ᐅ How can I modify Ikea BESTA to create a space-saving solution for the kitchen?
Created on: 1 Jul 2023 09:37
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onpameHello everyone, I am currently planning to furnish my kitchen with Ikea Besta system units because I like the design and flexibility. However, my kitchen is quite small, and I am looking for the most space-saving solution where I can modify or adapt the Besta cabinets to fit perfectly into a small kitchen area or corner. Does anyone have experience with how to best customize the Besta modules to make them compact and practical for the kitchen? I am especially interested in how to modify removable inserts, drawers, or doors, or if there are smart tricks to maximize storage space without making the area feel cluttered. I would appreciate tips and concrete examples!
Hi, I would suggest checking the exact depth measurements of BESTA carefully. Often they are universal, but for small kitchens, you can use narrow drawer fronts and optimize internal organization with small baskets or boxes. Additionally, sliding doors help prevent space loss due to swing clearance.
To return to the question: "How can I modify Ikea BESTA as a space-saving solution for the kitchen?"
First, it is important to know the exact dimensions of your available kitchen space. The BESTA system is known for its modularity, but not all sizes automatically fit well into small kitchen corners. My tip would be to work with the BESTA cabinet measuring 120x40 cm (47x16 inches), which is slimmer than the standard depth of 60 cm (24 inches), saving a lot of space in tight areas.
Another point is variable interior fittings: instead of standard drawers, you can also use VARIERA inserts, which IKEA offers for interior organization. These allow you to store items such as spices, kitchen utensils, or even small appliances like toasters after use, without leaving everything exposed.
For modification and alteration, I recommend:
- Replacing cabinet doors with sliding doors to avoid needing clearance space in front when opening
- Using wall cabinets with flap doors instead of pull-outs, if suitable
- Choosing drawers with full-extension slides instead of standard ones, so everything is easily accessible and used efficiently
- Planning in full scale with a tape measure and sketch to avoid purchasing mistakes
What kind of floor and wall conditions do you have? This can affect the mounting and stability of the BESTA units. Electrical and water connections also influence the positioning. I’m happy to assist with further details if you wish.
First, it is important to know the exact dimensions of your available kitchen space. The BESTA system is known for its modularity, but not all sizes automatically fit well into small kitchen corners. My tip would be to work with the BESTA cabinet measuring 120x40 cm (47x16 inches), which is slimmer than the standard depth of 60 cm (24 inches), saving a lot of space in tight areas.
Another point is variable interior fittings: instead of standard drawers, you can also use VARIERA inserts, which IKEA offers for interior organization. These allow you to store items such as spices, kitchen utensils, or even small appliances like toasters after use, without leaving everything exposed.
For modification and alteration, I recommend:
- Replacing cabinet doors with sliding doors to avoid needing clearance space in front when opening
- Using wall cabinets with flap doors instead of pull-outs, if suitable
- Choosing drawers with full-extension slides instead of standard ones, so everything is easily accessible and used efficiently
- Planning in full scale with a tape measure and sketch to avoid purchasing mistakes
What kind of floor and wall conditions do you have? This can affect the mounting and stability of the BESTA units. Electrical and water connections also influence the positioning. I’m happy to assist with further details if you wish.
Regarding the question: "How can I convert Ikea BESTA into a space-saving solution for the kitchen?" I can offer some clear points.
- BESTA is less suitable as a traditional kitchen solution since its depth and height are not standardized to typical kitchen dimensions. Therefore, adjustments such as shortening or modifying the carcasses are recommended.
- For space-saving solutions, telescopic slides for drawers are particularly advantageous because they allow full access to the interior space.
- When modifications are necessary, for example adjusting door hinges or shortening cabinets, it is essential to use sturdy tools to avoid compromising the furniture’s load-bearing capacity.
- To optimize storage, using boxes and dividers is useful to make efficient use of the available space.
- When converting BESTA for kitchen use, it is also advisable to apply heat-resistant and moisture-resistant materials on the surfaces.
In my experience, the combination of precise measurements and the use of specialized interior fittings is the key to a functional and space-saving transformation.
- BESTA is less suitable as a traditional kitchen solution since its depth and height are not standardized to typical kitchen dimensions. Therefore, adjustments such as shortening or modifying the carcasses are recommended.
- For space-saving solutions, telescopic slides for drawers are particularly advantageous because they allow full access to the interior space.
- When modifications are necessary, for example adjusting door hinges or shortening cabinets, it is essential to use sturdy tools to avoid compromising the furniture’s load-bearing capacity.
- To optimize storage, using boxes and dividers is useful to make efficient use of the available space.
- When converting BESTA for kitchen use, it is also advisable to apply heat-resistant and moisture-resistant materials on the surfaces.
In my experience, the combination of precise measurements and the use of specialized interior fittings is the key to a functional and space-saving transformation.
Hello and welcome to the forum!
Regarding "How to convert Ikea BESTA as a space-saving solution for the kitchen?" I can share the following from my experience:
BESTA is a great system, but it was not originally designed for kitchens, so you need to be creative. I once built my kitchen with BESTA myself and paid attention to the following points:
- I chose the base cabinets with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches), as this is more common and practical for small kitchens.
- Removable plastic inserts (e.g., from the VARIERA range) work excellently to keep things organized and to access smaller kitchen utensils more easily.
- Use shallow drawers to store spices and cutting boards.
- You can add your own shelves inside the cabinet using metal brackets or small wooden strips to better organize the available space in layers.
- When space is tight, sliding doors are very helpful to avoid losing clearance for door opening.
- Hanging shelves or hooks on the sides of the cabinets provide extra storage for kitchen tools.
It was also important for me to measure everything carefully beforehand and consider the kitchen workflow — where you need what items — so that storage and usability don’t interfere with each other.
Feel free to ask if you are looking for specific ideas for the layout or interior fittings!
Regarding "How to convert Ikea BESTA as a space-saving solution for the kitchen?" I can share the following from my experience:
BESTA is a great system, but it was not originally designed for kitchens, so you need to be creative. I once built my kitchen with BESTA myself and paid attention to the following points:
- I chose the base cabinets with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches), as this is more common and practical for small kitchens.
- Removable plastic inserts (e.g., from the VARIERA range) work excellently to keep things organized and to access smaller kitchen utensils more easily.
- Use shallow drawers to store spices and cutting boards.
- You can add your own shelves inside the cabinet using metal brackets or small wooden strips to better organize the available space in layers.
- When space is tight, sliding doors are very helpful to avoid losing clearance for door opening.
- Hanging shelves or hooks on the sides of the cabinets provide extra storage for kitchen tools.
It was also important for me to measure everything carefully beforehand and consider the kitchen workflow — where you need what items — so that storage and usability don’t interfere with each other.
Feel free to ask if you are looking for specific ideas for the layout or interior fittings!
angel schrieb:
You can add your own shelves inside the cabinet using additional metal brackets or small wooden strips, to better organize the available space.That's a great tip! I also found that the BESTA system has a lot of potential if you're willing to do some DIY. Especially in a small kitchen, it can be really frustrating because it often feels like there’s never enough storage space.
I think it’s important not to rely solely on original parts but to experiment with affordable materials from the hardware store. For example, I customized my cabinets with thin wooden boards cut to size, creating small compartments in areas that would otherwise have been wasted space.
The challenge is always to keep everything stable and visually appealing. That’s why I made the patient modifications step by step, constantly testing how everything fit best.
If you like, I can also share how I outfitted the interiors with flexible inserts and storage solutions. This really helped me reduce stress in the kitchen.
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