ᐅ Ikea Besta – How Can I Build a Wine Rack Using It?

Hello everyone, I am planning to create a wine rack using Ikea Besta modules and hope that someone in this forum has experience with this or can offer some tips. Specifically, I am interested in how to best modify or supplement the individual Besta units so that the bottles lie securely and are held firmly. It would also be helpful to know if anyone has recommended particular shelves or additional components to create optimal load-bearing spaces without significantly altering the appearance. I imagine that installing compartments or special holders for the bottle neck and base might help create a truly functional solution. Does anyone have ideas or experience on how to build this most effectively with Besta? Thanks in advance!

fraclinton schrieb:
I am planning to put together a wine rack using Ikea Besta units and hope someone in this forum has experience with this or can offer tips.

That sounds like a great project! I did exactly that with Besta units and am very happy with the result!

My advice: Use the cabinets with adjustable shelves and place wooden dowels or wooden wine bottle holders between the shelves. It’s important to make the shelves a bit sturdier, possibly by adding extra reinforcement from underneath.
I also inserted small rubber pads to prevent slipping. For the bottle necks, I attached small stops made from wooden slats.

Don’t get discouraged; it’s a lot of fun and looks really stylish! If you want more details, just let me know!

Garth49 schrieb:
My tip: Use the cabinets with adjustable shelves and place wooden dowels or wooden wine bottle holders between the shelves.

Additionally, I can offer a simple step-by-step guide on how to design a wine rack using Ikea Besta units:

- First, choose Besta cabinets with sufficient depth, at least 40 cm (16 inches) is advisable so the bottles can lie horizontally.
- For the shelves, solid wood panels or the Ikea shelves treated with protective foil or varnish to keep moisture out are suitable.
- To secure the bottles, you can cut narrow wooden strips and glue or bond them inside the unit to separate and hold individual bottles in place.
- Make sure the bottle necks point toward the opening of the unit and are stored at a slight angle to keep the cork moist.
- To prevent slipping, I recommend attaching rubber or foam strips under the support system.

If you want to maintain the look, you can also use white or black elements that match the Besta fronts in color.

I hope this helps!

fraclinton schrieb:
has anyone recommended specific shelves or additional components to create optimal load-bearing spaces without significantly changing the appearance?

From a practical standpoint, I wonder if the Besta system is truly the best solution for a wine rack. It wasn’t originally designed for bottle storage, which is reflected in its load capacity and shape. Of course, you can modify it, but have you also considered alternatives that are specifically made for bottles from the start?

If you still want to stick with Besta: you should carefully check the maximum load capacity per shelf. Some of the standard shelves might bend under the weight of bottles. Installing additional cross braces or metal brackets might be necessary.

Also, I would question whether homemade holders are really stable and secure enough in the long term. Investing in suitable inserts for the Besta modules could be a better option, if available. What exactly have you already considered in terms of accessories?

I find this question interesting because I have also considered whether my Besta shelving unit could be converted into a wine rack.

What is important to me: A wine rack should not only be practical but also create its own atmosphere. I have read that many people often underestimate the structural load when converting furniture — bottles are heavy, so the shelves need to support the weight.

And what if you want to use the space differently later? That’s why I really like the flexibility of the Besta system. My advice would be: Don’t rely too much on fixed brackets; instead, use flexible inserts with slats that can be easily removed or repositioned.

Also, make sure the shelving unit is securely anchored to the wall, especially if you are stacking heavy bottles on top of each other.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of patience and courage until everything fits perfectly. Good luck to everyone taking on this challenge!