ᐅ How can I retrofit an IKEA BESTA unit with dimmable LED lighting?

Created on: 11 May 2021 08:12
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guben
Hello everyone, I want to upgrade my IKEA Besta shelving unit with dimmable LED lighting. It is important to me that the lighting can be smoothly adjusted, ideally via remote control or smartphone, and that it has a pleasant warm white color. The LEDs should be installed as discreetly as possible, for example as strips or spots on the underside or inner sides of the shelves. Does anyone have experience with which products work well, how to best handle the power supply, and which dimmers are compatible? It would also be helpful to know whether it’s possible to install the lighting yourself or if it’s better to hire an electrician. Thanks for your advice!
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lofar
12 May 2021 09:31
For simple dimming via an app, I recommend products from well-known manufacturers that use Wi-Fi or ZigBee. Make sure the controller supports 12 V and the load of the LEDs. Otherwise, just choose a remote control, which is more straightforward.
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pinpa
12 May 2021 11:47
If you want a more relaxed approach to the technical side: LED strips now come in so many variations that it can be dizzying. But for the best effect, I really like the flexible, almost ‘invisible’ strips that you stick inside aluminum channels. Attach a Wi-Fi dimmer to them: then you can dim the lights while watching Netflix without having to get up! Just stick them on, connect, start the app – and you have a cozy shelf corner with the perfect ambiance.
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Jodyro
12 May 2021 19:38
Make sure your power supply provides a stable output voltage to ensure smooth dimming. Cheap power supplies may cause flickering with dimmable LEDs. Also, the total wattage of the LEDs should not exceed the power rating of the power supply.
G
guben
13 May 2021 08:22
Juan31 schrieb:
Integration into custom automations can be done easily.

That sounds interesting. What technical requirements do I need to integrate the control with Alexa or Google Home? Do I need to purchase special hubs, or is the app with the Wi-Fi controller sufficient? How complex is the setup for someone with basic technical knowledge?
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SUPE2
13 May 2021 15:49
Many Wi-Fi LED controllers do not require additional hubs, connect directly to the home network, and are usually easy to set up via apps. For Alexa or Google Home, linking the respective skill/app is generally sufficient. The setup is relatively simple, even for beginners, but some patience is needed.