ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY: How to Build a Combination with Open Shelving Units?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to build a custom combination using the Ikea Besta system. I specifically want to include a version with open shelving to create a more airy and modern look. My question is: How do I construct a Besta combination with open shelves so that the shelves remain stable, look appealing, and integrate well into an existing wall or media furniture setup?

I would appreciate tips on installation, choosing the right door and shelf combinations, as well as recommendations for suitable accessories (e.g., back panels, connectors, etc.). Additionally, I would like to know if there are any special tricks or common mistakes to avoid when installing the open shelves.

Thank you in advance for your experience and advice!

Basically, stability is one of the biggest challenges with open shelving units in the BESTA system, especially if you plan the compartments without a back panel.

- Be sure to use the official IKEA fasteners for the modules to ensure a stable frame structure.
- Open compartments can be stabilized effectively with additional side reinforcements or by installing thin, decorative back panels.
- Intermediate shelves are helpful to prevent the compartments from sagging.

For the appearance, I recommend alternating open shelving units with closed elements to create a harmonious overall look.

A common mistake is building open compartments completely without a back panel, which often leads to warping. Therefore, plan to include some backing material or a thin board.

Here is a brief how-to guide for assembling your open shelving units in the BESTA system:

1. Planning: Record the dimensions of your modules and decide which ones should remain open.
2. Material selection: Purchase suitable back panels (preferably thin fiberboard) to stabilize the shelves.
3. Before assembly: Fully assemble the frames and side panels before attaching the back panels.
4. Fitting back panels: Cut the back panels to size if necessary (there are often standard sizes available).
5. Screwing: Back panels are inserted into the grooves of the side panels and either screwed or stapled in place.
6. For stability, open shelving units should never just stand loosely—reinforce them with metal brackets if needed.

Common mistakes:
- Using back panels that are too thin
- Attaching back panels only loosely

I also recommend assembling the modules on the floor first before fastening them.

pikin schrieb:
Open compartments can be effectively stabilized by adding extra reinforcement on the sides or by installing thin, decorative back panels.

That is absolutely correct, but I would like to elaborate further. When building open BESTA shelves, it is important to consider two factors: load distribution and torsional rigidity.

- Load distribution: Open shelves without a back panel are much more prone to sagging because the cross-section is not closed. A back panel, even if only decorative, provides the necessary stiffness.
- Torsional rigidity: The connections at the module ends (screws, dowels) must be very tight because open shelves can twist over time.

If you don’t want to use a full-height back panel, a thin strip used as a diagonal brace inside can also help.

Additionally: Use the supplied metal brackets to secure taller units to the wall to prevent tipping hazards.

What dimensions and weight loads are you aiming for? With that, I can provide more specific advice.

filippo schrieb:
What dimensions and load capacities are you aiming for? That way, I can provide more specific advice.

Thanks for asking! I am planning a combination of four BESTA modules, each measuring 60 x 40 cm (24 x 16 inches). Two of the modules will remain open, ideally arranged in the middle. The open sections are mainly intended to hold books and decorative items — so not extremely heavy loads, more in the range of 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs) per compartment.

The furniture will stand freely in the living room, so stability and the appearance from the back are important. No pictures or TVs will be placed on it, so no heavy load on the wall-mounted shelf. Wall mounting is planned as an option, depending on how stable the whole setup turns out to be.

In my opinion, are there any issues with connecting open and closed modules? I think a continuous back panel wouldn’t look good or might be too rigid.

lusi40 schrieb:
Are there in my opinion problems with the connection between open and closed modules?

When connecting open and closed modules, the main concern is that different modules may behave differently in terms of stability. One option is to secure the modules together using corner brackets or metal connectors to prevent independent movement.

It is also advisable to provide the open modules with at least a thin back panel or some other form of reinforcement. The closed module then partially takes on the structural role. This helps minimize possible warping.

Since you want to store books inside, I would not completely skip back panels—especially for open compartments that are centered and bear the weight of books.

If you prefer not to have a full back panel, you can also consider acrylic or glass back panels as alternatives for a lighter visual effect.