ᐅ How can I customize IKEA Besta units with wooden trims and decorative elements?
Created on: 2 Aug 2023 08:27
J
JOTOGO
Hello everyone,
I want to customize my IKEA Besta shelf and am looking for ideas and practical tips on how to do this using wooden strips and decorative elements. Specifically, I’m interested in which types of wood and molding profiles work best, the most effective methods for attaching the strips—gluing, screwing, or nailing—and which decorative elements fit well without compromising the minimalist design of the Besta.
If anyone has experience with nicely framing or accentuating the edges or frames of the Besta units in a way that doesn’t look too busy, I’d love to hear about it. Suggestions on color matching or the use of surface treatments would also be very helpful.
Looking forward to your creative and practical ideas!
I want to customize my IKEA Besta shelf and am looking for ideas and practical tips on how to do this using wooden strips and decorative elements. Specifically, I’m interested in which types of wood and molding profiles work best, the most effective methods for attaching the strips—gluing, screwing, or nailing—and which decorative elements fit well without compromising the minimalist design of the Besta.
If anyone has experience with nicely framing or accentuating the edges or frames of the Besta units in a way that doesn’t look too busy, I’d love to hear about it. Suggestions on color matching or the use of surface treatments would also be very helpful.
Looking forward to your creative and practical ideas!
Hello JOTOGO,
I would like to add something, especially regarding the purist-modern yet warm wood look you are aiming for:
It is best to choose trim with minimal profiling, for example, 12x12 mm (0.5x0.5 inch) square-edge trim with clean edges, instead of wider or more elaborately profiled curved trims.
Step-by-step, I recommend:
- Measure precisely at the edges of the doors or carcasses
- Cut the trim at 45-degree angles using a miter saw so the corners join neatly
- Treat the surface with a satin-matte or natural oil-based finish that highlights the grain
- Glue the trim with wood glue and, if possible, also fasten with small concealed screws (pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting)
- Align the trim before attaching and, if necessary, secure it with clamps to avoid slipping
For decorative elements, you can subtly play with textures, for example, trim contrasting with matte surfaces or small brushed stainless steel applications as handles.
Important: Avoid using heavy applications so the functionality of the Besta units is not compromised.
What are the dimensions of your Besta system (width, height)? That will help with more precise recommendations.
I would like to add something, especially regarding the purist-modern yet warm wood look you are aiming for:
It is best to choose trim with minimal profiling, for example, 12x12 mm (0.5x0.5 inch) square-edge trim with clean edges, instead of wider or more elaborately profiled curved trims.
Step-by-step, I recommend:
- Measure precisely at the edges of the doors or carcasses
- Cut the trim at 45-degree angles using a miter saw so the corners join neatly
- Treat the surface with a satin-matte or natural oil-based finish that highlights the grain
- Glue the trim with wood glue and, if possible, also fasten with small concealed screws (pre-drilling is essential to prevent splitting)
- Align the trim before attaching and, if necessary, secure it with clamps to avoid slipping
For decorative elements, you can subtly play with textures, for example, trim contrasting with matte surfaces or small brushed stainless steel applications as handles.
Important: Avoid using heavy applications so the functionality of the Besta units is not compromised.
What are the dimensions of your Besta system (width, height)? That will help with more precise recommendations.
Hey JOTOGO,
I just want to encourage you: The combination of wooden slats with Besta is fantastic, looks really impressive, and brings life to the room! I’m especially excited when working with warm oak slats – it looks very elegant and timeless.
What I find really great is using LED light strips behind the wooden slats. It creates a cool ambiance and highlights the texture.
The important thing is to measure carefully and work in small steps so that everything fits perfectly in the end. And don’t forget to oil the wood beforehand – it brings out a much warmer color.
Good luck, it’s sure to be an amazing project! Feel free to let us know how it goes!
I just want to encourage you: The combination of wooden slats with Besta is fantastic, looks really impressive, and brings life to the room! I’m especially excited when working with warm oak slats – it looks very elegant and timeless.
What I find really great is using LED light strips behind the wooden slats. It creates a cool ambiance and highlights the texture.
The important thing is to measure carefully and work in small steps so that everything fits perfectly in the end. And don’t forget to oil the wood beforehand – it brings out a much warmer color.
Good luck, it’s sure to be an amazing project! Feel free to let us know how it goes!
Good morning,
I would like to add a technical note: If you cut wood strips at an angle or mitre them for a Besta unit, it is important to include an expansion gap of at least 1 mm (0.04 inches), especially with solid wood, which can expand or contract depending on humidity.
The choice of adhesive also plays a crucial role: PU wood glue has the advantage of remaining flexible and being moisture resistant. Alternatively, a mounting adhesive based on MS polymer is recommended if the Besta surface is painted and smooth.
Regarding surface treatment—if you use oil, I suggest lightly sanding or dulling not only the strips but also the adjoining edges of the Besta shelf to improve adhesion of both glue and oil.
One final tip: To prevent the strips from slipping, clamps or clips are useful for securing them during curing.
If you like, I can put together a small list of materials and tool recommendations for you.
I would like to add a technical note: If you cut wood strips at an angle or mitre them for a Besta unit, it is important to include an expansion gap of at least 1 mm (0.04 inches), especially with solid wood, which can expand or contract depending on humidity.
The choice of adhesive also plays a crucial role: PU wood glue has the advantage of remaining flexible and being moisture resistant. Alternatively, a mounting adhesive based on MS polymer is recommended if the Besta surface is painted and smooth.
Regarding surface treatment—if you use oil, I suggest lightly sanding or dulling not only the strips but also the adjoining edges of the Besta shelf to improve adhesion of both glue and oil.
One final tip: To prevent the strips from slipping, clamps or clips are useful for securing them during curing.
If you like, I can put together a small list of materials and tool recommendations for you.
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