ᐅ How can I install additional shelves in my IKEA Besta cabinet?

Hello everyone, I want to add new shelves to my IKEA Besta cabinet to make better use of the storage space. So far, the cabinet has only a few shelves, and I have some extra shelf panels left, but I’m unsure how to install them correctly. Specifically: which dowels or brackets are suitable for Besta? Do I need to pre-drill or use special holes? And how can I secure the shelves safely and precisely at the right height without damaging the material? Are there any special considerations to keep in mind during installation, especially if the cabinet has doors or drawers integrated? I’m looking forward to tips and experiences, especially from those who have added extra shelves to a Besta before.

Hello leo47, I understand your situation well because retrofitting shelves in IKEA furniture like the Besta chest of drawers is generally straightforward but involves some details that are often overlooked. I’ll go through the topic step by step:

- First, check if your Besta chest has the typical pre-drilled holes along the side panels. These are usually pre-made and designed to hold wooden or metal dowels for the shelves.
- If you have additional shelves that don’t align perfectly with the existing holes, be careful to only drill new holes using a thin drill bit to avoid damaging the material.
- The shelf supports are called "shelf pins" at IKEA (often small metal clips or plastic brackets). These fit into the pre-drilled holes, allowing the shelf to rest securely on them.
- It’s important to insert the supports at exactly the same height on both sides to keep the shelf level. A spirit level can be very helpful here.
- If your unit has doors or drawers, make sure not to damage the rear edge of the side panels, as this area often contains the guiding rails. I would recommend only using the front or middle holes for the shelf supports.
- When inserting the supports: do not force them in, but gently place them and check the fit carefully.

Could you briefly describe your chest of drawers (width, whether it has doors or drawers) so I can provide more targeted advice?

minan schrieb:
The brackets are called "shelf supports" at IKEA (often small metal clips or plastic holders). These are inserted into the pre-drilled holes so that the shelf can rest on them.

Great explanation by minan, that’s pretty accurate! 😊 I’ll add from my experience: IKEA Besta shelves are usually made of particleboard, so it’s really advisable not to improvise with screws or dowels yourself. Otherwise, you risk cracks or the shelf becoming loose over time.

I’ve always used the brackets from IKEA myself (you can buy them individually in-store or online). It’s important to use the positions of the holes carefully and to insert the shelves perfectly level; otherwise, you’ll end up frustrated with uneven garage contents and different storage heights. 😉

One more tip from me: if you want extra stability, you can screw a thin strip of wood on the back for the shelf to rest on. This provides more support, especially for taller shelving units.

By the way, have you already bought shelves specifically designed for Besta or are you planning to adjust other ones?

leo47 schrieb:
I’m looking forward to tips and experiences, especially from people who have installed extra shelves in their Besta units.

Hello leo47, I think it’s great that you’re doing thorough research before starting. I felt the same way when I expanded my Besta sideboard — I was a bit unsure at first and read up on a lot of advice.

If you ever doubt whether the extra shelves will really hold up, try fitting the brackets without placing the shelf first, just to feel how securely they fit. A little wobbling is normal, but they shouldn’t fall out once inserted.

Regarding doors and drawers — I made sure the shelves weren’t positioned too high or too low so they wouldn’t interfere with the mechanism. I used a spirit level to align everything, and it worked perfectly.

One small note: if you plan to store very heavy items, you might want to consider adding a central support or a reinforcement bracket. Safety comes first, and it’s a shame if the shelves bend under the weight.

I wish you the best of luck with your project! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask.