ᐅ IKEA Besta: Which types of wood work well for an extension?

Hello everyone, I recently bought an IKEA Besta shelving unit and am now considering how to best complement it with additional types of wood without making the overall look too busy or unharmonious. I’m especially interested in which wood types work well in terms of color and grain when combined with the typical Besta surfaces (mostly very smooth, light panels). Which woods are sturdy enough to be used, for example, as side panels or as a top piece? And which colors or textures suit a warm yet modern atmosphere? I look forward to your experiences, recommendations, and also any tips on suitable surface treatments or finishes.

Hello Jopa49, I find your question very relevant because the choice of wood species definitely affects the overall appearance and durability of the addition. Generally, light-colored woods such as ash or birch work well with the Besta surfaces, as they visually support the rather minimalistic look while adding some warmth through their natural grain. Another good option could be oak, especially if you want a slightly rustic yet elegant touch. If you prefer darker accents, walnut might be worth considering, but the contrast should be deliberately set to avoid a too busy appearance. In terms of stability, all the mentioned woods are suitable for tops or side panels, particularly with proper surface protection (e.g., oiled or lacquered). I recommend choosing a wood with a medium to coarse grain, as it highlights natural textures that contrast nicely with the usually very smooth Besta.

anken schrieb:
If you prefer darker accents, walnut might be worth considering, but the contrast should be deliberately chosen to avoid a cluttered look.

I think this is an important point. It’s often recommended to use dark woods for additions, but especially when combined with the clean, smooth Besta elements, it can quickly look visually overwhelming. You need to be clear about how much the wood accent should stand out.

I also wonder whether solid wood is always the best choice in terms of material quality. IKEA itself often uses panel materials with foil or lacquer finishes for Besta. Perhaps a combination of solid wood for visible surfaces and plywood or MDF with solid wood veneer edges could be a practical solution to keep costs and weight down. Also: How do different surface treatments affect durability and colorfastness under heavy use? Does anyone have experience with this?

Maybe it even makes sense not to use “classic” solid wood for the addition, but rather wood types or materials that respond to the original Besta design.

enrique7 schrieb:
I also wonder whether solid wood is always the best choice in terms of material quality. IKEA itself often uses panel materials with foil or lacquer finishes for Besta.

That is a very interesting approach. When designing complementary elements that need to be durable and visually appealing, there are good reasons to use high-quality plywood with real wood veneer. The stability is quite good, and the veneer can closely resemble solid wood in appearance without the typical issues such as warping or cracking.

Regarding wood species, for Besta I would personally recommend oak: it is sturdy, timeless, and complements smooth surfaces well thanks to its distinctive grain. An oiled finish brings the wood to life and adds warmth. For a modern look, lighter woods like maple or birch are also suitable – these tend to appear friendlier but offer less contrast. It is important to coordinate the wood color with the color of the Besta panels. For white or light gray finishes, lighter woods are preferable, while for darker Besta surfaces, a stronger-toned wood can be chosen.

As for surface treatment: both oil and clear lacquer are possible. Oil typically requires more maintenance but gives a more natural look. For heavily used surfaces, lacquer is recommended.