Hello AT,
I am looking to invest in some low-voltage lighting to help light my studio. I am particularly interested in the seemingly ridiculously inexpensive Ikea Sansa system. I am wondering if anyone has used this system and what they think about it, or if there are any other recommendations.
Thanks! Mitch
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Hi there-
I used a very similar type of light from Home Depot in my last apartment and they worked fine. Fortunately the outlet I was plugging them into was already hooked up to a switch so that was convenient. One thing that I did was cut down some baking paper to create some little shades to put around the lights - the baking paper can withstand the heat that the lights generate.
view bumblebeechicago's profile
Just be aware that (if I recall correctly) the IKEA version uses a 20-watt bulb, whereas the standard for the bulbs is 50 watts. The lower price is based on the cheaper transformer. Other than that there is no reason to spend $1000s on designer-level fixtures like this.
view Joey's profile
I had these in my old apartment, and they were fine for what they were, but Joey is right - you're only going to get 20 watts/bulb out of these (I actually strung two sets parallel to each other with the bulbs spaced evenly to get enough light).
Also, the wire has a tendency to sag over time, particularly if stretched to near it's full length. Consider either using shorter distances or anchoring them in the middle.
view sam1's profile
I had a set in my little studio..2 pointing at paintings on the wall and one down on my bed for reading at night.
worked well for filler light during the day since my studio only had one window.
AND on a dimmer!
Could not have been more impressed with what you get for so little money. I think this is a "hit out of the park" IKEA product.
view regus_fillman's profile
I have this light over my dining room table and I like it very much, especially considering the price. It lights up the table without lighting up the room. The only drawback that I have found is that the transformer is really large and a challenge to hide.
view Don in Maine's profile
I have the original, expensive version. While I don't know if this has the same problem, the thing I HATE about mine is the very limited total wattage capacity of even my upgraded transformer. If I have my lights on full bright, the switch on the transformer may flip off. I think I have 125 watts total on the transformer and have taped the dimmer so someone won't turn it up all the way by accident.
Again, I don't know whether this is an issue with the IKEA copy, but you should check if you plan to use the maximum allowable wattage.
BTW, I had the transformer placed in a closet, because looking at it ruined the whole effect - but that required an electrician, which was expensive.
view Taureg's profile
I got this when it first came out almost a decade ago. It's very simple and minimalist. The problem is as stated, 20w bulbs, and that you can't add more than 3x20w in line. I tried and the transformer shuts off. :P Other than that, the rods on the light can be a little too long (depending on how tall your ceiling is), and it really isn't so easy to adjust the direction of the lights (it swings only in one axis, you will have to twist the rods to achieve a very limited rotation). The bulbs needed to be tightened securely or it can fall out during adjustment. Since it is on a transformer, dimmer is probably not a good idea. I think it will start making a humming noise when you use it on a dimmer.
just my $.02
view ciac's profile