ᐅ IKEA BESTA – How can I childproof this piece of furniture?

Hello everyone, I recently purchased the IKEA Besta furniture system and am now considering how to make it childproof. Specifically, I want to prevent the doors and drawers of my Besta unit from being easily opened by small children, as some sensitive items are stored inside. Are there proven methods to securely lock this type of furniture without causing permanent damage? Perhaps someone knows practical child safety locks or general tips for this kind of shelving system. I am also open to suggestions for solutions that are easy to install and remove later. Thanks in advance!

The easiest option is magnetic child safety locks that can be attached inside the doors. These require no drilling and can be removed easily. They operate with a separate magnetic key.

Magnetic locks are a popular solution, but it is important to choose high-quality modules that hold securely and do not fail easily. Alternatively, plastic bolt locks can be installed, which can be mounted discreetly on the outside. It is important that the lock neither obstructs the door's operation nor significantly affects its appearance. For those willing to drill minimally, small child safety locks can also be screwed in place; these are very durable.

For a structured response to the question, here is an overview of the most common methods to childproof the IKEA BESTA furniture system:

- Magnetic child safety locks: Attached inside doors or drawers with adhesive, removable without residue, require separate keys.
- Plastic latches or snap locks: Easy to install, sometimes without screws.
- Mechanical locks: Available for drill mounting, very secure but less flexible.
- Clamp or pull strap locks: Stretched between door and frame, no drilling required.

The choice should be based on your specific needs and the desire for reversibility. BESTA doors are usually flat and can be well protected with adhesive solutions. Drilling should be avoided to preserve the furniture’s appearance.

I think this topic is not as dry as it sounds – there’s also a touch of creativity involved! 😄 For my BESTA, I tried a combination of magnetic locks and a small, inconspicuous child safety lock with Velcro. It works great, is easy to remove, and keeps my little explorer out. I believe it’s important that you don’t have to give up on a good-looking DIY charm either – the locks can be really stylish and discreet.

I can well understand that when it comes to child safety, you sometimes reach your limits. This topic also concerns me, as I tried many solutions before finding something that really fits. For us, it was not only about safety but also about ensuring there was no risk of injury if, for example, a fastener comes loose or has sharp edges. Therefore, I would also recommend securely anchoring the shelves into the wall. Because even if the doors are safe, there is still the risk of tipping over.