ᐅ Ikea BESTA – How can I securely attach additional internal compartments?

Hello everyone, I have an Ikea Besta shelving unit and want to add extra internal compartments, such as shelves or small insert compartments, that are securely fixed. I’m not just looking for a simple storage solution, but a stable setup that can handle some weight without the compartments wobbling or falling out. Are there any effective methods to firmly attach these additional internal shelves within the BESTA system? Ideally, I prefer techniques that do not leave visible screws or permanently damage the furniture but are still very reliable. I would appreciate any recommendations, especially tips on how to test the stability or which materials work best.

You could use shelf supports that fit into the existing drilled holes. If you don't want to make any, clamp holders for glass shelves are also an option; they hold firmly without screws in the wood.

Hello Tanbedri, your question is very precise, which is a great start. If you want to install interior compartments or additional shelves in a BESTA system, there are basically two options: using the standard pre-drilled holes in the carcass, or creating custom solutions.

- The standardized option is to use additional perforated panels that IKEA offers as accessories, or to use the existing drilled holes where you can mount extra shelf boards with compatible brackets. These brackets are usually small metal clips or plastic inserts that fit into the holes and support the shelf.

- If you want even more stable compartments—for example, to store heavy items—you can also use small angle brackets or metal supports screwed into the inside of the side panels. In this case, you should only use dowels or screws suitable for the thickness and material of the particleboard to avoid damaging the furniture.

- Another consideration: if you want to protect or extend the surface life of the interior shelves, using shelves made of plywood or MDF with a laminated surface is advisable.

I would be interested to know what kind of loads you expect the compartments to carry, as this significantly affects the choice of fasteners and materials.

fidasi schrieb:
I’m curious, what kind of loads do you expect on the shelves? This significantly affects the choice of fasteners and materials.

Good question, thanks for asking. The shelves are mainly intended to hold items like books, DVDs, and occasionally smaller electronic devices (for example, a DSLR camera in storage). So we’re talking about moderate loads, up to around 10 kg (22 lbs) per shelf. It’s important to me that the construction is sturdy because I want to be able to move it without the shelves shifting or tearing out.

You should use the existing holes for the shelves and choose sturdy supports. If that is not sufficient, screw in brackets on the inside and additionally secure them with small screws – that will definitely hold.

Attach the shelves using suitable plastic or metal supports in the existing holes. If you want to be extra secure, you can also fasten screws or brackets inside the cabinet, but be careful with the thickness of the back panel.