ᐅ Which materials are suitable as additions for Ikea BESTA living room solutions?
Created on: 3 Jul 2021 21:37
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Lukas70Hello everyone,
I am currently exploring different ways to effectively enhance the Ikea Besta system. My question is: which materials work best as additions for Besta storage solutions to both improve the appearance and increase functionality? I am thinking, for example, about extra panels, fronts, or entire units, as well as additional elements that can be installed to create more storage or workspace.
It is important to me that the materials harmonize well with the existing Besta frame, are durable, and can be processed or installed easily without requiring extensive tools or professional skills. I mainly use the system in the living room and workspace, so the look should also match the home environment – I am considering wood, glass, metal, or perhaps modern materials like MDF with special coatings.
Do you have experience with specific materials or additions that have proven particularly effective? What about DIY solutions, such as custom-made fronts or self-designed units? Is there anything you would definitely advise against?
I look forward to helpful tips, advice, or even critical assessments!
I am currently exploring different ways to effectively enhance the Ikea Besta system. My question is: which materials work best as additions for Besta storage solutions to both improve the appearance and increase functionality? I am thinking, for example, about extra panels, fronts, or entire units, as well as additional elements that can be installed to create more storage or workspace.
It is important to me that the materials harmonize well with the existing Besta frame, are durable, and can be processed or installed easily without requiring extensive tools or professional skills. I mainly use the system in the living room and workspace, so the look should also match the home environment – I am considering wood, glass, metal, or perhaps modern materials like MDF with special coatings.
Do you have experience with specific materials or additions that have proven particularly effective? What about DIY solutions, such as custom-made fronts or self-designed units? Is there anything you would definitely advise against?
I look forward to helpful tips, advice, or even critical assessments!
Hello Lukas70,
Your question is indeed quite complex and deserves a detailed examination of materials and their potential applications. Ikea BESTA provides a solid basic structure made of melamine-coated particleboard, which is fairly durable but less flexible when it comes to modifications. Therefore, it is worthwhile to add materials that either improve the surface or functionally enhance the structure.
From my experience, the following materials work particularly well:
- MDF boards with high-quality coatings that can be precisely cut and customized in workshops; they offer a smooth, premium surface and are ideal for new fronts or coverings.
- Real wood veneers or solid wood such as oak or walnut enhance the aesthetic appeal, make the furniture feel cozier, and are relatively durable – here, careful sealing is essential to ensure stability.
- Glass, especially tinted or frosted safety glass, can make doors or shelves appear more elegant and is very easy to maintain, although the increased weight raises the requirements for mounting.
- Metallic accents, such as handles or attachments made from brushed stainless steel or aluminum, add modern, technical touches and withstand heavy use.
It is important that these additions are not only decorative but also precisely compatible with the BESTA system, meaning they must fit the row holes and attachment points.
As a DIY approach, you can create MDF fronts yourself by having them cut to size and then painting or covering them with veneer. For work surfaces, coated countertops made of wood or ceramic stoneware are suitable and can be custom-fitted.
What kind of layout are you specifically planning – more storage space, visible decorative items, or additional workspace/shelf areas? That could help to provide more tailored recommendations.
Your question is indeed quite complex and deserves a detailed examination of materials and their potential applications. Ikea BESTA provides a solid basic structure made of melamine-coated particleboard, which is fairly durable but less flexible when it comes to modifications. Therefore, it is worthwhile to add materials that either improve the surface or functionally enhance the structure.
From my experience, the following materials work particularly well:
- MDF boards with high-quality coatings that can be precisely cut and customized in workshops; they offer a smooth, premium surface and are ideal for new fronts or coverings.
- Real wood veneers or solid wood such as oak or walnut enhance the aesthetic appeal, make the furniture feel cozier, and are relatively durable – here, careful sealing is essential to ensure stability.
- Glass, especially tinted or frosted safety glass, can make doors or shelves appear more elegant and is very easy to maintain, although the increased weight raises the requirements for mounting.
- Metallic accents, such as handles or attachments made from brushed stainless steel or aluminum, add modern, technical touches and withstand heavy use.
It is important that these additions are not only decorative but also precisely compatible with the BESTA system, meaning they must fit the row holes and attachment points.
As a DIY approach, you can create MDF fronts yourself by having them cut to size and then painting or covering them with veneer. For work surfaces, coated countertops made of wood or ceramic stoneware are suitable and can be custom-fitted.
What kind of layout are you specifically planning – more storage space, visible decorative items, or additional workspace/shelf areas? That could help to provide more tailored recommendations.
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FLOMARCOS4 Jul 2021 11:53Hi,
for additions to BESTA, I recommend MDF panels for fronts, as they are easy to work with and can be painted well. Metal handles made of stainless steel provide durability and style. Glass is suitable for doors if you want something low-maintenance.
Wood veneers look nice but need to be well sealed; otherwise, the surface will deteriorate.
for additions to BESTA, I recommend MDF panels for fronts, as they are easy to work with and can be painted well. Metal handles made of stainless steel provide durability and style. Glass is suitable for doors if you want something low-maintenance.
Wood veneers look nice but need to be well sealed; otherwise, the surface will deteriorate.
minan schrieb:
For work surfaces, coated countertops made of wood or stoneware are recommended, which can be precisely fitted.That sounds interesting, especially the idea of using stoneware as a surface. Can you be more specific about how to best secure such a countertop or overlay without damaging the Besta cabinet structure?
FLOMARCOS schrieb:
MDF boards for fronts, as they are easy to work with and can be painted well.I assume MDF is a good choice, but how satisfied are you with the stability on larger fronts? I’ve read that MDF can be easily damaged during transport and especially when installing if you’re not careful.
I want to avoid chipping or dents after a short time since this should be a durable upgrade.
Also, I’m curious: Are there any special aluminum profiles or similar elements that can be used as additions for corners, edges, or reinforcement?
Hello Lukas70,
regarding your first question about attaching countertops or tops to the BESTA cabinet, I can recommend the following:
A good option is to use mounting rails or angle brackets made of metal, which you install inside the cabinet. These support the countertop securely without the need to drill directly into the load-bearing parts of the BESTA cabinet. Alternatively, using strong furniture adhesives or double-sided mounting tape is possible, although that makes disassembly more difficult.
For porcelain stoneware or other heavy materials, I would always recommend a combination of screw fasteners and additional supports to ensure the parts don’t shift and the load does not become too heavy for the furniture.
About MDF and fronts: MDF is indeed prone to damage, especially at the edges. It is important to equip the fronts with high-quality edge banding or to paint the edges. This makes the surface more durable. It is also sensible to protect the fronts with soft cloths or foam before transport.
Regarding aluminum profiles: yes, aluminum or steel profiles exist as edge protectors or reinforcements. These can protect the furniture and also enhance the look, especially for narrow shelves or open corners. There are universal profiles that are easy to cut to size and can be attached with metal screws.
If you want, I can also provide some sources or tips for proper cutting.
regarding your first question about attaching countertops or tops to the BESTA cabinet, I can recommend the following:
A good option is to use mounting rails or angle brackets made of metal, which you install inside the cabinet. These support the countertop securely without the need to drill directly into the load-bearing parts of the BESTA cabinet. Alternatively, using strong furniture adhesives or double-sided mounting tape is possible, although that makes disassembly more difficult.
For porcelain stoneware or other heavy materials, I would always recommend a combination of screw fasteners and additional supports to ensure the parts don’t shift and the load does not become too heavy for the furniture.
About MDF and fronts: MDF is indeed prone to damage, especially at the edges. It is important to equip the fronts with high-quality edge banding or to paint the edges. This makes the surface more durable. It is also sensible to protect the fronts with soft cloths or foam before transport.
Regarding aluminum profiles: yes, aluminum or steel profiles exist as edge protectors or reinforcements. These can protect the furniture and also enhance the look, especially for narrow shelves or open corners. There are universal profiles that are easy to cut to size and can be attached with metal screws.
If you want, I can also provide some sources or tips for proper cutting.
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