ᐅ How can I customize IKEA BESTA into an open shelving unit with LED lighting?
Created on: 12 Aug 2023 09:24
J
Juanja
Hello everyone, I want to convert my IKEA BESTÅ system into an open shelving unit and integrate LED lighting. My goal is to remove the fronts to make the shelving look more open and airy, while equipping each compartment with subtle LED lighting. It is important to me that the LEDs are installed neatly—meaning, for example, no visible tangled cables and ideally with a transformer integrated into the furniture. Does anyone have experience with the best way to approach this? Which LED strips work particularly well for furniture like this, how should I connect them, and what should I keep in mind regarding power supply and heat generation? Additionally, I’m wondering whether it’s better to install the LED strips on the inside of the sides or on the back panel, and how to wire everything to avoid problems during use later on. Looking forward to tips, tricks, and possibly experiences with specific products!
The project sounds exciting, and I understand your concerns about cable installation – it made me nervous the first time as well. What helped me was planning all the components and cable lengths in advance to minimize bending and achieve a clear layout.
It’s also useful to test the lighting effect before the final installation to avoid disappointment. If you want to improve living comfort, this project is truly a great idea! Sometimes it’s also fun to plan the implementation together with friends – it boosts confidence and brings new ideas.
It’s also useful to test the lighting effect before the final installation to avoid disappointment. If you want to improve living comfort, this project is truly a great idea! Sometimes it’s also fun to plan the implementation together with friends – it boosts confidence and brings new ideas.
For installation, I recommend using 12-volt LED strips with at least 60 LEDs per meter (approximately 18 LEDs per foot) to ensure sufficient brightness.
The power supply should be provided by a certified switching power supply to ensure stable voltage and safety.
For mounting, aluminum profiles with a diffuser are ideal, as they improve heat dissipation and distribute the light evenly, resulting in strips without visible hotspots.
Cable routing can be effectively done behind the back panel, provided it is not too thin and load-bearing; otherwise, the side panels are better suited.
To protect the electrical system, a simple switch or a remote control should be used.
Safety and regulations must be observed, especially regarding power supply in interior spaces.
The power supply should be provided by a certified switching power supply to ensure stable voltage and safety.
For mounting, aluminum profiles with a diffuser are ideal, as they improve heat dissipation and distribute the light evenly, resulting in strips without visible hotspots.
Cable routing can be effectively done behind the back panel, provided it is not too thin and load-bearing; otherwise, the side panels are better suited.
To protect the electrical system, a simple switch or a remote control should be used.
Safety and regulations must be observed, especially regarding power supply in interior spaces.
Summary of the key technical aspects for the renovation:
- LED strips: 12 V, warm white, at least 60 LEDs per meter (30 LEDs per foot)
- Installation: aluminum profiles mounted on the side or top edge
- Power supply: 12 V power adapter with sufficient capacity, secure cable management
- Control: simple switch or remote control possible
- Prevention of heat buildup through profiles and spacing
Additionally, I recommend positioning the LED strips several times before final fixing to avoid mistakes.
- LED strips: 12 V, warm white, at least 60 LEDs per meter (30 LEDs per foot)
- Installation: aluminum profiles mounted on the side or top edge
- Power supply: 12 V power adapter with sufficient capacity, secure cable management
- Control: simple switch or remote control possible
- Prevention of heat buildup through profiles and spacing
Additionally, I recommend positioning the LED strips several times before final fixing to avoid mistakes.
DUVIN schrieb:
Attach the LED strip on the side, place the 12V power supply in the rear compartment, secure the cables with clips. Done.Short and practical, but I would add that it makes sense to secure the electrical connections with some insulating tape or special connectors to prevent loose contacts later on.
Joshbe schrieb:
The power supply should be a certified switch-mode power supply to ensure stable voltage and safety.That’s an important point I want to add. Cheap power supplies can cause voltage fluctuations, which significantly shorten the lifespan of the LEDs.
Also: If you want to use a remote control, make sure the receiver still works even in less optimal positions (e.g., behind a shelf). When installing, don’t forget that you must be able to access the control unit at any time.
How large is your BESTÅ unit overall, and have you considered using dimmable LEDs? Dimming can greatly enhance the comfort level.
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