ᐅ Which handles visually match IKEA BESTA furniture best?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to update my IKEA Besta furniture with new handles to give them a more modern and at the same time higher-quality look. I am wondering which handles visually fit best with IKEA Besta furniture. I am especially interested in options that harmonize well with the usually simple fronts and are also durable and practical for everyday use. Do you have experience with handles made from certain materials (e.g., metal, wood, plastic) or with specific styles (e.g., bar handles, knobs, pull handles) that work particularly well? I look forward to your recommendations and tips on combining handles with different designs of the Besta units!

Metal handles with a stainless steel finish almost always look good on BESTA, as they appear modern and are easy to clean. Handle strips create a harmonious, minimalist overall look. Wooden handles can quickly appear busy if the front already has a pattern.

Hello Ronkla, I completely understand your question, as the choice of handles can significantly impact the overall appearance of the BESTA system. Generally, I recommend matching the color and material of the handles to the surrounding environment. For example, if your furniture is in a light color, such as white or gray, matte black or brushed metal handles work very well, as they provide a nice contrast. For a warmer atmosphere, you could also choose wooden handles, which particularly complement wood-colored floors or accessories. Additionally, consider whether you prefer handleless options with push-to-open mechanisms or traditional handles. The latter are, of course, more practical if you access the cabinets frequently. Finally, the handle size matters – small knobs can look lost on large fronts, while oversized handles might overpower the overall design. Hope this helps!

Doesn’t every handle for BESTA automatically mean the classic IKEA standard handles? I believe you shouldn’t get stuck in the mainstream and instead dare to use unusual materials! For example, leather handles or simple ceramic knobs with vintage charm. Especially since BESTA is so minimalist, an extravagant handle design can really enhance the piece and give it character.

Mathiasche schrieb:
Finally, handle dimensions also matter – handles that are too small look lost on large fronts, while oversized handles can overwhelm the overall design.

Exactly! I advocate for large, striking handles that can serve as eye-catchers, not just functional elements. Sure, you often see plain metal bars. But honestly: aren’t there way too many bland, run-of-the-mill solutions out there?

I would like to provide a brief guide on which handles work particularly well with IKEA BESTA, especially considering the wide range of options:

- Material: Aluminum and brushed metal are recommended because they are durable and timeless.
- Shapes: Handle bars or flat pull handles integrate perfectly with the simple fronts and make cleaning easier.
- Installation: The holes in BESTA are usually standardized, so handles should be chosen with a hole distance matching the existing drill holes (usually 96 mm (3.8 inches) or 128 mm (5 inches)).
- Design tip: Matte handles look especially elegant on glossy or high-gloss fronts, while shiny handles provide a good contrast with matte fronts.

Common mistakes:
- Handles that are too small on large doors create an unbalanced visual impression.
- Cheap plastic handles can quickly become unattractive.

In summary: It is worth paying attention to quality and measurements to ensure the handles are convincing both visually and functionally. This way, your BESTA cabinet becomes a real eye-catcher!