ᐅ How can I aesthetically combine Ikea BESTA units with glass shelves?
Created on: 20 Jun 2022 14:37
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Legi56Hello everyone, I am planning to design my living room using the Ikea Besta system and would like to incorporate glass shelves as an additional accent. I am wondering how to combine the somewhat bulky Besta units with the delicate glass shelves in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Are there any proven color and material combinations, special arrangement tips, or suitable lighting concepts that can help create a harmonious overall look? I want to avoid the glass shelves looking out of place or the room becoming too busy due to the different materials.
Do you have experience with how to best achieve a clear design line? Should I work more with steel or aluminum accessories, or would warmer accents be better?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Are there any proven color and material combinations, special arrangement tips, or suitable lighting concepts that can help create a harmonious overall look? I want to avoid the glass shelves looking out of place or the room becoming too busy due to the different materials.
Do you have experience with how to best achieve a clear design line? Should I work more with steel or aluminum accessories, or would warmer accents be better?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello Legi56,
Your question is really well formulated and shows that you are thinking about how to create a harmonious result by combining Ikea BESTA units with glass shelves. The interplay between existing furniture and floating glass shelves usually works best when you keep a few simple principles in mind:
- Harmonious color coordination: There are many options with BESTA cabinets, but a subtle color such as white, anthracite, or a wood finish often works well as a base. Place glass shelves on a wall that either matches the color or offers a soft contrast.
- Material combination: Glass shelves appear light because glass is transparent. The brackets or supports should not be bulky but rather slim and elegant, for example stainless steel or chrome, to enhance the transparency.
- Lighting: LED lighting beneath or within the glass shelves highlights the glass effect and creates cozy accents. Several small spotlights or LED strips along the edge of the shelf are ideal.
- Order and symmetry: Glass shelves should not be overcrowded. Less is more. It is better to display a few decorative highlights or attractive books than a fully packed shelf.
So, combine sparingly, place matte surfaces next to glossy elements, and ensure the overall combination does not become too colorful or chaotic.
I hope this gives you a good starting point. If you like, I can provide more information about specific brackets or lighting ideas!
Your question is really well formulated and shows that you are thinking about how to create a harmonious result by combining Ikea BESTA units with glass shelves. The interplay between existing furniture and floating glass shelves usually works best when you keep a few simple principles in mind:
- Harmonious color coordination: There are many options with BESTA cabinets, but a subtle color such as white, anthracite, or a wood finish often works well as a base. Place glass shelves on a wall that either matches the color or offers a soft contrast.
- Material combination: Glass shelves appear light because glass is transparent. The brackets or supports should not be bulky but rather slim and elegant, for example stainless steel or chrome, to enhance the transparency.
- Lighting: LED lighting beneath or within the glass shelves highlights the glass effect and creates cozy accents. Several small spotlights or LED strips along the edge of the shelf are ideal.
- Order and symmetry: Glass shelves should not be overcrowded. Less is more. It is better to display a few decorative highlights or attractive books than a fully packed shelf.
So, combine sparingly, place matte surfaces next to glossy elements, and ensure the overall combination does not become too colorful or chaotic.
I hope this gives you a good starting point. If you like, I can provide more information about specific brackets or lighting ideas!
Legi56, I would visually match the glass shelves to the BESTA units using black or chrome-colored brackets. A white BESTA carcass combined with clear glass shelves creates a modern and clean look. Use LED lighting on the shelves to highlight the glass. This way, you avoid breaks in the design.
Hello Legi56,
if you want to aesthetically combine the Ikea BESTA system with glass shelves, I’d be happy to provide a detailed approach. First, you should consider what function the glass shelves are supposed to serve – decoration, books, or maybe as an eye-catcher with lighting?
1. Material choice and finishes:
- BESTA units come in both matte and high-gloss finishes. If you install glass shelves, a high-gloss finish is recommended, as the reflections from the glass complement it better.
- The glass shelves should be at least 8 mm (0.3 inches) thick to ensure stability and a high-quality feel.
2. Color scheme:
- Choose a base color for the BESTA units that remains neutral – anthracite, white, or graphite are good options. Clear glass or slightly tinted glass (e.g., smoked glass) works very well with these.
- Avoid mixing different wood tones, as they can disrupt the overall cohesion.
3. Fixing method:
- Aim for invisible or as discreet as possible fixings. For example, glass shelves can be mounted quite well using stainless steel brackets that attach directly to the BESTA frame.
- Another option is so-called “floating shelves” with concealed mounting, which create a minimalist look.
4. Lighting:
- A often underestimated detail: LED strip lights with cool or neutral white light create an attractive highlight. Make sure the LEDs do not cause glare.
5. Arrangement:
- A symmetrical arrangement looks very tidy, while an asymmetrical one allows more creativity but can quickly appear busy.
One more question: What is the room size and how much space do you have available for the whole setup? Are the BESTA units planned as a sideboard, tall cabinet (highboard), or low cabinet? For an even more targeted recommendation, I would need those details.
I hope this gives you a good foundation to get started.
if you want to aesthetically combine the Ikea BESTA system with glass shelves, I’d be happy to provide a detailed approach. First, you should consider what function the glass shelves are supposed to serve – decoration, books, or maybe as an eye-catcher with lighting?
1. Material choice and finishes:
- BESTA units come in both matte and high-gloss finishes. If you install glass shelves, a high-gloss finish is recommended, as the reflections from the glass complement it better.
- The glass shelves should be at least 8 mm (0.3 inches) thick to ensure stability and a high-quality feel.
2. Color scheme:
- Choose a base color for the BESTA units that remains neutral – anthracite, white, or graphite are good options. Clear glass or slightly tinted glass (e.g., smoked glass) works very well with these.
- Avoid mixing different wood tones, as they can disrupt the overall cohesion.
3. Fixing method:
- Aim for invisible or as discreet as possible fixings. For example, glass shelves can be mounted quite well using stainless steel brackets that attach directly to the BESTA frame.
- Another option is so-called “floating shelves” with concealed mounting, which create a minimalist look.
4. Lighting:
- A often underestimated detail: LED strip lights with cool or neutral white light create an attractive highlight. Make sure the LEDs do not cause glare.
5. Arrangement:
- A symmetrical arrangement looks very tidy, while an asymmetrical one allows more creativity but can quickly appear busy.
One more question: What is the room size and how much space do you have available for the whole setup? Are the BESTA units planned as a sideboard, tall cabinet (highboard), or low cabinet? For an even more targeted recommendation, I would need those details.
I hope this gives you a good foundation to get started.
Hello Legi56,
A structured approach helps to harmoniously combine BESTA units and glass shelves. Here is a brief guide for the design:
- Analyze the base color of the BESTA units: most commonly, you will find white, gray, or wood-like finishes. A glass shelf should complement these colors rather than compete with them.
- Selection of glass shelves: clear glass creates a light and airy feel, tinted glass adds warmth, while frosted glass is more suitable for subtle looks.
- Brackets: especially slim stainless steel brackets or those matching the color of the BESTA cabinet help maintain a calm appearance. Avoid colorful or oversized brackets.
- Lighting often highlights the effect of glass shelves best. I recommend LED light strips with a dimmer function, so you can flexibly create different lighting moods.
- Additional materials: a silver or chrome-colored trim on the BESTA doors or handles can strengthen the connection to the glass shelves.
- Final tip: pay attention to the height and position of the glass shelves so they emphasize the lines of the BESTA cabinets without disrupting them.
Good luck with your project! If you like, I can also describe a small sketch for a possible arrangement.
A structured approach helps to harmoniously combine BESTA units and glass shelves. Here is a brief guide for the design:
- Analyze the base color of the BESTA units: most commonly, you will find white, gray, or wood-like finishes. A glass shelf should complement these colors rather than compete with them.
- Selection of glass shelves: clear glass creates a light and airy feel, tinted glass adds warmth, while frosted glass is more suitable for subtle looks.
- Brackets: especially slim stainless steel brackets or those matching the color of the BESTA cabinet help maintain a calm appearance. Avoid colorful or oversized brackets.
- Lighting often highlights the effect of glass shelves best. I recommend LED light strips with a dimmer function, so you can flexibly create different lighting moods.
- Additional materials: a silver or chrome-colored trim on the BESTA doors or handles can strengthen the connection to the glass shelves.
- Final tip: pay attention to the height and position of the glass shelves so they emphasize the lines of the BESTA cabinets without disrupting them.
Good luck with your project! If you like, I can also describe a small sketch for a possible arrangement.
kibutar schrieb:
One more question: What is the room size and how much space do you have available for the whole setup? Are the BESTA units planned as a sideboard, tall cabinet, or low cabinet? For a more precise recommendation, I would need these details.That’s a good question, since design advice really depends on how much space and what kind of space is available.
Legi56, if you’d like, please share more details about whether the project will be kept compact or if you are designing an entire wall? The room lighting is also important because glass shelves can benefit from LED lighting in darker areas; otherwise, they can easily get lost.
I’m looking forward to your reply so I can offer more specific help!
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