ᐅ Kallax and LED Lighting – Where to Hide the Cables?

I recently bought a Kallax shelving unit from Ikea and plan to install LED lighting inside it to highlight individual compartments visually. Now I’m wondering: What is the best way to discreetly hide the wiring for the LEDs without affecting the look of the shelving unit? Are there any tips for neatly routing the cables along the shelves or back panels? Of course, I also want to incorporate the power outlet as unobtrusively as possible. I would appreciate advice that takes into account both practical implementation and a clean appearance.

Hello marje, I understand your question well, as I have installed LEDs in several Kallax shelves myself. Generally, I recommend routing the cables behind the back panel of the Kallax. If this panel is not fixed or only clipped in place, you can carefully tuck the cable in and secure it with double-sided tape. Alternatively, a cable trunking attached to the inside of the shelf also works. It is important that the cables are neatly laid out at the corners so that nothing sags or is visible.

Regarding the power outlet, I usually place a power strip with a switch behind the shelf—this keeps the cables discreet and allows you to easily turn the LEDs on and off. If you have any further questions, I am happy to help!

It is best to route cables behind the Kallax, along the edge. Secure them with cable clips or double-sided tape. The back panel usually provides enough space for hiding cables. Look for a power outlet nearby or neatly conceal the cable using an extension cord.

marje schrieb:
How can the wiring for the LEDs be best concealed discreetly without affecting the appearance of the shelf?

I’m familiar with this dilemma. LED lighting is meant to enhance the look, but visible cables often disrupt the overall appearance. I recommend planning carefully in advance which compartments you want to illuminate and the route the cables will take. I initially had concerns about the wiring as well. Ultimately, I clipped the cables behind the Kallax units and even made small slits in the back panel in some places (carefully with a utility knife!).

Your approach to integrating the power outlet discreetly is very important—otherwise, the whole setup can quickly look makeshift. Do you already know if your back panel is fully covering the shelf or only partial? That can change your options for cable routing.

For me, the best trick is to run the cables along the inner edge and secure them with cable clips. This way, they are barely visible and the cable stays taut. You can hide electrical outlets centrally behind the shelf.

nikian schrieb:
I recommend routing the cables behind the back panel of the Kallax... Alternatively, a cable duct attached to the inside of the shelving unit works well too.

That’s a good approach. I would tackle the cable management in several steps: First, check which type of back panel your Kallax has. The standard back panel is usually a thin MDF or hardboard sheet that can be slightly lifted to run cables behind it.

Cable ducts are excellent because they can be attached with small clips or adhesive strips to the sides of the shelf compartments, keeping them almost invisible. Ideally, use an LED strip with a separate transformer (power supply) that can be positioned outside the shelving unit.

Another tip: run cables along the wooden edges under or behind the shelves. Kallax shelves often have small grooves underneath where cables can be neatly laid without interfering when placing the shelves.

Finally, be careful not to bend cables too sharply—LED strips are especially sensitive to this. Can you specify exactly how many compartments you plan to illuminate and how the power supply is intended?