open the Besta system, I suggest removing the back panel and adding extra support battens or corner brackets together with screws. This ensures the necessary structural stability.

For wiring:
- Use cable channels along the back.
- Keep cables bundled as much as possible.
- Avoid visible cables inside the open compartments.

For power supply, small, flat power adapters are also suitable and can be placed, for example, behind or under the furniture piece.

The most important thing: before installation, the maximum load capacity of the shelves with lighting should be considered, especially when LED drivers or power adapters are installed.

For stability: omit the back panel, stabilize with corner brackets or targeted screws.

Attach LED strips inside at the top using adhesive tape. Hide cables in cable ducts.

Place the power supply near or under the shelf.

REOHEINRIC schrieb:
Regarding wiring:
- Use cable channels along the back.
- Bundle the cables as much as possible.
- Avoid visible cables inside the open compartments.

Thanks for the tip—I hadn’t considered cable channels before. My concern was whether the back panel is necessary to hide the cables. If I leave out the back panel, is it still realistic to manage the cable routing discreetly?

Alberto51 schrieb:
I simply removed the back panel and instead installed small corner brackets, which are hardly noticeable, to provide stability.

How exactly did you attach the brackets? On the inside or outside? And which screws would you recommend to keep the shelf stable and prevent wobbling?

One more thing: Does the lighting make the shelf noticeably warmer? Are there any precautions I should take regarding heat generation from the LEDs in an open shelving unit?

Looking forward to your insights!