Hello everyone, I am currently looking into lighting solutions for a small Pax wardrobe from Ikea and would like to ask for a suitable recommendation. The wardrobe measures approximately 100 x 60 x 236 cm (39 x 24 x 93 inches) and is mainly used for storing clothes and shoes. Since the wardrobe is not very spacious, I am particularly interested in lighting systems that take up little space and do not require constant battery replacement. Additionally, the light source should be as even and bright as possible so that everything is clearly visible even in the back corners. Does anyone have experience with LED strips, wardrobe lights, or perhaps integrated solutions from Ikea itself? What should I consider regarding installation and power supply to ensure the lighting is durable, energy-efficient, and easy to use? Thanks in advance for your helpful tips and practical recommendations!
First of all, it should be noted that for small wardrobes in the Pax system, 12-volt LED strips are highly recommended. They save space, are easy to install, and offer flexible lengths that allow you to illuminate the wardrobe almost completely.
- It is important to choose dimmable LED strips to adjust the brightness as needed.
- For power supply, a dedicated transformer with sufficient capacity is advisable, which can be installed externally to avoid heat buildup inside the wardrobe.
- Fixed installations with hardwired LEDs are more durable and easier to maintain compared to battery-operated solutions.
For example, Ikea offers the "Ledberg" system designed for Pax. However, it is often not bright enough and usually runs on batteries, which leads to more effort over time. In my opinion, it is better to choose a 12-volt solution with a mains connection. The LED strips should be mounted in a way that they provide indirect lighting on the side panel or top panel for soft, glare-free illumination.
- It is important to choose dimmable LED strips to adjust the brightness as needed.
- For power supply, a dedicated transformer with sufficient capacity is advisable, which can be installed externally to avoid heat buildup inside the wardrobe.
- Fixed installations with hardwired LEDs are more durable and easier to maintain compared to battery-operated solutions.
For example, Ikea offers the "Ledberg" system designed for Pax. However, it is often not bright enough and usually runs on batteries, which leads to more effort over time. In my opinion, it is better to choose a 12-volt solution with a mains connection. The LED strips should be mounted in a way that they provide indirect lighting on the side panel or top panel for soft, glare-free illumination.
I would like to add some technical details to Juan31’s comments that are often overlooked when selecting and installing lighting for small Pax wardrobes:
- First, the color temperature of the light is crucial. For a wardrobe, I recommend a neutral white light of around 4000 Kelvin. This provides natural color rendering, which is especially important when getting dressed.
- LED strips should have a good CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 80—preferably 90—to accurately display the colors of clothing.
- Installation: Due to limited space, it is advisable to choose LED strips with a slim profile. Self-adhesive strips allow for easy attachment to side walls or under shelves. Additionally, cable management should be considered to keep wiring discreet, for example, using cable channels or running cables along the back of the wardrobe.
- Power supply: Besides the power adapter, a small switch or even a motion sensor installation should be integrated. Motion sensors turn the lighting on automatically when the wardrobe is opened, saving energy.
- Another point: Pay attention to the IP rating of the LEDs. Even though wardrobes are usually dry, moisture can occur from open windows or nearby bathrooms. In such cases, water-resistant LED strips (IP44) are advisable.
- Finally, as Juan31 mentioned, LED heat generation is low; however, the power supply should still be mounted outside the wardrobe to avoid heat buildup.
Do you already have an idea of how the electrical supply is laid out in the room? That makes planning the wiring much easier.
- First, the color temperature of the light is crucial. For a wardrobe, I recommend a neutral white light of around 4000 Kelvin. This provides natural color rendering, which is especially important when getting dressed.
- LED strips should have a good CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 80—preferably 90—to accurately display the colors of clothing.
- Installation: Due to limited space, it is advisable to choose LED strips with a slim profile. Self-adhesive strips allow for easy attachment to side walls or under shelves. Additionally, cable management should be considered to keep wiring discreet, for example, using cable channels or running cables along the back of the wardrobe.
- Power supply: Besides the power adapter, a small switch or even a motion sensor installation should be integrated. Motion sensors turn the lighting on automatically when the wardrobe is opened, saving energy.
- Another point: Pay attention to the IP rating of the LEDs. Even though wardrobes are usually dry, moisture can occur from open windows or nearby bathrooms. In such cases, water-resistant LED strips (IP44) are advisable.
- Finally, as Juan31 mentioned, LED heat generation is low; however, the power supply should still be mounted outside the wardrobe to avoid heat buildup.
Do you already have an idea of how the electrical supply is laid out in the room? That makes planning the wiring much easier.
Juan31 schrieb:
For example, Ikea itself offers the "LEDBERG" system, designed for Pax wardrobes. However, it is not always bright enough and often runs on batteries, which can create more effort over time.Here is my concern: Do Ikea’s own LED lighting solutions really provide enough light, or are they just a convenient option without good illumination?
Furthermore, I wonder if the effort involved in installing a dedicated transformer and wiring inside a small wardrobe might be overkill. Ultimately, the goal is to clearly see the clothing without too much hassle or overloading the wardrobe interior with technology.
My suggestion would be to use rechargeable, dimmable LED lights with motion sensors that require no fixed wiring — at least for small wardrobes. Are there any experiences on how such portable solutions perform in everyday use? Are they really that inconvenient due to regular recharging?
Even though Juan31 and PLOMA focus on permanent fixed installations, it would be helpful to hear some counterarguments, especially for minimalistic or low-usage scenarios.
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