ᐅ How can I easily modify IKEA BESTA furniture during renovations?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning a renovation in my apartment and want to redesign my IKEA Besta furniture as flexibly as possible. My question is: How can IKEA Besta furniture be easily modified during renovations, especially when it comes to changing dimensions, adding or removing components, and integrating them into new room layouts? Are there any proven techniques, accessories, or tools that make the modification easier without having to buy completely new furniture? I look forward to your tips and experiences!

Hello Kinpar9, your topic fits well with some of my remodeling projects. With IKEA BESTA, the adjustable modules and the click-in system are especially helpful when redesigning. An important tip is to carefully loosen the connector fittings and, if possible, reuse the original parts, as this allows you to change the size by combining them differently.

I also recommend having special connector screws, called cam locks, on hand. These are often versatile and ensure stability during modifications. Use flat brackets to reinforce the structure if you plan an unusual shape.

If you are adjusting the back panel, you can cut thin plywood sheets, which are usually more affordable and easier to work with. This makes the remodeling not only easier but also gives your furniture a higher-quality appearance.

How about you: What specific modifications are you planning?

Kinbu schrieb:
If you adjust the back panel, you can cut thin plywood sheets

Thanks for the tip! Specifically, I want to turn a large BESTA sideboard into several smaller cabinets because the wall in the renovated apartment is being divided. For that, I probably also need to redo the back panel.

I’m also wondering about the best way to reuse the doors and fronts. Is it worth repositioning the old hinge holes? Or are there tricks to adapt the fronts to new dimensions without it looking unprofessional right away?

Hello everyone, here is a brief guide on how to modify BESTA furniture during renovations:

- First: Carefully disassemble the furniture and neatly sort all screws, dowels, and fittings to avoid losing any parts.
- Replace back panels: Use 4 mm (5/32 inch) plywood or MDF boards – these can be cut to size at any hardware store.
- Adjust fronts: If you need new rows of holes for hinges, using a template is recommended. IKEA fittings are standardized, so you can accurately place new holes.
- To change dimensions, intermediate elements are helpful, such as small shelves or panels. You can make these yourself from plywood, for example.
- Edges: When cutting parts, be sure to use edge banding or trim strips to protect the material.

Common mistakes: Over-tightening screws on fittings can warp the furniture, and cutting parts imprecisely. Careful planning is key to success.

Are there specific measurements where you expect difficulties?

fredle schrieb:
Typical mistake: overtightening the screws on the fittings, which deforms the furniture

That’s good to know! I was worried whether it’s possible to properly modify furniture without professional tools.

My biggest challenge is reducing the length of a sideboard from 240 cm (94 inches) to 150 cm (59 inches) — using the existing doors, which are actually too wide for the smaller frame. I’m wondering if the fronts can really be trimmed without it being noticeable, or if it’s better to order new doors for that.

When shortening fronts like doors, it's important to be careful because the material is often laminated and can chip or become uneven. I recommend using the doors in their original size and expanding individual modules with cover panels or inserting filler strips if the width is an issue.

Alternatively, you can opt for doors in standard IKEA sizes and adjust them with matching cover panels—this often looks more harmonious and avoids complicated cutting.

A tip regarding size: Check if you can simply shorten the side panels of the BESTA. With the right saw and some fine sanding, this is usually easier than modifying the fronts.