Hello everyone, I am currently planning to customize my Ikea Besta shelving unit by using fabric fronts instead of the usual wooden or glass doors. The fabric should be stretched tightly and remain durable over time, without sagging or looking unattractive. I am particularly interested in practical methods, which materials and fastening techniques are best suited for this, and what important factors I should consider during the process. Has anyone had experience with mounting fabric fronts on Ikea Besta units of various sizes? I look forward to expert tips and practical advice!
Hi Drilon1, basically there are several techniques to mount fabric fronts on a Besta system. The most important thing is first to create a fabric frame or some kind of substructure that stretches the fabric. Possible options include:
- Using stretch frames made of wooden slats that you attach to the front either by gluing or screwing.
- Securing with staple pins if the back side is accessible.
- Alternatively, using thin clamp strips or self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape for changing the fabric.
The fabric should ideally be relatively tight and dimensionally stable, such as canvas, synthetic fabrics, or upholstery fabrics. It is important that the fabric does not stretch out easily, otherwise it will look untidy after a short time. Avoid fabrics that are too thin or very stretchy.
One more tip: Before mounting, treat the fabric on the frame well, for example by ironing and if possible applying a fabric protector spray.
It would also be important to know whether you want the fabric fronts only as a cover or if they should replace doors as well, meaning how hinges and such are handled. Are you more open to DIY solutions or do you want it to look as professional as possible?
- Using stretch frames made of wooden slats that you attach to the front either by gluing or screwing.
- Securing with staple pins if the back side is accessible.
- Alternatively, using thin clamp strips or self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape for changing the fabric.
The fabric should ideally be relatively tight and dimensionally stable, such as canvas, synthetic fabrics, or upholstery fabrics. It is important that the fabric does not stretch out easily, otherwise it will look untidy after a short time. Avoid fabrics that are too thin or very stretchy.
One more tip: Before mounting, treat the fabric on the frame well, for example by ironing and if possible applying a fabric protector spray.
It would also be important to know whether you want the fabric fronts only as a cover or if they should replace doors as well, meaning how hinges and such are handled. Are you more open to DIY solutions or do you want it to look as professional as possible?
Hello Drilon1, I would like to add that measuring and aligning the fabric panels is especially important. It’s best to first create a template from paper or cardboard in the exact front size to test how the fabric will be stretched.
For mounting on Besta doors, you could also make frames from strips of wood, which you either screw onto the doors or hold in place with clamps before stretching the fabric covering and then stapling or attaching with hook-and-loop tape.
Elastic fabrics are not ideal, as they tend to warp easily. Upholstery fabrics usually work better for this purpose.
If you want to remove the panels regularly, hook-and-loop fasteners are probably the best solution.
For mounting on Besta doors, you could also make frames from strips of wood, which you either screw onto the doors or hold in place with clamps before stretching the fabric covering and then stapling or attaching with hook-and-loop tape.
Elastic fabrics are not ideal, as they tend to warp easily. Upholstery fabrics usually work better for this purpose.
If you want to remove the panels regularly, hook-and-loop fasteners are probably the best solution.
Thanks already for the many suggestions. Regarding your question, poted: The fabric fronts are meant to fully replace the existing wooden doors, so the new door fronts will be completely covered with fabric. The door hinges will be reused, so the fabric fronts should be mounted on a sturdy base that exactly matches the dimensions of the Besta door panel.
I’m looking for a method that doesn’t require too much effort but is still neat and durable, as I don’t want to have to change all the fronts regularly later on. Stretch frames sound good, but I don’t know how thick the frame should be to be stable and soft enough to stretch the fabric properly.
Does anyone have recommendations for suitable wood material or frame size? And what is the best way to attach the frame “invisibly” to the door? Is this possible with construction adhesive, or are screws needed?
By the way: Should the fabrics also be somewhat washable? I have children at home, so ease of cleaning would be practical.
I’m looking for a method that doesn’t require too much effort but is still neat and durable, as I don’t want to have to change all the fronts regularly later on. Stretch frames sound good, but I don’t know how thick the frame should be to be stable and soft enough to stretch the fabric properly.
Does anyone have recommendations for suitable wood material or frame size? And what is the best way to attach the frame “invisibly” to the door? Is this possible with construction adhesive, or are screws needed?
By the way: Should the fabrics also be somewhat washable? I have children at home, so ease of cleaning would be practical.
Drilon1 schrieb:
Stretch frames sound good, but I’m not sure how thick the frame should be to be stable and flexible enough to stretch the fabric.Hi, I recommend using wooden slats about 18 x 27 mm (around 3/4 x 1 inch), similar to thin picture frame mouldings. These are sturdy enough to hold an area of 50 x 50 cm (20 x 20 inches) or more without warping, while still providing the right stiffness for the fabric.
Drilon1 schrieb:
And what’s the best way to attach the frame "invisibly" to the door? Can you use construction adhesive or are screws necessary?That depends on the weight, but screws offer more security. Invisible attachment can be done with countersunk screws driven from the back into the Besta doors. Construction adhesive can be problematic if you want to remove the fronts later.
Regarding the fabric: For easy care, impregnated or synthetic fabrics work well, such as polyester blends with dirt-repellent finishes. You can enhance this with a liquid fabric protector. Also keep in mind that children tend to touch the fronts more often, so washable or at least wipeable surfaces are advisable.
Another important point is securing the fabric to the frame. I recommend using a staple gun with closely spaced staples, about every 2 cm (3/4 inch). Don’t overstretch the fabric, or it will wrinkle. A little trick: gently tap the corners with a wooden mallet to evenly stretch the fabric.
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