ᐅ Which handles work best with Ikea Besta units in a Scandinavian style?

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to enhance my Ikea Besta cabinets in Scandinavian style with matching handles. I don’t want to choose just any handles but ones that complement the clean, minimalist design and emphasize the Nordic character. It’s important to me that the handles are both functional and visually appealing – ideally made from natural materials or featuring a subtle, understated look.

Does anyone have experience with handle types or specific models that are particularly recommended? Are there any special considerations regarding dimensions or mounting when replacing the handles?

I look forward to your tips and advice so I can truly personalize the Besta cabinet with style!

Hello Leoflo68,

your question is great because the handles really can have a big impact on the overall look of the Ikea Besta furniture. Especially in Scandinavian style, I prefer simple designs and natural materials.

Here are some recommendations and tips:
- Wooden handles work very well because they convey warmth and emphasize the natural character. You might look for handles made of light birch or oak.
- Brass- or copper-colored handles add a subtle, elegant touch without being too dominant.
- The Besta cabinets are usually mounted using standardized drill holes (mostly 64 mm (2.5 inches) spacing), so be sure the handles fit these dimensions or be ready to carefully drill new holes.
- If you want to try flat, recessed, or handleless options, there are also push-to-open profiles or simple grip strips available.

If you’re somewhat handy, you can also make and paint wooden strips yourself for a very authentic effect.

I hope this helps you!

Hello everyone,

I would like to organize and expand on RON57’s tips a bit to give Leoflo68 clear guidance:

1. Choice of materials:
- Natural wood: Birch, oak, or pine are perfect for the Scandinavian look.
- Metal fittings: Matte brass, brushed aluminum, or black steel work best.
- Leather: Leather straps as handles are currently very trendy and fit perfectly with the style.

2. Design options:
- Round or oval handles create a friendly and soft impression.
- Rectangular handles introduce clean lines.
- Handle bars can create a very elegant and modern appearance.

3. Technical aspects:
- Measure the old drill hole distances carefully; they are usually 32 mm or 64 mm (1.25 inches or 2.5 inches).
- Make sure the handles are not too thick or bulky to maintain the clean lines of the Besta furniture.
- If you have Besta shelves with doors and drawers, it can be useful to choose different handle types for doors and drawers so their functions remain clear.

In summary, I recommend starting with materials you already have in the room—that way, you create a harmonious overall look. And before drilling many holes, try placing the handles on the front to see how they look.

Good luck with your project!

Hey Leoflo68 and all other style enthusiasts 😉

There are so many great ways to upgrade the Besta! I’ve often used leather handles – they’re not only eye-catching but also capture the natural, warm feel of Scandinavian style perfectly. Pair them with light wood fronts and maybe matte white surfaces, and you have the perfect combination.

miAlessio schrieb:
- Leather: Leather straps as handles are currently a big trend and fit the look wonderfully.

Totally agree! Just give it a try, they’re easy to swap out and you can experiment with different widths and colors.

One more tip from me: If you like metal, go for brushed nickel or copper. But avoid super shiny chrome, as it rarely suits the Scandinavian vibe.

Have fun with your project!

Hello everyone,

I would like to share some detailed knowledge here so that Leoflo68 and all other interested users can really dive deep into the topic.

The Ikea Besta series usually comes with fronts featuring standardized drill holes for handles, but the model can vary at times. Before buying new handles, I strongly recommend carefully following these steps:

- Accurate measurement: Measure the spacing of the drill holes (both inside and outside), as well as the thickness of the fronts. Besta fronts are often 16-18 mm (0.6-0.7 inches) thick.
- Material choice and its impact on installation: Wooden handles naturally vary in shape and expand or contract with changes in humidity, so it’s wise to allow some play when screwing them on.
- Surface texture: The surface finish matters; for example, matte white fronts go well with smooth metal handles, while oiled wood pairs better with handles made from natural materials or matte brass.
- Mounting hardware: For replacement handles, the fixing material should fit exactly, or suitable replacement screws should be obtained, as Ikea screws often have specific lengths or diameters.

Additionally, if you want to refine your Besta cabinet completely, it’s worthwhile to coordinate the handle colors with other elements of the room—such as lamps, chairs, or wooden floors.

One more question for you, Leoflo68: Are you more concerned with doors (fronts) or also drawers? The requirements and types of handles can differ in these cases.

TEBILO schrieb:
One more question for you, Leoflo68: Are you mainly talking about doors (fronts) or also drawers? The requirements and handle types can be quite different.

Thanks for the valuable input, TEBILO! I plan to update both doors and drawers with new handles, aiming for a cohesive overall look.

Currently, the fronts are mostly white or light gray, but I’m also considering combining some elements with wood-colored fronts to add a bit more natural warmth.

It’s important to me that the handles provide comfortable grip, as the furniture is used daily.

Thanks also for the tips on screw length and hole spacing—these details are easy to overlook until problems arise. If anyone has practical advice for removing and installing handles, that would be very welcome!

I’m curious if anyone has experience with handles made of leather, wood, or metal, especially when used on Besta units.