ᐅ Which lighting solutions are particularly energy-efficient in Pax homes?

Hello everyone, I am currently researching lighting solutions for PAX, the popular wardrobe system from IKEA. I am especially interested in which lighting techniques or components are best suited for energy-efficient use.

My question is: Which lighting solutions for PAX are particularly energy-saving? I would like to know if there are specific LED strips, motion sensor combinations, or other technical options that both reduce power consumption and provide adequate lighting comfort.

Does anyone have reliable experience or recommendations? Thanks in advance for any input!

Hello saufar, I think your question is very relevant because I recently tried to equip my PAX wardrobe with energy-saving lighting and encountered some challenges.

In general, I would recommend LEDs, as they are known to consume less power and have a long lifespan. However, at first, I had issues with cheap LED strips flickering or having uneven brightness, which was quite annoying.

What I also find practical are PIR motion sensors that only turn on the LED strips when you open the wardrobe. This further reduces energy consumption because the lights don’t stay on continuously.

Perhaps there are people here who have tested exactly these kinds of combinations? I would be interested to know how reliable the sensors are and whether the effort is worthwhile even for smaller PAX units.

Regarding the question about particularly energy-efficient lighting solutions for PAX, I would like to provide a structured answer based on technical fundamentals and practical insights.

- LEDs are the most efficient light source for this application. They consume up to 80% less electricity than conventional incandescent bulbs.
- LED strips with low wattage and a color temperature around 3000 K provide a pleasant light that is sufficient for the wardrobe.
- Motion sensors combined with LED strips are not only energy-efficient but also extend the lifespan of the lighting by activating it only when needed.
- Choosing a power supply with high efficiency (≥ 85%) is also important to minimize overall energy losses.

LED strips with at least 120 LEDs per meter and a brightness of about 800–1000 lumens per meter are recommended. This balance provides enough light without excessive power consumption.

Summary: A combination of high-quality LED strips, motion sensors, and efficient power supplies is the key to very energy-saving solutions for PAX.

Jonna schrieb:
LED strips with at least 120 LEDs per meter and a brightness of around 800-1000 lumens per meter are recommended.

That generally sounds reasonable, but I would question whether a brightness of 800 to 1000 lumens per meter might be overkill—after all, PAX wardrobes usually have rather small interior spaces where less light might be sufficient.

Also, what about color temperature? Warm white is considered pleasant, but cooler tones are said to be more efficient. Are there measurable differences in energy efficiency, or are these mainly subjective preferences?

Regarding motion sensors: do they actually work reliably in PAX units when the wardrobe is opened and closed quickly? It would be unfortunate if the sensor is too slow to respond, causing the light to stay on unnecessarily more often.

Overall, I would also be interested in user experiences about the cost-benefit ratio—specifically, whether the higher price for high-quality LED systems really pays off.

LuMarcel43 schrieb:
What about color temperature? Warm white is considered pleasant, but cooler tones are supposedly more efficient.

Good question! Basically, it’s true that LED chips with cooler white (5000K and above) have slightly better efficiency—meaning fewer watts for the same light output. But we’re talking about a microscopic difference that is hardly noticeable in everyday use.

LuMarcel43 schrieb:
Do they actually work reliably in PAX wardrobes when the door is opened and closed quickly?

From experience: the sensor response time is usually fast enough. If the door is closed very quickly, you might lose some light briefly. But for everyday comfort, this setup works great and also saves energy in the long run.

So yes, it’s a good idea. To put it simply: LED + motion sensor = win-win. After all, you don’t want a disco effect with the light turning on and off repeatedly, like with annoying cheap sensors. 😉

I would like to take a step further and provide a brief guide for optimal and energy-efficient PAX lighting:

1. Choosing the LED strip:
- Look for a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 80 or higher to ensure clothes appear natural
- Select a color temperature between 2700-3500 K for warm but not overly yellow light
- Low wattage LEDs, for example 4-5 watts per meter (3.3-4.1 watts per yard), are sufficient for illumination

2. Using motion sensors:
- PIR sensors with adjustable delay (e.g., 10-30 seconds) prevent constant switching on and off
- Choose sensors designed for detecting small movements to avoid false triggers when opening

3. Installation tips:
- Space the LED strips to ensure all compartments are well lit
- Use power supplies with high efficiency, such as Loox or similar brands, instead of conventional ones

4. Saving energy through control:
- Dimming functions on LED strips can further reduce power consumption

Finally, I recommend avoiding very cheap products, as they are often less durable and the energy savings can be offset by replacement costs.