ᐅ How can I repurpose Ikea Besta units as kitchen storage?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to redesign my kitchen a bit and am considering using the Ikea Besta system for additional storage. My kitchen doesn’t have much space for traditional wall cabinets, so I want to integrate Besta units to store pots, pans, and containers in an organized and accessible way.

A key question for me is how to best adapt the Besta modules for kitchen use since they are primarily designed for living areas. I’m looking for ideas on how to make the shelves and cabinets functional, durable, and visually appealing so they don’t look out of place in the kitchen, while still providing storage that meets kitchen requirements.

Are there any experiences with modifying the back panels, doors, or internal fittings? And what about installing them in the kitchen, especially when mounting them on the wall?

I’m really looking forward to tips, suggestions, and practical reports on how to use the Besta system effectively and permanently in the kitchen.

Hey, great idea to use the Besta system in the kitchen! I did exactly that myself and can say: with the right doors – preferably glass or melamine – it looks really great! 😄 It’s important to customize the interior, so add baskets or drawers to keep everything organized. You can also use thin wood or MDF panels as a back panel, which provide protection and are very sturdy. When attaching the modules to the wall, make sure to use appropriate wall plugs and a mounting rail, otherwise it might be unstable. Good luck, it’s going to be awesome! 💪

First, it is important to consider exactly which kitchenware will be stored. This significantly influences the internal layout of the Besta modules. I recommend a systematic approach: first, note the dimensions of all items; second, plan modular divisions that allow for adjustable shelves or removable baskets. For the back panel, a moisture-resistant decorative board can be used, for example, to increase stability and provide protection against splashes. When mounting on the wall, be sure to distribute the weight evenly and select suitable anchors for the type of kitchen drywall. Another point is adapting the surface finish: if the standard paint is too delicate, matte or special kitchen paints can be applied to resist scratches and grease stains. Are there already details about the room, such as the flooring or the design of the other furniture? If so, the Besta appearance can be better coordinated with them.

Replace doors with kitchen fronts, extend interior fittings with drawers. Reinforce back panels with waterproof boards. Wall mounting using appropriate heavy-duty anchors.

Laukau5 schrieb:
Are there already details about the room, such as the flooring or the rest of the furniture design? That way, the Besta look could be better matched to it.

Good question! The kitchen floor is anthracite-colored porcelain stoneware, the rest of the kitchen furniture is matte white with brushed aluminum handle strips. The walls are painted light gray. The goal is a modern, clean look with a harmonious complement through the Besta system. The ceiling height is 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in), and the kitchen run is 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in) long. I would also like to add wooden accents since we have a solid wood dining table. Important: The Besta units should not look too bulky, rather slim and functional, but visually warmer than the usual white cases. Ideally, a combination of white fronts with wood elements or at least wood effect would be best. Does anyone know if there are good customization options for this?

Your kitchen style is quite well defined, which greatly helps with the planning. For a modern kitchen with an anthracite floor and matte white fronts, a combination with real wood veneers or wood finishes is recommended for Ikea Besta. The easiest way is to replace the fronts: Ikea does not offer real wood fronts for Besta, but there are third-party suppliers providing custom-made fronts made of wood or wood veneer. Alternatively, you can paint or laminate the white fronts and add thin real wood panels on the top surfaces of the carcasses. This creates a two-tone effect that introduces the warmth of wood without disrupting the clean lines. Important: Pay attention to the moisture resistance of the materials – for wooden elements in the kitchen area, you should ideally seal the surface to make it waterproof and scratch-resistant.

For installation: You can stack the modules in two rows, one on top of the other, to maximize vertical storage space. Be sure to use stable wall mounting with suitable fasteners—this can be achieved using brackets and common heavy-duty anchors. Also consider proper ventilation, especially in a kitchen environment, to prevent mold growth.

A tip for the interior fittings: Drawers with full extension slides are very suitable for organizing cutlery, kitchen tools, or spices in an orderly manner. Adjustable base inserts with rubber or silicone help prevent items from sliding around.

If you want to attach handles to the fronts, brushed aluminum handles fit perfectly with the existing look and add a touch of elegance.

One more question: Are you planning to use the Besta units only for storage, or should they also serve as a work surface? If the latter, the countertop should be robust and heat resistant.