ᐅ Which LED lighting works best with Ikea PLATSA shelving units?

Created on: 20 Sep 2023 18:07
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Malik32
Hello everyone,

I am planning to find suitable LED lighting for my Ikea Platsa shelves and have a few important factors in mind.

From your experience, which type of LED lighting works best with the PLATSA shelves if you value even illumination, easy installation, and flexible use?

I am also interested in whether you have experience with specific color rendering indexes (CRI) that are particularly good for displaying books and decorative items.

Do you have any recommendations for LED strips, modules, or other types of lighting that integrate well with the modular design of PLATSA, including tips on power supply and control?

Looking forward to your suggestions!
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Franck
21 Sep 2023 09:45
bupar schrieb:
For even lighting, it is worth using LED strips with a high LED density (>60 LEDs/m)

I agree, this results in a more pleasant light distribution and helps prevent shadows.
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gasidney
21 Sep 2023 10:52
I recommend switchable LED strips with a remote control. This allows you to turn the lighting on and off flexibly and also to dim it.

Important: Make sure they are easy to install (adhesive tape) and consider the length to ensure all modules are evenly lit.
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Ethan
22 Sep 2023 12:21
In addition to the previous advice, I would like to address color rendering:

A CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 90 is ideal for shelves if you want to display colors naturally. This is especially important when exhibiting artwork or collectibles in the Platsa shelves, as the lighting appears much better.

Color perception at 3000–3500K is comfortable for the eyes and promotes a cozy atmosphere in the room.

I also recommend positioning the lighting to avoid glare or reflections on glossy surfaces.

In general, slim LED strips are preferable due to their better adaptability and unobtrusive appearance.
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Deandre
22 Sep 2023 13:49
Ethan schrieb:
A CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 90 is ideal for shelves when you want natural color representation.

I agree with that; CRI is often an underestimated factor when choosing lighting. Many inexpensive strips fall well below that and distort color rendering.

Regarding your question about installation: I recommend placing the LED strips always at the upper inner edge of the shelf. This way, the light falls downward onto the contents, creating the most natural effect.
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Luciandi
23 Sep 2023 16:04
I find your recommendations very helpful, but I have an additional consideration:

When it comes to PLATSA shelving units, it’s important to also pay attention to how the lighting fits into the overall interior design.

I have sometimes experienced that lighting that is too cool or too harsh can ruin the cozy atmosphere. Therefore, I would recommend testing different color temperatures before making a purchase.

Maybe you can get small sample strips to try out how the lighting affects the room.

It’s not just about technical compatibility but also about creating a comfortable environment.
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Malik32
24 Sep 2023 09:37
Luciandi schrieb:
Sometimes I have noticed that lighting that is too cool or too bright can ruin a cozy atmosphere.

Thank you, that’s a good point! Creating a pleasant ambiance is also very important to me, so I tend to prefer the 3000K options.

Can you share any information about the lifespan and quality of LED strips?

Are there noticeable differences between cheaper and more expensive products, especially regarding everyday use over a longer period?