ᐅ How can I design an IKEA Besta unit as a shoe cabinet with adequate ventilation?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to use my IKEA Besta cabinet not just for regular storage, but specifically as a shoe cabinet. It’s especially important for me to ensure adequate ventilation, as shoes can easily develop a musty smell otherwise. I have considered drilling ventilation holes myself or possibly using special shelves with built-in ventilation. I’m also wondering how to best organize the inside so that the airflow isn’t completely blocked by a full and closed door. Does anyone have experience or practical tips on how to convert the Besta cabinet into an optimal shoe cabinet with good fresh air circulation? Thanks in advance for your ideas and opinions!

Cansujon42 schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience or specific tips on how to optimally convert the Besta cabinet into a shoe cabinet with good fresh air circulation?

Why bother with ventilation at all? We’re always told that shoes need to breathe, but in reality, doesn’t almost every shoe have a layer of material that’s essentially airtight? I bet it’s enough just to avoid sealing the cabinet completely—maybe use a door with a grille instead of a solid one? Everything else is often overkill. The question is how much comfort you really want compared to the effort involved.

Simple approach: Drill holes at the bottom and top of the cabinet to enable natural convection. Shelves made of grid or mesh are also helpful. Keep the door open or replace it with a perforated door panel.

A structured solution could be implemented as follows:

- Before remodeling, drill holes (5-8 mm diameter) in the side walls and under the floor, as warm air rises.
- Install mesh inserts or ventilation grilles in the doors to ensure air exchange.
- Use slatted bases or grid shelves to prevent stagnant air.
- Shoes should be arranged so they are not tightly packed together; otherwise, ventilation will not be very effective.

Common mistakes include ventilation openings that are too small or too few, and solid shelf bases that cause air to become trapped.

A tip: Before assembly, deburr all drill holes with sandpaper to reduce dust formation.

Cool project! I equipped my Besta with narrow ventilation slots at the bottom and top, which really helps a lot. 🙂 I simply used thin strips as spacers for the shelves so the air can circulate. It keeps the shoes well-ventilated and they smell much fresher. I'm sure you can do it too!

Cansujon42 schrieb:
I have been considering whether to drill ventilation holes myself or maybe use special shelves with built-in ventilation.

Good idea! I would definitely place the holes where they are not immediately visible – at the back or on the sides. Additionally, doors with perforated panels can help improve air circulation. If you want to impress craftsmen enthusiasts, sliding fronts with small mesh elements can be a very stylish and functional solution! 😉