ᐅ How can I make custom dividers for Ikea BESTA drawers myself?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea BESTÅ drawer unit and would like to customize it with homemade dividers to better organize the storage space. Unfortunately, the accessories available from Ikea don’t always fit the drawer dimensions or the type of layout I have in mind.

My question is: What is the best way to make and install custom dividers for the BESTÅ drawers?

I’m especially interested in which materials work best to create a sturdy, durable, and visually appealing result. Are there proven methods to securely fix the dividers inside the drawers so they don’t shift or damage the drawer sides?

Any tips on accurate measuring and working with the divider materials (e.g., cutting, sanding) would also be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and experiences!

Making your own dividers for Ikea BESTÅ drawers is quite feasible.

Materials: You can use thin plywood panels (5-8 mm) (0.2-0.3 inches) or MDF, as they are sturdy, easy to work with, and affordable. Acrylic glass is an interesting option if you prefer transparency.

Measuring: Be sure to measure the inside dimensions of the drawer precisely, including the height of the side walls, as this determines the maximum height of the dividers.

Attachment:
- Use small wooden strips or self-adhesive foam rubber strips at the contact points to prevent the dividers from slipping and to avoid scratches.
- Alternatively, screws or small brackets can be used, but should be avoided if you want to avoid damaging the drawer.

Processing: First, cut roughly with a jigsaw or circular saw, then sand all edges with sandpaper (grit 120-180) to prevent splinters and ensure the dividers look neat.

andre3 schrieb:
Making your own dividers for Ikea BESTÅ drawers is quite doable.

Thanks for the tip about using MDF and plywood sheets; that fits perfectly with what I had in mind.

I was also considering whether the dividers could simply fit loosely inside, possibly with slightly flexible foam rubber edging strips for stability. The idea of small wooden strips as guide rails sounds secure, but wouldn’t that reduce the usable internal space too much?

What is the best way to ensure that the dividers fit exactly in height? Based on your experience, are there standard measurements, or do I really need to tailor each one individually to each drawer?

Regarding appearance, I would prefer a white coating. Is MDF easy to paint?

I would appreciate it if anyone could share their experiences with finishing or alternatives to wood.

Saugustavo schrieb:
How can I best ensure that the partition walls fit exactly in height?

I often work with MDF, which can be easily painted with standard acrylic paint. Of course, you should sand and prime beforehand to achieve a smooth and durable finish.

Regarding the height: Measure the inside height of the drawer at four points (front, back, left, right). For varying measurements, adjust to the smallest value. The partition walls should be slightly shorter (about 1–2 mm) so they fit easily without warping.

For stability: You can accurately cut the partition walls at the top and bottom miters if you create a grid or grid box inside the drawer. This ensures a secure fit without damaging the inner drawer walls.

Painting MDF works well, just don’t forget to prime it beforehand. You can easily fix partition walls using double-sided tape; it holds well and protects the surfaces.

I recommend using thin plastic sheets instead of wood. They are lightweight, durable, and often available in white. You can secure them with small clips or clamps without drilling.