Hello everyone, I am currently considering how to replicate or integrate glass fronts into IKEA Besta furniture myself. Specifically, I am looking for ways to attach sturdy yet visually suitable glass fronts to the Besta frames without having to disassemble the entire furniture or use special tools. I know that IKEA sometimes uses specific front-mounted fittings, but are there approximate dimensions or recommendations for the materials—for example, what glass thickness makes sense and how to best secure the glass panels so they don’t rattle or fit too tightly? Are there options for installing the glass fronts with seals, or is a glued frame necessary? I am mainly looking for practical but durable solutions that can be implemented in a regular household. Does anyone have experience with this topic or advice on sourcing materials and assembly? I would appreciate as many concrete tips as possible since I want to preserve the look and function of the Besta furniture while converting the doors to glass. Thanks in advance!
Thank you all for the quick and helpful responses – especially the advice on tempered safety glass (ESG) and the mounting options, which is exactly what I needed.
I have a follow-up question: Are there specific suppliers or tools available to order custom-made glass panels that are tempered and possibly pre-cut to avoid the drilling issue? Ideally, with suitable delivery options for the end consumer.
If I can’t get the original fronts from IKEA, I would prefer to turn to service providers who manufacture and deliver custom glass panels. I already have the matching aluminum profiles for edge mounting in mind. What are your thoughts on combining frame profiles with tempered safety glass? Is silicone adhesive used, or is it better to screw them together?
I have a follow-up question: Are there specific suppliers or tools available to order custom-made glass panels that are tempered and possibly pre-cut to avoid the drilling issue? Ideally, with suitable delivery options for the end consumer.
If I can’t get the original fronts from IKEA, I would prefer to turn to service providers who manufacture and deliver custom glass panels. I already have the matching aluminum profiles for edge mounting in mind. What are your thoughts on combining frame profiles with tempered safety glass? Is silicone adhesive used, or is it better to screw them together?
You can order custom-made tempered safety glass (ESG) from local glaziers, who often also offer cutting to size and can advise you on safe handling.
Aluminum profiles are usually fastened with small screws or clips. Silicone is optional but serves as an additional seal against vibrations and dust intrusion.
Just ask them about the exact glass thickness and whether the cutting is truly precise—especially with tempered safety glass, accuracy is important.
Aluminum profiles are usually fastened with small screws or clips. Silicone is optional but serves as an additional seal against vibrations and dust intrusion.
Just ask them about the exact glass thickness and whether the cutting is truly precise—especially with tempered safety glass, accuracy is important.
Interesting discussion here! In my opinion, retrofitting glass fronts at Besta is an underrated topic. Why not skip glass altogether and use acrylic instead?
Acrylic is lighter, more impact-resistant, and easy to drill and work with. Sure, tempered safety glass (ESG) looks more premium, but it is expensive and limits handling options. By combining custom-cut panels with profile frames, you can gain much more flexibility in mounting.
My recommendation: screws plus rubber seals are sufficient and better than silicone adhesive, which makes later disassembly difficult. And why not step out of your comfort zone and try plastic alternatives?
Just a thought.
Acrylic is lighter, more impact-resistant, and easy to drill and work with. Sure, tempered safety glass (ESG) looks more premium, but it is expensive and limits handling options. By combining custom-cut panels with profile frames, you can gain much more flexibility in mounting.
ixonse schrieb:
What do you think about combining profile frames with tempered safety glass? Is it glued with silicone or better screwed?
My recommendation: screws plus rubber seals are sufficient and better than silicone adhesive, which makes later disassembly difficult. And why not step out of your comfort zone and try plastic alternatives?
Just a thought.
I can fully understand how challenging this topic can be because you want to find the right balance between aesthetics, safety, and ease of installation. I once ordered a version with tempered glass, and the installation using aluminum frames worked surprisingly well after I used foam strips and rubber seals.
What I found particularly difficult was measuring precisely, so the glass doesn’t fit too loosely – otherwise, it creates an unsafe feeling. My advice: better to order slightly smaller rather than slightly larger and compensate with seals.
I can confirm that, but with glass fronts, people usually prefer the look of real glass. If you are worried about breakage, you can always choose tempered glass.
What I found particularly difficult was measuring precisely, so the glass doesn’t fit too loosely – otherwise, it creates an unsafe feeling. My advice: better to order slightly smaller rather than slightly larger and compensate with seals.
LIELCHEN schrieb:
Plexiglass is lighter, more impact-resistant, and can be easily drilled and worked on.
I can confirm that, but with glass fronts, people usually prefer the look of real glass. If you are worried about breakage, you can always choose tempered glass.
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