ᐅ Is there a guide on how to retrofit IKEA BESTA drawers with a soft-close mechanism?

Hello everyone,

Some time ago, I assembled an IKEA Besta unit equipped with drawers. However, I’m not really satisfied with the standard drawer slides that don’t have a soft-close feature, as they tend to slam shut quite hard. Therefore, I have the following question: Is there a detailed and practical guide or method to retrofit IKEA Besta drawers with a soft-close function?

I understand that the original IKEA hardware usually does not include a soft-close option for Besta drawers, but there are now various third-party components and modification tips available. I’m particularly interested in:
- What types of soft-close solutions exist for these drawers?
- How complex is the retrofit process in reality?
- Is it necessary to fully remove the drawers, or can the soft-close mechanism be installed while they remain in place?
- Are there any special tools required for this?

I look forward to your well-informed experiences and advice on this topic!

Hey TIDEO,

great that you’re bringing up this topic – that rough drawer fight really ruins even the best-organized Ikea cabinet. 😀

To your question: yes, there are retrofit kits from third-party suppliers that can be installed on existing BESTA drawers. Installation usually requires a mix of DIY enthusiasm and a bit of patience. The soft-close feature can mostly be achieved through special dampers or small modules that simply attach to the rail or the drawer bottom.

- The effort depends heavily on which manufacturer you choose and how well the solution matches the BESTA dimensions.
- Completely removing the drawer is easier, but with some practice, you can usually do it while the drawer is in the furniture – if you have enough arms 😉
- Tools needed are usually just a screwdriver, screws, maybe a cordless drill for the screws, not much more.

If you want, I can recommend a few brands that seem pretty good to me. Keep me posted!

dijan schrieb:
Yes, there are indeed retrofit kits from third-party suppliers that can be installed on the existing BESTA drawers.

Dijan sums it up well. To be a bit more precise:

There are so-called soft-close adapters that are compatible with the standard drawer slides used in IKEA BESTA units. Installation usually takes place on the rear part of the slide or directly on the drawer.

It is important to check the exact type number of the existing drawer slides before retrofitting, as different generations can vary in internal dimensions.

For assembly, you typically need
- a Phillips screwdriver
- optionally a cordless drill
- and occasionally small adapter plates, depending on the kit

The modification is usually reversible and does not damage the original furniture.

An electromechanical soft-close solution integrated directly into the slide profile is practically not available for BESTA; the retrofit solutions work purely on a mechanical damping level. I also recommend checking beforehand whether the drawer runs smoothly, as soft-close mechanisms rely heavily on the guide functioning precisely.

Hello TIDEO,

Some time ago, I completed a similar project and can provide you with a detailed overview of how to retrofit BESTA drawers with a soft-close function. Here is my step-by-step guide and some technical details:

1. Preparation
- Removing the drawers: To work precisely, it is recommended to remove the drawers completely. IKEA drawers are usually secured with simple clip systems, so removal is relatively straightforward.
- Inspecting the slides: Smooth operation of the drawer slides is essential. Heavy dirt or damage will affect the soft-close mechanism’s effectiveness.

2. Choosing the soft-close modules
- There are different systems available, for example, made from high-quality plastic or metal.
- Most adapters consist of two parts: the opening damper and the return mechanism.
- Make sure the modules are designed for either 16 mm or 19 mm wide drawer slides, depending on which are installed in your BESTA.

3. Installation
- Remove the rear stoppers on the drawer slides (if present).
- Attach the damper mechanism with the supplied screws according to the instructions at the rear part of the slide.
- Check if the drawer closes fully to the stop and the damper engages.

4. Tools
- Phillips screwdriver or preferably a cordless screwdriver with adjustable speed
- Tape measure / caliper for precise measurements

5. Fine adjustment
- Some models allow adjustment of the damping intensity.

In conclusion: There is no official IKEA manual for retrofitting soft-close on BESTA, but various third-party suppliers offer high-quality solutions with installation guides. It requires some DIY skills and patience but is definitely doable.

If you are unsure, feel free to provide your exact drawer dimensions and slide models, and I can assist you more specifically.

TIDEO schrieb:
Is there a detailed and practical guide or method to retrofit IKEA BESTA drawers with a soft-close feature?

Hello TIDEO,

I think that’s a great idea because the comfort improvement from soft-close is significant and really enhances the BESTA drawers.

To address your specific questions:
- I have two BESTA drawers myself and retrofitted a system from a well-known third-party supplier. The installation instructions were clear, and it took about 40 minutes per drawer.
- Removing the drawers makes the process easier but isn’t absolutely necessary. However, some screws are located quite close to the inside of the furniture, so retrofitting while the drawers are installed requires a bit more dexterity.
- You can rely on a good Phillips screwdriver and possibly a small cordless drill.

It is important to briefly check the drawer slides for smooth operation before retrofitting and clean or adjust them slightly if needed, as this ensures the soft-close mechanism works properly.

If you’re interested, I can share where I got mine. It’s important to note that the retrofit does not change the design or basic functionality of the drawers, it simply provides the soft-closing feature.

Good luck with your project!