ᐅ How can I customize IKEA Besta units to create storage space under the staircase?
Created on: 1 Apr 2020 09:37
J
jepeoHello everyone,
I want to create more storage space under my staircase and have considered adapting the IKEA Besta system for this purpose. The area under my stair railing has varying heights and widths, which makes arranging the compartments more challenging.
How can I best cut or modify the Besta units to make the most of the space? Are there any tips for building the modules securely, even if they are offset or sized smaller? Also, what about the appearance when adjusting the back panels or side panels? Are there useful additions like doors or shelves that I should consider?
I look forward to suggestions and experiences, especially regarding fitting into sloped and irregular areas under the stairs.
Thanks in advance!
I want to create more storage space under my staircase and have considered adapting the IKEA Besta system for this purpose. The area under my stair railing has varying heights and widths, which makes arranging the compartments more challenging.
How can I best cut or modify the Besta units to make the most of the space? Are there any tips for building the modules securely, even if they are offset or sized smaller? Also, what about the appearance when adjusting the back panels or side panels? Are there useful additions like doors or shelves that I should consider?
I look forward to suggestions and experiences, especially regarding fitting into sloped and irregular areas under the stairs.
Thanks in advance!
Hello jepeo,
First of all, I think your idea to use IKEA Besta units as storage under the stairs is very practical. The flexibility of the system really suits irregular spaces well.
Here are some structured tips:
- Measurement: Measure the height and depth of your staircase precisely in different sections. Besta modules come in standard sizes, and trimming the side panels is possible, but accuracy is important.
- Cutting: You can generally cut the side panels and back panels yourself or have a carpenter adjust them. Make sure the material thickness stays consistent to maintain stability.
- Installation: For non-standard dimensions, it often helps to shorten the shelves vertically. This way, you can adjust the compartments. Alternatively, compartments can be filled or fitted with drawers to fully utilize the space.
- Stability: Since the units will often stand individually, I recommend fixing them to the wall or under the stairs using brackets. Adding a panel on the back also increases stability and prevents warping.
- Appearance: If you trim the back panels, you can replace them with thinner materials that are easier to cut. For a uniform look, it’s advisable to cover the cut edges with edge banding.
- Doors and shelves: Besides open shelving, doors or drawers are very practical for hiding less attractive storage areas. Different door types, such as hinged doors or sliding doors, can be chosen depending on the available space.
In summary:
- Measure precisely
- Customize individually (cutting, shortening)
- Secure for stability
- Don’t forget edge finishing
- Use doors as needed
I hope this helps you get started. Combining several small modules often makes it easier to adapt to sloped spaces.
Good luck with your project!
First of all, I think your idea to use IKEA Besta units as storage under the stairs is very practical. The flexibility of the system really suits irregular spaces well.
Here are some structured tips:
- Measurement: Measure the height and depth of your staircase precisely in different sections. Besta modules come in standard sizes, and trimming the side panels is possible, but accuracy is important.
- Cutting: You can generally cut the side panels and back panels yourself or have a carpenter adjust them. Make sure the material thickness stays consistent to maintain stability.
- Installation: For non-standard dimensions, it often helps to shorten the shelves vertically. This way, you can adjust the compartments. Alternatively, compartments can be filled or fitted with drawers to fully utilize the space.
- Stability: Since the units will often stand individually, I recommend fixing them to the wall or under the stairs using brackets. Adding a panel on the back also increases stability and prevents warping.
- Appearance: If you trim the back panels, you can replace them with thinner materials that are easier to cut. For a uniform look, it’s advisable to cover the cut edges with edge banding.
- Doors and shelves: Besides open shelving, doors or drawers are very practical for hiding less attractive storage areas. Different door types, such as hinged doors or sliding doors, can be chosen depending on the available space.
In summary:
- Measure precisely
- Customize individually (cutting, shortening)
- Secure for stability
- Don’t forget edge finishing
- Use doors as needed
I hope this helps you get started. Combining several small modules often makes it easier to adapt to sloped spaces.
Good luck with your project!
mesila schrieb:
Stability: Since the modules are often freestanding later on, I recommend securing the modules to the wall or under the stairs using brackets.This is important. Without fastening, the system can easily tip over. Additionally,
- Cut the back panels to size
- Use soft-close hinges on the doors for added convenience
- You can shorten the shelves to accommodate different heights.
I think using IKEA Besta as a base is a good approach, but it’s important not just to copy the dimensions, but also to understand the logic behind them.
- Question for you, jepeo: Have you checked how the loads are distributed? Especially under the stairs, different loads can cause deformations. Insufficient fastening or too many modifications to the cabinet can compromise stability.
- Regarding visual adjustments: Could it be that cut-to-fit back panels or sides not only look untidy but also reduce stability? It would be advisable to use a separate trim construction for angled surfaces that ideally connects the Besta modules to the wall.
- The use of doors and shelves should be based on your storage needs. A modular concept, where individual modules can be easily swapped or rebuilt, generally works better than many versions with fixed cuttings.
- And last but not least: Do you want to keep the Besta furniture under the stairs transportable, or should it be a permanent installation? This will affect assembly and material choices.
I believe the key is a sound structural plan combined with a flexible assembly concept. Only by realistically assessing future use and load can you achieve the right adaptation.
Maybe you can make a sketch in advance indicating load zones and plan the fastening points accordingly.
- Question for you, jepeo: Have you checked how the loads are distributed? Especially under the stairs, different loads can cause deformations. Insufficient fastening or too many modifications to the cabinet can compromise stability.
- Regarding visual adjustments: Could it be that cut-to-fit back panels or sides not only look untidy but also reduce stability? It would be advisable to use a separate trim construction for angled surfaces that ideally connects the Besta modules to the wall.
- The use of doors and shelves should be based on your storage needs. A modular concept, where individual modules can be easily swapped or rebuilt, generally works better than many versions with fixed cuttings.
- And last but not least: Do you want to keep the Besta furniture under the stairs transportable, or should it be a permanent installation? This will affect assembly and material choices.
I believe the key is a sound structural plan combined with a flexible assembly concept. Only by realistically assessing future use and load can you achieve the right adaptation.
Maybe you can make a sketch in advance indicating load zones and plan the fastening points accordingly.
Similar topics