ᐅ IKEA Besta DIY: How to Build a Combination with Different Shelf Heights?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning an IKEA Besta unit and want to incorporate different compartment heights to create enough space for books and larger decorative items, for example. Does anyone have experience with how to best approach building shelves that are not just fixed at one height? Which materials or accessories are useful to ensure the different heights are stable? I am interested in both planning tips and practical advice for assembly, so that the construction remains stable and looks good in the end.

Hi, the easiest option is additional shelves from IKEA, which can be placed at different heights. If you want tall compartment heights, you can also use two Besta frames side by side and adjust the shelves accordingly. Stability is usually ensured by the back panel and screws.

Hello Pietneo, I can offer some structured tips on how to best approach the implementation:
- Planning: First, draw a sketch including all shelf heights; this helps with ordering materials.
- Adjusting heights: IKEA Besta cabinets have standardized rows of holes for shelves that you can use. For different shelf heights, use appropriate connectors to install the intermediate shelves.
- Additional stability: If you have large compartments, I recommend installing crossbars or central dividers to prevent the shelves from sagging.
- Don’t forget the back panel, as it adds extra stability.
- If needed, you can also have plywood panels cut to size if you can’t find ready-made shelves.
If you want more details on how to screw or reinforce these parts, I’m happy to explain further.

Thanks in advance for the initial tips. @Nabla64, your idea with the cross braces sounds interesting. What is the best way to attach them between the shelves? Do I need to buy special screws or brackets from IKEA, or can this be done with regular wood screws and angle brackets? Also, I’m curious whether the back panel made of thin particleboard really provides enough stability when the compartments are very tall.

Pietneo schrieb:
What is the best way to attach them between the shelves? Do I need special screws or brackets from IKEA, or can I solve this myself with regular wood screws and brackets?

That’s a valid question. IKEA standard parts are often optimized for easy assembly, but if you want to create customized shelf heights, you will often reach the limits of the included brackets. You can certainly use your own brackets and screws, but you need to make sure they can support the weight and that the appearance is suitable.

Pietneo schrieb:
Also, I’m wondering if the back panel made of thin particleboard really provides enough stability when the shelves are very tall.

The back panel generally provides stabilization, but for tall shelves I strongly recommend adding extra reinforcements. Options include metal brackets attached inside or additional crossbars. Without such measures, the shelving unit may twist or wobble.

I can only agree with Curtis. For a stable structure with varying shelf heights, you should consider the following points:
- Avoid large spans without a central support.
- It’s best to use screw hooks or metal brackets, which you can easily find at hardware stores, to secure cross braces.
- If you want shelves with very different heights and loads, a frame construction made of plywood is recommended, to which you can lean or combine the Besta units.
Thin particle boards are only sufficient for smaller modules; with larger shelf heights, the risk of warping is high.