ᐅ How can I design an open shelving unit using the Ikea BESTA system?

Hello everyone,

I’m considering designing my living wall using the Ikea BESTÅ system as an open shelving combination – so without traditional doors, aiming for more storage and structure in a modern, airy look. Since BESTÅ offers many different elements (frames, shelves, top panels, legs), my question is: How can I best plan an open shelving system with BESTÅ to ensure optimal stability and flexibility?

Specifically, I’m interested in:
- How to combine different frame widths and heights effectively without doors?
- What about securing the shelves when they stand freely in the room or are used as room dividers?
- Are there special tips for choosing shelves or back panels that work well with open versions?
- And of course: What common pitfalls should I avoid?

I want to approach this as thoughtfully as possible before purchasing, due to the effort involved and to avoid costly mistakes. Thanks in advance for your experiences and tips!

alisvin schrieb:
Specifically, I’m interested in:
- How do I sensibly combine different widths and heights of frames without doors?
- What about securing the shelves when they are freestanding or used as room dividers?

Hey alisvin, great questions! 😄

I’d say that for open BESTÅ shelves, the more individual modules you use, the more playful the look becomes. I find a combination of 60x40 cm (24x16 inches) and 120x40 cm (47x16 inches) frames quite interesting. The smaller ones work well as single compartments, while the larger ones add a wooden/storage vibe.

To prevent wobbling, make sure to focus on stability — I usually use additional metal brackets (from Ikea) that are hidden inside, or secure the modules with the original wall mounts. Even if you plan them freestanding, anchoring to the wall really helps, especially if you have pets or children!

Regarding floor and back panel: in open setups, you can often omit the back panels entirely — but sometimes thin MDF boards or even glass display shelves help stabilize the whole structure.

A tip at the end: try mixing in small door elements as closed accents; this breaks up the openness nicely. That way, it stays open but doesn’t feel too “bare.”

Have fun building! 🍀

alisvin schrieb:
How can I effectively combine different widths and heights of the frames without doors?

A more detailed technical approach:

BESTÅ units are modular, with the most common depths being 40 cm (16 inches) and widths of 60 cm (24 inches) and 120 cm (47 inches). For open shelving without doors, I recommend the following planning steps:

- Start by choosing the height that best fits your space. For 40 cm (16 inches) depth, standard frame heights are 64 cm (25 inches) or 128 cm (50 inches).

- Combine frames of the same depth and height to ensure structural stability; this is especially important if you stack units.

- It is possible to combine different widths, but make sure the total width is always properly supported by adjustable feet or connector panels.

- For open shelving, it’s best to avoid glass doors. Instead, I suggest using appropriate side panels or shelves, which you can order separately from the store — they provide additional support and structure.

- Regarding fastening: if the shelving unit is freestanding or used as a room divider, use connecting hardware (brackets, tension screws) between modules. This prevents tipping or wobbling.

- Additionally, the manufacturer offers feet with height adjustment. Make sure all feet are precisely leveled for a flat surface installation.

- Back panels are not mandatory but greatly increase overall stability. Alternatively, you can use flexible back panels in fabric or plastic finishes, which give the storage unit a modern and airy feel.

If you tell me your room size and what you primarily want to store, I’d be happy to provide some concrete construction suggestions!

Filippo schrieb:
For open shelves, it’s best to avoid glass doors. Instead, I recommend using matching shelf panels or boards, which you can order separately from the furniture store – they provide additional support and structure.

I’d like to add the following: Especially if you’re planning with BESTÅ open, stability and safety should be your top priorities. Therefore:

- Use the back panels, even if you plan an open setup! They significantly prevent sideways deformation of the modules. A completely open construction tends to give way under load.

- Fasteners between the modules are important not only for stability but also for durability. They don’t cost much but make a big difference.

- Height-adjustable feet are often recommended for living spaces, as floors are often not completely level. This way, you can perfectly align each unit.

- If you are building freestanding, consider integrating a solid wood board as a base that connects the feet of the shelves. This ensures a sturdy foundation.

- For shelf materials, I would use the standard BESTÅ shelves unless you want a custom look. In that case, I strongly recommend the original components to ensure a perfect fit with the side frames.

One tip: Before ordering everything, create a detailed digital version with the Ikea planner. This will help you avoid surprises.

alisvin schrieb:
How can I effectively combine the different widths and heights of the frames without using doors?

Here is a structured guide to help you plan an open BESTÅ shelving combination:

1. Define the basic structure:
- Decide whether your shelving unit will stand directly against a wall or serve as a room divider.
- Choose a frame depth (standard is 40 cm (16 inches)), since mixing different depths often causes fitting problems.

2. Use module sizes smartly:
- Use the 60 cm (24 inch) width as a base and add 120 cm (47 inch) wide frames for larger compartments — this creates variety and optimizes space usage.
- Heights: 38 cm (15 inch) and 64 cm (25 inch) frames can be combined effectively, as their heights complement each other (for example, two 38 cm (15 inch) frames stacked).

3. Ensure stability:
- Use connector brackets between individual modules.
- For freestanding shelves: additional back panels or side panels may be necessary.

4. Shelves and back panels:
- For open compartments, back panels can be omitted, but only if extra support is provided.
- If you use back panels, solid poplar wood ones are recommended as they provide good stability.

5. Assembly and fastening:
- For freestanding units, use adjustable feet to compensate for uneven floors.
- Always secure shelving units to the wall when possible, even if you want a "freestanding" appearance.

My final advice: Accurate measuring is essential. Allow for a small safety margin to accommodate floor irregularities, and consider using separate cover panels or shelf boards.

This way, you can create a very individual and open combination that remains stable and visually appealing for years to come!