ᐅ How can I adapt an Ikea Besta into a narrow sideboard for the hallway in a functional way?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to convert my Ikea Besta shelving unit into a narrow sideboard for the hallway and want to make it functional. My hallway is quite narrow, and I want the sideboard to serve not only as storage but also as a surface for keys, mail, and possibly some decorative items. The challenge is that the Besta unit is usually quite deep and wide. Now I am considering how to reduce the depth and possibly adjust the height without losing stability.

Has anyone had experience modifying Ikea Besta units, for example reducing the depth, altering the baseboards, or fitting doors differently? Do you have any tips on how to organize the interior efficiently so the hallway doesn’t get cluttered but is used optimally? It would be great if you could also suggest materials or tools that work particularly well.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

I would recommend removing the back panel and simply replacing the depth with a smaller board. This way, you can make the Besta unit more compact. For stability, adding extra brackets or braces inside is a good idea. A thin MDF board on top works great as a shelf.

Your project sounds exciting! To modify the Besta into a narrow sideboard in a functional way, I recommend a systematic approach:

- Take precise measurements: Measure the depth of the hallway and the desired sideboard depth accurately, preferably with a laser measuring device.
- Cut the module: The standard Besta depth is 40 cm (16 inches); you could reduce it to about 25–30 cm (10–12 inches). For this, you should cut the side panels or replace them with thinner plywood panels.
- Stability: Shortening often reduces rigidity. Therefore, I suggest installing corner frames or internal reinforcements made of metal brackets at the corners.
- Doors & fronts: Standard Besta doors may not be easily shortened. An alternative is to use open shelving units or make doors yourself from thinner panels.
- Interior layout: Use removable boxes or drawers from the Besta range to organize the space.

Tools: A cordless circular saw with a fine-tooth blade is very useful, along with a cordless drill, and a router if you want to round the edges neatly.

Could you provide more detailed information about the maximum depth and width allowed for the sideboard? Also, how much DIY experience do you have?

Palenar schrieb:
Could you provide more precise details on the maximum depth and width allowed for the sideboard? Also, how much hands-on experience do you have?

Thanks for the detailed advice! The maximum depth really shouldn’t exceed 30 cm (12 inches), as the hallway would become too narrow otherwise. The width can be around 80 cm (31.5 inches), since there is enough space there. The current Besta unit is 40 cm (16 inches) deep and 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide; for the height, I’d like to stay as close as possible to 38 cm (15 inches), which I find suitable for the hallway.

I do have some practical experience—I occasionally work with power tools and have built or modified smaller furniture pieces before, but I’m not a professional. So I don’t want to take on anything too complicated, but I’m open to cutting panels and simple assembly adjustments.

How exactly would reducing the depth affect stability? And what types of fasteners would you recommend that are easy to install?

Luman37 schrieb:
How exactly would stability be affected by having less depth?

I felt the same way. I was worried the shelf might wobble when I reduced the depth. From my experience, it’s important that the back panel either remains sturdy or is reinforced with larger brackets. Otherwise, it can tip over or become unstable on the side.

Palenar schrieb:
Interior layout: Use removable boxes or drawers from the Besta range to keep things organized.

I think that’s a great suggestion. I have boxes in my hallway and it makes everything much more organized. Plus, you can quickly access the items you need often.

Don’t stress too much; building projects in the hallway can be tricky sometimes, but with some patience and good planning, it usually works out well!

Hello Luman37,

Here is a brief guide for converting your Besta shelf into a slim hallway sideboard:

1. Dismantling:
- First, remove all doors, shelves, and back panels.

2. Cutting:
- Measure the side panels and adjust the depth to a maximum of 30 cm (12 inches).
- It’s best to use a fine-toothed circular saw or plunge saw for clean cuts.

3. Reinforcement:
- Since a corner has less depth for support, use steel brackets in the corners and diagonal braces for stability.
- Alternatively, longer back panels made of multiplex plywood can help keep the structure rigid.

4. Assembly:
- Rebuild the sideboard, securing all parts with screws and brackets.
- Use cam connectors (eccentric screws) for added strength if available.

5. Interior:
- Adjust the shelves accordingly or use organizing boxes.

6. Surface:
- Sand the cut edges and seal them with varnish or wood oil to protect against moisture.

Common mistakes:
- Cutting the sides too much without reinforcement
- Improper fixation of the back panel
- Neglecting finishing work on edges

The conversion is doable with moderate DIY experience.
Good luck with your project!