ᐅ How can I transform IKEA Besta units into an elegant room divider?
Created on: 14 Nov 2015 09:17
H
heddaHello everyone,
I am considering using my IKEA Besta shelving system as an elegant room divider in my apartment. I am especially interested in how to arrange or upgrade the modules so that they are visually appealing while also functioning effectively as a room divider. I don’t want a simple partition, but something that enhances the space, for example with backlighting, a mix of open and closed compartments, or maybe with special finishes or decorative elements.
Do you have any ideas or experience on how to modify Besta to achieve a modern, elegant look that really works as a room divider? Perhaps also tips on stability and installation to ensure it stands securely?
Thank you in advance!
I am considering using my IKEA Besta shelving system as an elegant room divider in my apartment. I am especially interested in how to arrange or upgrade the modules so that they are visually appealing while also functioning effectively as a room divider. I don’t want a simple partition, but something that enhances the space, for example with backlighting, a mix of open and closed compartments, or maybe with special finishes or decorative elements.
Do you have any ideas or experience on how to modify Besta to achieve a modern, elegant look that really works as a room divider? Perhaps also tips on stability and installation to ensure it stands securely?
Thank you in advance!
Hello Hedda,
your project sounds great and definitely feasible. The Besta series is very versatile. For an elegant room divider, combining design and functionality is key. Here are a few tips:
- Use different shelf heights, as lideo already mentioned, to create a more dynamic look.
- Ensure the modules are securely screwed together for safety.
- You can add back panels made of glass or acrylic to give a sense of lightness.
- LED strips behind the shelves provide subtle lighting and elegance.
- Choose either a matte or high-gloss finish for the front, depending on whether you prefer a modern or classic style.
If you want to use the room divider for storage, it’s also a good idea to include drawers or doors.
What dimensions do you have available, and how is the overall floor plan shaped? Then we can help more specifically.
your project sounds great and definitely feasible. The Besta series is very versatile. For an elegant room divider, combining design and functionality is key. Here are a few tips:
- Use different shelf heights, as lideo already mentioned, to create a more dynamic look.
- Ensure the modules are securely screwed together for safety.
- You can add back panels made of glass or acrylic to give a sense of lightness.
- LED strips behind the shelves provide subtle lighting and elegance.
- Choose either a matte or high-gloss finish for the front, depending on whether you prefer a modern or classic style.
If you want to use the room divider for storage, it’s also a good idea to include drawers or doors.
What dimensions do you have available, and how is the overall floor plan shaped? Then we can help more specifically.
Ixvin schrieb:
If you want to use the room divider as storage, it makes sense to include drawers or doors.That’s an important point, thank you! I would definitely like to use the room divider for storage, especially for books, binders, and smaller decorative items. The overall size is about 2.50 meters (8.2 feet) long and 1.80 meters (5.9 feet) high, with a depth of no more than 40 cm (16 inches) so the passageway doesn’t become too narrow.
I’m thinking of a mix of closed compartments for the binders and open sections for books and plants. The back panel could be transparent or set back to create a sense of depth.
Does anyone have experience with adding lighting to Besta? I’ve seen that LED strips can be well integrated, but what’s the most elegant way to do this without visible cable clutter?
Regarding stability: the modules will stand freely; I don’t want to screw them to the ceiling if possible. Are there ways to increase stability without fixed anchoring?
Hello Hedda,
I understand your requirements well and have completed several projects using Besta as room dividers. Here is a structured suggestion that might help you:
1. Planning and Assembly:
- Combine different module lengths and heights, e.g. 60x40x64 cm (24x16x25 inches) and 60x40x128 cm (24x16x50 inches), to create an elegant staggered effect.
- Use closed doors in areas where privacy is desired, and open compartments for books and decorations.
2. Lighting:
- LED strip modules with warm white light work best for living spaces; you can attach these underneath the shelves.
- To neatly hide cables, run them behind the back panel or inside cable channels designed specifically for furniture.
- Choose power supplies with a slim profile that can be easily concealed.
3. Stability:
- Connect the modules using IKEA connectors included with each Besta package.
- For added stability, I recommend mounting two sturdy metal brackets on the back and screwing the modules together.
- To ensure stability without ceiling attachments, place heavy, flat weights in the lower compartments to lower the center of gravity.
4. Appearance:
- Select matte fronts, for example in anthracite or white.
- Use decorations purposefully to make the room divider lively yet calm.
If you like, I can also assist you with detailed planning. Could you tell me more about the surroundings (floor covering, wall colors) and which decorative styles you prefer?
I understand your requirements well and have completed several projects using Besta as room dividers. Here is a structured suggestion that might help you:
1. Planning and Assembly:
- Combine different module lengths and heights, e.g. 60x40x64 cm (24x16x25 inches) and 60x40x128 cm (24x16x50 inches), to create an elegant staggered effect.
- Use closed doors in areas where privacy is desired, and open compartments for books and decorations.
2. Lighting:
- LED strip modules with warm white light work best for living spaces; you can attach these underneath the shelves.
- To neatly hide cables, run them behind the back panel or inside cable channels designed specifically for furniture.
- Choose power supplies with a slim profile that can be easily concealed.
3. Stability:
- Connect the modules using IKEA connectors included with each Besta package.
- For added stability, I recommend mounting two sturdy metal brackets on the back and screwing the modules together.
- To ensure stability without ceiling attachments, place heavy, flat weights in the lower compartments to lower the center of gravity.
4. Appearance:
- Select matte fronts, for example in anthracite or white.
- Use decorations purposefully to make the room divider lively yet calm.
If you like, I can also assist you with detailed planning. Could you tell me more about the surroundings (floor covering, wall colors) and which decorative styles you prefer?
Hello Hedda,
I would like to go a bit deeper into the structural challenges so that your room divider not only looks elegant but also remains stable over time.
- Besta modules are fundamentally designed as standing furniture, not as freestanding room dividers. Therefore, connecting the individual modules to each other and ensuring stability is essential.
- For the connection: The original IKEA fasteners are usually small plastic connectors. I recommend reinforcing them with thin metal plates and small screws. This will make the whole construction less wobbly.
- If you don’t want to fix it to a wall or ceiling, you can use folding feet or furniture feet with rubber pads to make the floor contact more secure.
- Optional: A thin, transparent safety glass as a back panel not only increases stability but also adds depth and reflections that enhance the design.
- A small tip regarding lighting: Make sure the LED voltage matches your setup and use dimmers to create different moods depending on the time of day.
One more question: Would you like to customize the color to match your interior? I know some very good spray paints that can easily refresh Besta fronts if you want.
I would like to go a bit deeper into the structural challenges so that your room divider not only looks elegant but also remains stable over time.
- Besta modules are fundamentally designed as standing furniture, not as freestanding room dividers. Therefore, connecting the individual modules to each other and ensuring stability is essential.
- For the connection: The original IKEA fasteners are usually small plastic connectors. I recommend reinforcing them with thin metal plates and small screws. This will make the whole construction less wobbly.
- If you don’t want to fix it to a wall or ceiling, you can use folding feet or furniture feet with rubber pads to make the floor contact more secure.
- Optional: A thin, transparent safety glass as a back panel not only increases stability but also adds depth and reflections that enhance the design.
- A small tip regarding lighting: Make sure the LED voltage matches your setup and use dimmers to create different moods depending on the time of day.
One more question: Would you like to customize the color to match your interior? I know some very good spray paints that can easily refresh Besta fronts if you want.
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