Hello everyone,
I recently purchased an IKEA Besta shelving unit and plan to use it in the children's room. Safety is especially important to me since my child has small hands and a tendency to climb. I am particularly interested in how to best secure the Besta unit against tipping, which fastening materials are recommended, and whether there are any specific IKEA-approved mounting options for use in a child's room. Additionally, I would like to know if you have any tips on how to soften corners or edges to prevent injuries.
Thank you for your insights and experiences!
I recently purchased an IKEA Besta shelving unit and plan to use it in the children's room. Safety is especially important to me since my child has small hands and a tendency to climb. I am particularly interested in how to best secure the Besta unit against tipping, which fastening materials are recommended, and whether there are any specific IKEA-approved mounting options for use in a child's room. Additionally, I would like to know if you have any tips on how to soften corners or edges to prevent injuries.
Thank you for your insights and experiences!
Hello Vinre58,
Regarding your question on how to secure an IKEA BESTA shelf in a children’s room, here is a brief guide:
- First: The most important thing is the anti-tip kit from IKEA or similar wall-mounting hardware. These often come as steel straps or special brackets that are screwed into both the wall and the furniture.
- Second: Install the shelf on a solid wall whenever possible (avoid drywall), and use screws suitable for your wall type (anchors for concrete, special cavity anchors for plasterboard, etc.).
- Third: Additionally, you can protect the corners with foam corner protectors to prevent children from accessing sharp edges.
- Fourth: Make sure to store heavy items in the lower part to stabilize the shelf closer to the floor.
Common mistakes include screws that are too short or inappropriate wall anchors, which can significantly compromise stability.
In summary: anti-tip protection, wall mounting with appropriate fittings, and corner padding are the key safety measures.
Regarding your question on how to secure an IKEA BESTA shelf in a children’s room, here is a brief guide:
- First: The most important thing is the anti-tip kit from IKEA or similar wall-mounting hardware. These often come as steel straps or special brackets that are screwed into both the wall and the furniture.
- Second: Install the shelf on a solid wall whenever possible (avoid drywall), and use screws suitable for your wall type (anchors for concrete, special cavity anchors for plasterboard, etc.).
- Third: Additionally, you can protect the corners with foam corner protectors to prevent children from accessing sharp edges.
- Fourth: Make sure to store heavy items in the lower part to stabilize the shelf closer to the floor.
Common mistakes include screws that are too short or inappropriate wall anchors, which can significantly compromise stability.
In summary: anti-tip protection, wall mounting with appropriate fittings, and corner padding are the key safety measures.
Hello Vinre58,
I would like to expand on this topic: Besides the tilt restraints from IKEA already mentioned, there are also universal furniture anchors that are often more durable. I would recommend securing the shelf at two points to prevent it from shifting or tilting.
Additionally, it is advisable to regularly check the shelf for a secure fit and the integrity of the fastenings, especially if children frequently pull on or climb the furniture.
Regarding edges: There are special edge protection profiles made of soft plastic that you can simply attach to the corners. These can also be removed later.
If the BESTA has doors, check whether they close gently and do not pose a risk of pinching, or install child safety locks on the doors.
If you have any further questions, I’m happy to help!
I would like to expand on this topic: Besides the tilt restraints from IKEA already mentioned, there are also universal furniture anchors that are often more durable. I would recommend securing the shelf at two points to prevent it from shifting or tilting.
Additionally, it is advisable to regularly check the shelf for a secure fit and the integrity of the fastenings, especially if children frequently pull on or climb the furniture.
Regarding edges: There are special edge protection profiles made of soft plastic that you can simply attach to the corners. These can also be removed later.
If the BESTA has doors, check whether they close gently and do not pose a risk of pinching, or install child safety locks on the doors.
If you have any further questions, I’m happy to help!
I have had the BESTA in the kids’ room for six months now and I’m completely satisfied! It’s really important to take your time with the proper installation. My tips:
- Never rely on DIY solutions or temporary fixes! Always use the original components properly.
- I installed the tilt locks twice for a few extra centimeters of stability.
- And yes, the corner protectors are great—my son has already tested them and remained completely unharmed 😉
So don’t worry, if you work carefully, this is a very safe solution. Good luck with your setup!
- Never rely on DIY solutions or temporary fixes! Always use the original components properly.
- I installed the tilt locks twice for a few extra centimeters of stability.
- And yes, the corner protectors are great—my son has already tested them and remained completely unharmed 😉
So don’t worry, if you work carefully, this is a very safe solution. Good luck with your setup!
GiRoyce schrieb:
Regarding the edges: There are special corner protectors made of soft plastic that you can simply attach to the corners.Very good addition! Corner protection makes particular sense if the shelf is located where children play. It is important that the adhesive or material cannot be easily removed—otherwise, there is a risk of choking again.
Davidleo schrieb:
I installed the anti-tip devices twice, for a few centimeters (inches) more stability!I agree, double securing noticeably increases safety, especially if children climb or pull on it. Also, make sure that no object is placed in front of the shelf that could be used as a “step.”
Summary for Vinre58:
- Install the anti-tip device at least twice
- Use suitable anchors and screws that match the wall type
- Use corner protectors made of firmly adhering, sturdy material
- Regularly check all fittings
This way, you can securely childproof your BESTA in the nursery.
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