ᐅ How can I convert IKEA Besta into a space-saving sideboard for the living room?
Created on: 29 Mar 2022 08:37
G
GAU_RUHello everyone,
I am planning to redesign my living room using an IKEA Besta as a space-saving sideboard and am looking for practical tips on how to best modify the Besta system to maximize storage capacity within a small footprint.
In particular, I’m interested in how to alter or customize standard modules and doors to make the sideboard shallower or narrower without compromising stability. It would also be helpful to know which adjustments to the internal layout make sense to accommodate items of different sizes efficiently.
I have some experience with furniture assembly but have never converted a Besta into a sideboard and want to avoid mistakes. Does anyone have recommendations regarding suitable shelves, additional fittings, or alternative door and front options that work well for space-saving solutions?
Thanks in advance for your advice and insights!
I am planning to redesign my living room using an IKEA Besta as a space-saving sideboard and am looking for practical tips on how to best modify the Besta system to maximize storage capacity within a small footprint.
In particular, I’m interested in how to alter or customize standard modules and doors to make the sideboard shallower or narrower without compromising stability. It would also be helpful to know which adjustments to the internal layout make sense to accommodate items of different sizes efficiently.
I have some experience with furniture assembly but have never converted a Besta into a sideboard and want to avoid mistakes. Does anyone have recommendations regarding suitable shelves, additional fittings, or alternative door and front options that work well for space-saving solutions?
Thanks in advance for your advice and insights!
Good day,
I think this is a very well-posed question, and I would like to offer some structured advice. The IKEA Besta system is versatile and adaptable, but there are a few things to consider if you want to modify it to save space.
- First, I recommend questioning the standard depths. The basic element is usually 40cm (16 inches) deep; if you want to save space, you can only reduce the depth to a limited extent because the back panels and side panels are not easily shortened.
- One option is to remove the feet and mount the unit on the wall to achieve a lower height and a more compact appearance, which often helps save floor space.
- For interior organization, adjustable shelves that can be moved in small increments work well. Also, use drawer boxes or wire baskets to make flexible use of the depth.
- Instead of doors, you can replace them with open shelves or doors with glass inserts, which make the sideboard feel lighter.
- If width adjustments are needed, you can combine different modules, e.g., 60cm (24 inches) and 40cm (16 inches) wide carcasses, to optimize the available space.
One more tip: make sure to carefully measure the installation space beforehand so that later modifications do not become too complicated. Also, check the load capacity of the installed shelves if you plan to store heavy equipment inside.
If you have questions about specific built-in products or particular modifications, I’m happy to provide more detailed advice.
I think this is a very well-posed question, and I would like to offer some structured advice. The IKEA Besta system is versatile and adaptable, but there are a few things to consider if you want to modify it to save space.
- First, I recommend questioning the standard depths. The basic element is usually 40cm (16 inches) deep; if you want to save space, you can only reduce the depth to a limited extent because the back panels and side panels are not easily shortened.
- One option is to remove the feet and mount the unit on the wall to achieve a lower height and a more compact appearance, which often helps save floor space.
- For interior organization, adjustable shelves that can be moved in small increments work well. Also, use drawer boxes or wire baskets to make flexible use of the depth.
- Instead of doors, you can replace them with open shelves or doors with glass inserts, which make the sideboard feel lighter.
- If width adjustments are needed, you can combine different modules, e.g., 60cm (24 inches) and 40cm (16 inches) wide carcasses, to optimize the available space.
One more tip: make sure to carefully measure the installation space beforehand so that later modifications do not become too complicated. Also, check the load capacity of the installed shelves if you plan to store heavy equipment inside.
If you have questions about specific built-in products or particular modifications, I’m happy to provide more detailed advice.
GAU_RU schrieb:
how to modify or add to standard modules and doorsYou can replace the doors with sliding doors if there is limited space for door swing.
Guyju schrieb:
Mounting on the wall to achieve a lower height and a more compact appearanceWall mounting saves floor space. This reduces the area needed.
Interior layout: Use custom-made shelves to create optimal storage space.
I think it’s great that such helpful tips have already been shared here!
That really helped me too, because a sideboard that looks too bulky often takes up the space I need personally. In our living room, I was initially hesitant to attach the Besta to the wall, as I thought the wall anchor wouldn’t hold, but it turned out surprisingly stable.
I would also recommend focusing on a clear color scheme if you want to save space – light fronts and minimalist handles help avoid the impression of clutter.
Sometimes I realized myself that at first I wanted to add too much, and then it ended up looking chaotic again. That’s why I use baskets and small boxes inside the compartments – this keeps everything tidy and reduces visual noise.
If you want to organize the storage space flexibly, go for the adjustable shelves that Guyju already mentioned. They allow you to store taller items without having to rearrange the entire cabinet.
I hope you find a solution that truly makes your space feel relaxed, both visually and functionally. If you like, feel free to share how it worked out for you – I always find such experience reports the most valuable!
Guyju schrieb:
One option is to achieve a lower height and a more compact appearance by removing the legs and mounting it on the wall
That really helped me too, because a sideboard that looks too bulky often takes up the space I need personally. In our living room, I was initially hesitant to attach the Besta to the wall, as I thought the wall anchor wouldn’t hold, but it turned out surprisingly stable.
I would also recommend focusing on a clear color scheme if you want to save space – light fronts and minimalist handles help avoid the impression of clutter.
Sometimes I realized myself that at first I wanted to add too much, and then it ended up looking chaotic again. That’s why I use baskets and small boxes inside the compartments – this keeps everything tidy and reduces visual noise.
If you want to organize the storage space flexibly, go for the adjustable shelves that Guyju already mentioned. They allow you to store taller items without having to rearrange the entire cabinet.
I hope you find a solution that truly makes your space feel relaxed, both visually and functionally. If you like, feel free to share how it worked out for you – I always find such experience reports the most valuable!
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