Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to extend my Ikea Besta shelving unit with additional glass shelves and am wondering if there is a way to do this both functionally and aesthetically. Specifically, I am interested in options for securely and stably integrating glass shelves into the existing Besta carcasses, since the original shelves are made of wood or wood-based materials, and simply sliding in glass panels doesn’t seem to be intended.
I would appreciate it if anyone has experience with which fasteners, brackets, or alternative solutions can be used to install glass shelves as precisely and securely as possible – possibly also with additional LED lighting underneath. I’m not looking to just put something together randomly but want a well-thought-out solution that will last in the long term.
Does anyone have useful tips, recommendations, or suggestions for suitable accessories from the aftermarket or adaptations from other furniture series? Thanks in advance for your help!
I am currently planning to extend my Ikea Besta shelving unit with additional glass shelves and am wondering if there is a way to do this both functionally and aesthetically. Specifically, I am interested in options for securely and stably integrating glass shelves into the existing Besta carcasses, since the original shelves are made of wood or wood-based materials, and simply sliding in glass panels doesn’t seem to be intended.
I would appreciate it if anyone has experience with which fasteners, brackets, or alternative solutions can be used to install glass shelves as precisely and securely as possible – possibly also with additional LED lighting underneath. I’m not looking to just put something together randomly but want a well-thought-out solution that will last in the long term.
Does anyone have useful tips, recommendations, or suggestions for suitable accessories from the aftermarket or adaptations from other furniture series? Thanks in advance for your help!
FLOWILEY schrieb:
I am currently planning to expand my Ikea BESTA shelving unit with additional glass shelves and am wondering if there is a way to do this both functionally and aesthetically pleasing.Hello, to answer the question thoroughly, it’s important to first look closely at the construction of the BESTA system. Most BESTA components use system holes with a diameter of 5mm (0.2 inches) spaced regularly at 37mm (1.5 inches), primarily intended for wooden shelves. Glass shelves are usually mounted using special glass supports, which can be glued, screwed, or hooked in.
A common option is to use glass shelf pins that fit precisely into the existing holes. These adapters often include rubber pads to securely hold and protect the glass. You should pay attention to the load capacity and choose the glass thickness according to the expected load – 6 to 8mm (0.24 to 0.31 inches) is typical.
Important: Since the side panels are made of particleboard, using metal clamps as supports is often not recommended because the holes can be stressed. Therefore, I recommend using clips designed for glass shelves that insert into the side panels without exerting excessive pressure on the material.
Alternatively, you can mount flat glass shelf supports underneath the shelves to support the glass from below. If you want LED lighting underneath, this can be combined creatively by attaching small LED strips to the back panel or sides.
If you like, I can send you a list of recommended supports and tips for installation. I’m also interested to know the size of your BESTA units and the approximate dimensions of the glass you plan to use – this significantly affects the choice of supports.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to install glass shelves in BESTA units:
- First, check the dimensions of your BESTA cabinets and the position of the holes on the side panels.
- Choose glass shelves with an appropriate thickness (6 to 8 mm (1/4 to 5/16 inch)) and polished edges for safety.
- Get shelf supports designed for 5 mm (3/16 inch) diameter holes, which can be easily inserted.
- The supports should be made of metal with rubber or plastic pads to protect the glass from damage.
- After inserting the supports, carefully place the glass shelf on them; ideally, position it so that it does not overhang.
- Make sure the glass shelves cannot slip—small rubber bumpers along the edges can help with this.
- If LED lighting is desired, you can attach thin LED strips to the sides or underneath the glass shelves for an elegant effect.
Common mistakes include using glass that is too thin or supports with incorrect spacing, which affects load distribution. It is also important that the holes do not tear out from excessive weight, so avoid overloading the cabinets with glass shelves.
If you could post exact measurements or pictures of the shelving unit, that would help to provide even more precise recommendations.
- First, check the dimensions of your BESTA cabinets and the position of the holes on the side panels.
- Choose glass shelves with an appropriate thickness (6 to 8 mm (1/4 to 5/16 inch)) and polished edges for safety.
- Get shelf supports designed for 5 mm (3/16 inch) diameter holes, which can be easily inserted.
- The supports should be made of metal with rubber or plastic pads to protect the glass from damage.
- After inserting the supports, carefully place the glass shelf on them; ideally, position it so that it does not overhang.
- Make sure the glass shelves cannot slip—small rubber bumpers along the edges can help with this.
- If LED lighting is desired, you can attach thin LED strips to the sides or underneath the glass shelves for an elegant effect.
Common mistakes include using glass that is too thin or supports with incorrect spacing, which affects load distribution. It is also important that the holes do not tear out from excessive weight, so avoid overloading the cabinets with glass shelves.
If you could post exact measurements or pictures of the shelving unit, that would help to provide even more precise recommendations.
Hughno schrieb:
I installed glass shelves using clip-on glass holders that fit into the BESTA drill holes.That matches my experience as well. However, I would add that the choice of glass holders is crucial for stability. For my BESTA shelves, I used metal clips with rubber padding, which not only hold the glass securely but also prevent direct contact between the glass and the particleboard.
- Make sure the glass thickness is at least 6 mm (¼ inch).
- If you want different heights, you can stagger the holders along the drill hole rows accordingly.
- Be careful when inserting the glass to avoid chipping.
If the shelf is moved frequently, I recommend adding silicone bumpers to prevent slipping.
P
pauPierce3 Jun 2015 09:17What is also important: Most original BESTA shelves are 16 mm (5/8 inch) thick, so switching to glass with 6–8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch) thickness involves a certain shift in stability risk.
This is exactly the crucial point – glass shelves must be mounted with appropriately matched brackets in these holes; otherwise, there is a risk that the glass will not be supported properly.
From my experience, using 8 mm (5/16 inch) glass is the safer choice, especially if the shelf will be used by children or to carry heavy items. Alternatively, you could consider glass shelves fixed with side metal profiles inside the cabinet – this is more stable but also more complex.
One more tip: If you use LEDs, it is better to choose cold light LEDs to avoid heat generation that could damage the particleboard.
Are there any restrictions regarding load capacity or specific aesthetic requirements for your project?
DINASAN schrieb:
Most BESTA components use system holes with a diameter of 5 mm (3/16 inch) at regular intervals of 37 mm (1 7/16 inch), primarily designed for wooden shelves.
This is exactly the crucial point – glass shelves must be mounted with appropriately matched brackets in these holes; otherwise, there is a risk that the glass will not be supported properly.
From my experience, using 8 mm (5/16 inch) glass is the safer choice, especially if the shelf will be used by children or to carry heavy items. Alternatively, you could consider glass shelves fixed with side metal profiles inside the cabinet – this is more stable but also more complex.
One more tip: If you use LEDs, it is better to choose cold light LEDs to avoid heat generation that could damage the particleboard.
Are there any restrictions regarding load capacity or specific aesthetic requirements for your project?
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