ᐅ IKEA Besta – how can I retrofit the doors with soft-close hinges?

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased an IKEA Besta sideboard and would like to retrofit the doors with a soft-close feature. I am aware that there are different types of hinges for Besta, and that the original hinges sometimes cannot be easily upgraded with soft-close functionality.

My questions are:
- What retrofit options are available for soft-close on Besta doors?
- Which types of soft-close dampers are compatible, including with older models?
- Are there any special installation instructions or tools I should be aware of?

I have moderate DIY skills but no prior experience replacing hinges on IKEA furniture. I would appreciate any specific tips, product recommendations, or even personal experiences. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

for Besta doors, you can easily clip soft-close dampers onto the existing hinges. Common IKEA soft-close adapters or small magnetic dampers usually work well without needing to replace the entire hinge.

Simply attach the dampers at the front of the hinge and check if the door closes smoothly. You hardly need any tools for this, maybe just a screwdriver for adjustments.

Riisa65 schrieb:
What retrofit options are available for soft-close on Besta doors?

Here is a detailed overview for retrofitting the soft-close feature on IKEA Besta doors:

1. Types of hinges:
- Clip-on hinges: These often come with integrated soft-close or are compatible with soft-close adapters.
- Older models with pin hinges: Retrofitting is more complicated here, as usually the hinges need to be replaced.

2. Retrofitting options:
- Soft-close adapters/dampers for clip-on hinges: Easily attachable, such as IKEA’s own or third-party options.
- Complete hinges with built-in soft-close function (e.g., from IKEA or Blum): Requires removing the old hinges and installing new ones.

3. Installation tips:
- For clip-on hinges, carefully unmount the door and attach the dampers.
- Make sure the dampers are correctly positioned; otherwise, the damping will not work properly.
- When replacing hinges: mark screw positions and, if necessary, check hole diameter to drill precisely.

4. Tools:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Possibly a small hammer and measuring tape

A small tip: check the thickness of your doors. Thicker doors might require different hinges. If you have older Besta models, it’s worth examining the interior of the hinges before purchasing soft-close solutions.

Do you know the model or production year of your Besta doors? That would help narrow down the options.

Jimte schrieb:
For Besta doors, you can simply clip soft-close dampers onto the existing hinges.

I understand that the idea of retrofitting your doors with soft-close hinges can initially feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience with the furniture. I felt the same way before I tried it on my Besta.

TEBILO schrieb:
A small tip: Also check the thickness of the door. Thicker doors might require different hinges.

That helped me a lot because I initially bought the wrong part and was a bit disappointed when it didn’t fit. It’s definitely worth taking the time to measure carefully and identify the exact type of hinge before buying.

My advice: If you’re unsure, try fitting a soft-close damper on just one door before converting all of them. That way, you can see if the damper holds and works properly.

Good luck, it’s definitely worth it—the comfort improvement is noticeable!