ᐅ What is the best way to install lighting inside an Ikea Pax wardrobe?
Created on: 2 Dec 2017 19:23
A
aloispeoHello everyone,
I am currently planning to upgrade my Ikea Pax wardrobe system and would like to install suitable lighting inside. Since the wardrobe panels and shelves are relatively thin and I prefer to avoid visible cables or unsightly mounts, my question is: What is the best way to attach lighting inside the Ikea Pax?
Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which mounting methods (adhesive, screws, magnets, etc.) work reliably and cause minimal damage to the furniture?
- Are there any recommended built-in lights that are easy to integrate and provide good illumination?
- What is the best way to organize power supply without complicated cable routing?
I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences or tips on this topic. Thanks in advance!
I am currently planning to upgrade my Ikea Pax wardrobe system and would like to install suitable lighting inside. Since the wardrobe panels and shelves are relatively thin and I prefer to avoid visible cables or unsightly mounts, my question is: What is the best way to attach lighting inside the Ikea Pax?
Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which mounting methods (adhesive, screws, magnets, etc.) work reliably and cause minimal damage to the furniture?
- Are there any recommended built-in lights that are easy to integrate and provide good illumination?
- What is the best way to organize power supply without complicated cable routing?
I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences or tips on this topic. Thanks in advance!
Hello,
Regarding lighting in the Ikea Pax system, I can share the following: The most common options are LED strips or LED puck lights because they are energy-efficient and compact.
Mounting:
- 3M double-sided tape on the back of LED strips usually works well, is easy to apply, and can be removed without leaving residue.
- Alternatively, small screws or clips are suitable, especially for heavier fixtures.
For power supply, you can use USB power adapters or batteries, depending on whether you prefer a permanent installation or more flexibility.
However, make sure to route the cables so that doors and drawers do not get caught.
I hope this helps!
Regarding lighting in the Ikea Pax system, I can share the following: The most common options are LED strips or LED puck lights because they are energy-efficient and compact.
Mounting:
- 3M double-sided tape on the back of LED strips usually works well, is easy to apply, and can be removed without leaving residue.
- Alternatively, small screws or clips are suitable, especially for heavier fixtures.
For power supply, you can use USB power adapters or batteries, depending on whether you prefer a permanent installation or more flexibility.
However, make sure to route the cables so that doors and drawers do not get caught.
I hope this helps!
Good morning,
I will structure my response to give you a clear guide:
1. Lighting selection:
- LED strips or LED puck lights are ideal due to their low profile and minimal heat production.
- Look for dimmable options if you want to adjust the brightness.
2. Mounting options:
- Adhesive with 3M tape: Very convenient, easy, requires no drilling. Make sure the surface is clean and grease-free.
- Screws or small mounting clips: Durable, recommended for heavier or larger modules. However, this will leave small drill holes in the cabinet carcasses.
- Magnetic mounts: Less common but possible if magnets and metal surfaces are combined.
3. Power supply:
- Route cables behind side panels or under shelves to avoid cable clutter.
- There are also wireless battery-operated lights with motion sensors that need no cables and are easy to install.
4. Tips:
- Before buying, check the thickness and material of the Plexiglas doors or interior panels from Pax to ensure mounting from the inside will work.
- If you cut openings (for example, for sockets), be careful about structural stability.
In summary: If you want to avoid holes, 3M tape combined with LED strips is the best solution. For secure and more durable installations, screws or clips might be better.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
I will structure my response to give you a clear guide:
1. Lighting selection:
- LED strips or LED puck lights are ideal due to their low profile and minimal heat production.
- Look for dimmable options if you want to adjust the brightness.
2. Mounting options:
- Adhesive with 3M tape: Very convenient, easy, requires no drilling. Make sure the surface is clean and grease-free.
- Screws or small mounting clips: Durable, recommended for heavier or larger modules. However, this will leave small drill holes in the cabinet carcasses.
- Magnetic mounts: Less common but possible if magnets and metal surfaces are combined.
3. Power supply:
- Route cables behind side panels or under shelves to avoid cable clutter.
- There are also wireless battery-operated lights with motion sensors that need no cables and are easy to install.
4. Tips:
- Before buying, check the thickness and material of the Plexiglas doors or interior panels from Pax to ensure mounting from the inside will work.
- If you cut openings (for example, for sockets), be careful about structural stability.
In summary: If you want to avoid holes, 3M tape combined with LED strips is the best solution. For secure and more durable installations, screws or clips might be better.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
dopite schrieb:
If you don’t want holes, 3M adhesive tape combined with LED strips is the best solution.Thank you for the detailed overview! I’m just wondering if the adhesive tape will hold up over time if the inside of the cabinet occasionally gets a bit damp (for example, from slightly damp clothes or moisture) and whether it might leave any residue that could damage the wood after a long time?
Also, I’ve heard from some people that with certain LED strips, the adhesive doesn’t stick well from the start – are there any brands you would particularly recommend for this?
And what about motion sensors? Would it be easy to integrate them into the Pax cabinet door, or is a traditional switch a better option?
Regarding the durability of 3M adhesive tape:
- 3M VHB tapes are known for strong adhesion on smooth surfaces and can also resist moisture to some extent.
- The surface of Ikea Pax cabinets is usually laminated or coated, which allows for good adhesion.
- However, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned before application to remove any grease or dust.
- Residue may remain when removing the tape, but it can usually be removed with isopropyl alcohol without damaging the wood.
About brands:
- Brands like Philips Hue, Osram Lightify, and Ikea Tradfri offer high-quality adhesive LED strips.
- Make sure to choose LED strips with 3M adhesive tape, not cheap generic products.
Motion sensors:
- Motion sensors built into doors often do not work optimally because the closed door blocks the signal.
- Better solutions are switches activated by opening the door (magnetic contacts) or motion sensors installed inside the cabinet interior.
Conclusion: 3M adhesive tape is generally suitable, but you should pay attention to using high-quality products and ensure proper surface preparation.
- 3M VHB tapes are known for strong adhesion on smooth surfaces and can also resist moisture to some extent.
- The surface of Ikea Pax cabinets is usually laminated or coated, which allows for good adhesion.
- However, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned before application to remove any grease or dust.
- Residue may remain when removing the tape, but it can usually be removed with isopropyl alcohol without damaging the wood.
About brands:
- Brands like Philips Hue, Osram Lightify, and Ikea Tradfri offer high-quality adhesive LED strips.
- Make sure to choose LED strips with 3M adhesive tape, not cheap generic products.
Motion sensors:
- Motion sensors built into doors often do not work optimally because the closed door blocks the signal.
- Better solutions are switches activated by opening the door (magnetic contacts) or motion sensors installed inside the cabinet interior.
Conclusion: 3M adhesive tape is generally suitable, but you should pay attention to using high-quality products and ensure proper surface preparation.
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