ᐅ How can I convert Ikea BESTA into a storage bench for a children's room?

Hello everyone,

I would like to build a storage bench in my son’s bedroom, and I have chosen the Ikea Besta system for this purpose. My goal is to modify the BESTA cabinet units to create a sturdy bench with enough space to store toys.

My specific question is: How can I convert Ikea BESTA into a storage bench for a child’s room that is both strong enough to support children and provides easily accessible storage? Are there particular modules or add-ons that work especially well? Tips on reinforcing or adjusting the doors/panels would also be very helpful.

I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!

Hello kefe52,

first of all, a great choice with the BESTA system; it is very versatile. For a bench with storage, I would recommend using a larger BESTA cabinet (e.g., 120 cm (47 inches) wide, 40 cm (16 inches) high) as a base.

Regarding stability:
- Ideally, reinforce the back panel with an additional 6 mm (1/4 inch) MDF board for extra support.
- Reinforcement profiles (for example, aluminum) can be installed under the seating surface.

Storage:
- Insertable boxes or baskets fit well into the compartments and are easy for children to access.
- Sliding doors are more practical than hinged doors since they don’t create tripping hazards in a child’s room.

Regarding the seating surface:
- A sturdy, upholstered wooden board with suitable foam on top provides comfortable seating; the wooden board can be adjusted to the cabinet depth.

I hope this helps. If you need details about assembly, feel free to ask.

Brief and structured:

1. Choice of cabinet depth: 40cm (16 inches) or more is advisable, as children need enough space to sit.
2. Load capacity: BESTA is not primarily designed as seating furniture, so additional reinforcements are essential—for example, metal brackets, extra cross braces.
3. Storage space: Pull-out boxes or insert baskets increase usability.
4. Seating surface: Attach an OSB board or plywood to the cabinet, reinforced with foam padding and upholstery.
5. Dynamics: Choose smooth-operating doors (sliding doors) or open compartments for young children.

If you consider the load and rely on a reinforced base, it works perfectly from a technical standpoint.

Hi, kefe52,

I built something similar about a year ago, using the BESTA carcass 120x40cm (47x16 inches) as a base, just as TRADI suggested. Here are some practical tips from my experience:

- A seat height of about 45–50 cm (18–20 inches) is ideal for children.
- Use sturdy plywood panels for the seating surface, plus a foam cushion with a removable cover (e.g., organic cotton).
- For added stability, I installed cross braces made from wooden boards underneath the seat.
- For storage, baskets on casters work well and can be easily pulled out.

And very important: regularly check screws and connections due to wear and tear.

I’m happy to provide more detailed help if you have questions.

TRADI schrieb:

Regarding stability:
- Ideally, reinforce the back panel with an additional 6 mm MDF board for extra strength.
- You can attach reinforcing profiles (for example, aluminum) underneath the seating surface.

Thanks, TRADI, that sounds good. I was concerned whether the supplied back panel would be sufficient. Installing the extra board seems easier than I thought.

Can you recommend the best way to secure the cushion so it doesn’t slip and remains easy to clean?

gregto schrieb:

And very important: regularly check screws and joints for wear and stress.

That’s a good tip, especially important with children. Thanks!

Two important additions from my perspective:

- Protection against tipping: Especially if the bench becomes taller and heavier, make sure to securely fasten the back panel to the wall, for example with brackets and anchors.
- Round off edges: The bench is often used by children, so I recommend adding soft edge protectors to the seat edges or sanding them smooth to prevent injuries.

Both together increase safety in the children's room.