ᐅ How can I convert Ikea Besta into a slim and functional sideboard for the hallway?
Created on: 26 Jun 2023 08:23
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durediHello everyone, I need some support with my project: I want to modify the Ikea Besta system to serve as a slim yet functional sideboard for my hallway. My hallway is quite narrow, about 70 cm (28 inches) wide, so the sideboard needs to stay slim but still provide enough storage space for shoes, keys, mail, and small items. The plan is to reduce the standard Besta cabinet depth of 60 cm (24 inches) significantly, ideally to 30 to a maximum of 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) depth. Has anyone ever done something like this or can give tips on how to rebuild the cabinet confidently and stably when making it this slim? I’m also interested in advice on suitable front designs, door types, and clever interior layouts. Many thanks in advance!
Hello duredi, I find your idea interesting, but converting a Besta unit to a depth of about 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) is definitely a challenge, especially regarding stability and functionality.
If you want to reduce the depth by half, you should definitely consider how to modify the back panel and sidewall construction, since the original cabinet is designed for a depth of 40-60 cm (16-24 inches). One option is to reinforce the back panel, or even add an extra plywood board behind the original back panel. This will improve stability.
Also, it’s important to think about which internal components you want to use. The small shelves and drawers in Besta units are often designed for the standard depth. If you plan to include drawers, check whether compatible handles and drawer slides exist for the reduced depth.
Regarding the fronts: hinged doors are usually wider and require more space due to their swing area, so sliding or flap doors might be more space-efficient.
I would especially recommend considering a new back panel design if you reduce the strength of the sidewalls, for example by installing a sturdy plywood panel as the back with appropriate mounting hardware.
I’m also curious about the wall condition in the hallway. Can you drill into it, or do you need a completely freestanding solution? This will affect stability.
If you want to reduce the depth by half, you should definitely consider how to modify the back panel and sidewall construction, since the original cabinet is designed for a depth of 40-60 cm (16-24 inches). One option is to reinforce the back panel, or even add an extra plywood board behind the original back panel. This will improve stability.
Also, it’s important to think about which internal components you want to use. The small shelves and drawers in Besta units are often designed for the standard depth. If you plan to include drawers, check whether compatible handles and drawer slides exist for the reduced depth.
Regarding the fronts: hinged doors are usually wider and require more space due to their swing area, so sliding or flap doors might be more space-efficient.
I would especially recommend considering a new back panel design if you reduce the strength of the sidewalls, for example by installing a sturdy plywood panel as the back with appropriate mounting hardware.
I’m also curious about the wall condition in the hallway. Can you drill into it, or do you need a completely freestanding solution? This will affect stability.
D
daalessio26 Jun 2023 10:47Converting a slim Besta carcass for use in a hallway requires not only good construction but also a well-thought-out concept for optimizing storage space.
I would recommend reducing the depth by replacing parts of the frame—such as the sides and back panel—with thinner plywood panels to save weight and optimize the depth. For the front design, you could use narrow doors with a push-to-open mechanism to avoid handles that might get in the way in the hallway.
A functional interior layout could also include vertical compartments for mail or RFID holders for keys.
At the same time, stability should be ensured by reinforcing connection points with angle brackets, since the original joint systems might no longer be sufficient after the conversion.
Perhaps using the frame along with custom-turned feet could create a floating effect that makes the hallway appear more spacious.
I would recommend reducing the depth by replacing parts of the frame—such as the sides and back panel—with thinner plywood panels to save weight and optimize the depth. For the front design, you could use narrow doors with a push-to-open mechanism to avoid handles that might get in the way in the hallway.
A functional interior layout could also include vertical compartments for mail or RFID holders for keys.
At the same time, stability should be ensured by reinforcing connection points with angle brackets, since the original joint systems might no longer be sufficient after the conversion.
Perhaps using the frame along with custom-turned feet could create a floating effect that makes the hallway appear more spacious.
Hey duredi, I really like your plan to make the sideboard in the hallway slimmer and more functional! 😎
The idea to reduce the cabinet depth is smart, especially since hallways are often narrow and you quickly run into space limits. For the doors, instead of large swinging doors, you might consider folding doors or sliding doors – this can save a lot of space.
Inside, you could use drawers of different heights and easily removable boxes to keep things flexible.
For the material, I would recommend lightweight, possibly lacquered wood panels – this not only makes the furniture more stable but also gives it a higher-quality look.
And if you add a lit shelf for keys and phones to the Besta, you’ll have the hallway perfectly arranged!
The idea to reduce the cabinet depth is smart, especially since hallways are often narrow and you quickly run into space limits. For the doors, instead of large swinging doors, you might consider folding doors or sliding doors – this can save a lot of space.
Inside, you could use drawers of different heights and easily removable boxes to keep things flexible.
For the material, I would recommend lightweight, possibly lacquered wood panels – this not only makes the furniture more stable but also gives it a higher-quality look.
And if you add a lit shelf for keys and phones to the Besta, you’ll have the hallway perfectly arranged!
To make the cabinet narrower, I would replace the side walls and back panel with thinner plywood.
For doors, sliding doors work best in narrow hallways.
Keep in mind that the stability will be affected by the narrower frame, so additional reinforcement of the back panel is necessary.
For doors, sliding doors work best in narrow hallways.
Keep in mind that the stability will be affected by the narrower frame, so additional reinforcement of the back panel is necessary.
GOLO42 schrieb:
I am curious about the wall surface in the hallway. Can you drill into it, or do you need a completely freestanding solution?Thank you for the detailed response. The wall is solid, and I could theoretically install anchors, but I would like to be able to easily take the sideboard with me in case of a future move. Therefore, a freestanding option is preferable, as long as it stands securely and does not wobble.
daalessio schrieb:
Maybe the frame combined with custom-turned legs could create a floating effect that makes the hallway appear larger.I really like the idea of a floating impression. I envision the legs being discreet but stable, possibly combined with delicate adjustable feet to compensate for uneven floors.
The idea of push-to-open fronts also sounds very appealing, since handles can often be inconvenient in hallways.
I am also considering whether to keep the depth at 35 cm (14 inches) rather than reducing it further, to maintain usable interior space. Does anyone have experience regarding the minimum depth a sideboard should have to still easily store shoes or foldable boxes?
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