ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY – How to Build Custom Dividers for Drawers?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently planning to make my IKEA Besta drawers more practical by installing custom dividers. The idea is to better organize the storage space so that smaller items don’t get scattered around. However, I don’t want to use the standard inserts available in the range but rather truly tailor-made dividers that I can adjust myself and modify if needed.

Does anyone here have experience with DIY dividers for Besta drawers? How did you implement them, which materials did you use, and above all, how do you secure the dividers firmly without damaging the drawers?

I’m grateful for any tips, including recommended tools and possibly affordable alternatives to the classic IKEA dividers. It can be something a bit more unusual or individual, as long as it’s practical and durable.

Thanks in advance!

Hello jexhevdet,

I think your idea of making custom dividers for the BESTA drawers is really practical! For something like this, I usually prefer thin veneer panels (about 3-4 mm (0.1-0.15 inches)) because they are sturdy, easy to cut, and still relatively lightweight.

It’s important to take measurements very precisely since the drawers are usually not exactly the same size. A tip: leave a few millimeters (inches) of clearance in both width and depth so the dividers don’t fit too tightly.

For attaching, I mostly use small plastic feet or so-called “foam rubber strips” that you place along the edges. This way, you can easily slide in the dividers and they still hold securely without damaging the wood or plastic of the drawer.

If you want to stay flexible, you can also work with magnets—however, you would then need to integrate magnetic materials into the dividers or the drawer.

As for tools, a fine handsaw or a utility knife and a set square for accurate measuring are usually sufficient. Depending on whether you want to sand or paint the dividers, you can also enhance the look.

If you want, I can gladly share some sources for suitable panels!

angel schrieb:
If you prefer to stay flexible, you can also work with magnets – but you’ll need to integrate magnetic materials into the dividers or the drawer.

Magnets are a really clever idea! 🙂 I tried this once in a small DIY project with wooden slats – that way, you can quickly move the dividers or remove them entirely if you want to reorganize.

Since you mentioned wanting something a bit unusual: How about using lightweight acrylic strips instead of a solid panel? They look stylish, are easy to maintain, and you can secure them with small clips or even double-sided tape without it sticking permanently.

Sure, acrylic isn’t the cheapest option, but it really adds a nice touch visually and is easy to clean.

Have fun with your project – we’re all eager to see some creative ideas again! 😉

Simply cut thin strips of wood or plastic to size.

Then glue them into small insertion grooves in the drawer or secure them with clear silicone.

This holds well and is reversible.

For creating custom dividers in IKEA BESTA drawers, a modular design is advisable. The wooden panels should be thin (3-5 mm (0.1-0.2 inches)) to minimize material costs and avoid loss of space.

Recommended materials: Hardwood veneer boards or plywood with a smooth surface, as they are easy to work with and paint.

Attachment methods:
- Cutting notches or grooves inside the drawer to snap the dividers into place.
- Using small felt or rubber adapters for stabilization and to prevent scratches.

Alternatively, magnetic mounts can be used if the drawer has metal components, although this is uncommon for plastic or wooden drawers.

For cutting, a fine-toothed saw or a jigsaw blade is recommended for precision. A digital caliper is also useful for accurately measuring dimensions.

In summary: precise sizing of dividers, using thin and sturdy materials, and reversible attachment methods are key to a durable solution.

jexhevdet schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with DIY dividers for BESTA drawers? How did you implement it, what materials did you use, and most importantly, how do you attach the dividers securely without damaging the drawers?

I can fully understand how important a custom solution like this is, especially when you often want to organize small items. At first, I was concerned whether homemade dividers would be sturdy enough without damaging the original structure.

In my case, a system using self-adhesive foam pads at the contact points worked well. I made the dividers from plywood, cut with a coping saw. This provides stability. The foam strips protect the wood of the drawer and hold the dividers securely in place.

If you want to stay very flexible, you can also just lay the dividers loosely if they are well fitted – in my experience, they hold surprisingly well. I also find it easier to create a new organizing system this way if storage needs change.

Wishing you success with your project!