Hello everyone, I recently bought IKEA Besta drawers and now want to equip them with suitable dividers to create better organization for storing my items. Unfortunately, the IKEA instructions are not very detailed, and I am unsure about the best way to make these dividers: How should the material be properly prepared, what dimensions would be ideal, and most importantly, how can I securely attach the dividers inside the drawers so they remain stable and do not shift? Are there different approaches, such as using clip-on systems or custom-built solutions? I would appreciate practical tips, including any personal experiences or recommendations regarding material choice!
Hello ronudu, great question! The BESTA drawers are actually quite flexible when it comes to customizing their internal divisions. Usually, people use slot-in or clip-in dividers, which IKEA also sells separately; these easily fit into pre-made holes or slots. If you want to go the DIY route, I would recommend cutting thin wooden or plastic panels to the right dimensions. When fastening the dividers, it’s important that they either sit in guide rails or are secured with small brackets or adhesive points. This prevents them from shifting when you pull the drawer. I’m happy to provide more details about the measurements or tools you might need if you like!
Thanks, Takutau, that already sounds very helpful! I was considering using custom-cut MDF panels because I like the natural look and want something sturdier than plastic. However, I’m concerned that MDF might be too thick, which could cause issues with installation. What is the maximum thickness the partition walls should have to ensure the drawer still closes properly? Also, are there any tips on how to cut the wood to the right size if you don’t have access to a large cutting service?
ronudu schrieb:
What is the maximum thickness the dividers should have so the drawer still closes smoothly?Good question! The ideal thickness for DIY dividers in BESTA drawers is around 4 to a maximum of 6 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.24 inches). This thickness is sturdy enough to avoid breaking but thin enough to allow the drawer to close without resistance. For cutting: if you don’t have access to a large cutting service, you can try using a fine handsaw or a jigsaw yourself. A steady hand and fine sandpaper are important to achieve clean edges. Alternatively, IKEA or some hardware stores offer cutting services for smaller pieces of boards, which can be very convenient if you know the exact measurements.
Hey ronudu, I simply used these hook-and-loop systems for my BESTA drawers, which you can cut to size and stick inside. The dividers stay exactly where you want them, and if you want to change something later, you can remove them without leaving any residue. 😊 You should measure your drawer very precisely – but it’s always good to leave a little wiggle room, otherwise it might catch when closing. For the wood look, you could also use thin plywood sheets; they’re very flexible and nice and lightweight!
Similar topics