ᐅ How can I childproof IKEA BESTA doors without affecting their appearance?

Created on: 5 Jun 2017 08:47
M
Maxwellmeo
M
Maxwellmeo
5 Jun 2017 08:47
Hello everyone,

I’m facing the following issue: I own an IKEA Besta shelving unit with the standard wooden doors, and I would like to make it childproof. My challenge is that I don’t want to affect the appearance of the doors in any way. Many solutions, such as external latches or adhesive locks, bother me visually because they look too conspicuous or are applied in a messy way.

So my question to the community is: How can I securely lock IKEA Besta doors to make them childproof without damaging the furniture’s aesthetic appeal? Are there any clever, discreet, or integrated methods you have tried or would recommend? Suggestions for mechanisms that are invisible or very subtle would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your ideas and experiences!
J
Joshbe
5 Jun 2017 09:03
Hello Maxwellmeo,

for childproof locking of IKEA BESTA doors while maintaining their appearance, I recommend the following approach:

- Use internally mounted magnetic locks that are not visible and do not alter the exterior of the fronts. Small magnetic catches can be purchased and installed inside the door and cabinet.

- Another option is so-called push locks that can be discreetly mounted in the hinges or on the inside. When properly installed, these are hardly visible.

- Alternatively, you can install child safety locks with adhesive backing, which are stuck on the inside of the doors and remain invisible from the outside.

These methods preserve the design, are reversible, and functional.
S
SIAURORA
5 Jun 2017 09:17
Joshbe schrieb:
Use internally mounted magnetic locks that are not visible and do not cause any external changes to the fronts.

At first, that sounds reasonable, but I have some reservations: adhesive or magnetic systems can lose their grip over time. The "invisible" solution is often an illusion because depending on usage, you quickly realize that the lock either fails or constantly needs adjustment.

Perhaps it's better to slightly compromise on aesthetics and install discreet but sturdy external locks that can be integrated into the furniture design. Child safety is also a matter of compromise, isn’t it?
R
RABLA
5 Jun 2017 09:43
Magnetic locks are clearly superior to adhesive locks. When installed inside, they are completely invisible. I secured my BESTA doors this way – a great solution.
T
trevor
5 Jun 2017 11:22
A little idea from my toolbox for loosening things up: 😄 How about attaching small, discreet combination locks on the inside? The little ones won’t be able to figure them out, and they’re basically invisible unless you know exactly where to look.

Alternatively, “drawer latches” (or something like that) work well—I’m not sure of the official name—but they keep doors securely closed and are easy to install. And the best part: No visual disruption on the beautiful doors, so the look stays slim and simple.
D
dota57
6 Jun 2017 07:12
It is important that the locks are securely attached and of high quality, especially when children are involved. Magnetic locks, as mentioned here earlier, are a good solution because they are installed on the inside and therefore have no visible components on the door surface.

When installing, you should follow the manufacturers' installation guidelines to avoid damage. Additionally, the locking mechanisms should not be too easy to operate, so that young children cannot accidentally open them.

Child safety locks specifically designed for furniture are recommended and can be found in hardware stores or specialty shops for child safety products.