29 Apr 2025
How can you customize fronts in the IKEA BESTÅ system?
The IKEA BESTÅ system is a modular solution that allows for flexible furniture design tailored to the diverse needs of household members. While its structure is quite universal, it is the fronts that truly give it character—ranging from subtle minimalism to bold, modern accents. Moreover, personalizing the fronts doesn't require specialist skills—you can easily make changes yourself, even after years of using the furniture.
A variety of finish styles, a rich color palette, different types of handles and opening systems, as well as the ability to combine them with additional accessories, make BESTÅ a system that adapts to the user—not the other way around. In this guide, we show how to make the most of these possibilities in practice.
Front finishes - matte, gloss, or glass?
One of the most important decisions when choosing BESTÅ fronts is selecting the surface finish. IKEA offers three main options: matte, glossy, and glass. Each provides a completely different visual and functional effect. Matte fronts are the choice for those who appreciate understated aesthetics and practical solutions—they hide fingerprints and minor scratches more easily. Glossy fronts, on the other hand, attract attention and reflect light beautifully, visually enlarging the space—making them popular in modern interiors. Glass fronts introduce elegance and lightness, and look especially striking when integrated with LED lighting.
Regardless of your choice, the BESTÅ system allows for easy front replacement in the future, meaning you are not tied to one style permanently.
Color and texture - how to choose the right combination?
The color of BESTÅ fronts can be selected both for stylistic and functional reasons. Among the available options are classic colors—white, black, gray—which provide a safe backdrop for more expressive accessories. Users looking for warmer accents can opt for wood-like finishes—ideal for Scandinavian, Japandi, or rustic interiors. Accent colors such as green or navy blue are also an interesting alternative, allowing you to create a unique and modern effect.
Variety of textures and patterns
In addition to color and finish, BESTÅ fronts also offer various textures and patterns:
- Smooth: Fronts with a uniform, smooth surface are timeless and easy to clean.
- Ribbed: Fronts with delicate grooves add depth and texture, creating an interesting visual effect.
- Printed: Fronts with printed patterns allow you to introduce unique motifs and personalize furniture according to your individual taste.
Thanks to these options, the BESTÅ system enables the creation of furniture with a unique character that perfectly complements the interior design.
Handles and opening systems—details matter
Beyond the appearance of the fronts themselves, you can also personalize how they open. Users can choose from classic handles—available in various shapes and materials—or the modern push-open system. The latter, increasingly popular in contemporary arrangements, allows for the complete elimination of handles. A gentle press on the front is enough to open it. This solution is not only aesthetically pleasing but also convenient, especially for furniture mounted at a height or in hard-to-reach places.
It's also worth noting that the fronts are compatible with a wide range of IKEA accessories—including decorative knobs, ornamental trims, and lighting. This ensures that even the smallest details can be tailored to individual needs.
Front collections available in the BESTÅ system
IKEA offers a variety of front collections compatible with the BESTÅ system, such as LAPPVIKEN, SINDVIK, HANVIKEN, EKET, and others. Each of these collections features a different style and finish, allowing you to match the furniture to a specific interior arrangement:
- LAPPVIKEN – a minimalist line with smooth fronts in neutral colors, ideal for modern interiors.
- SINDVIK – elegant fronts with glass panels, often used in classic and Scandinavian designs.
- HANVIKEN – classic, slightly more decorative fronts that add character to the furniture.
- EKET – simple forms and intense colors, perfect for youth spaces or as a color accent.
Thanks to this collection diversity, users can create unique sets that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Creating your own compositions
The BESTÅ system encourages experimenting and combining different elements—colors, textures, and finishes. Thanks to this flexibility, users can:
- Create cohesive sets matched to a specific color palette or interior style.
- Combine contrasting finishes, such as matte with gloss, to add dynamism.
- Mix different textures, like smooth surfaces with ribbed ones, to achieve depth effects.
Furthermore, the BESTÅ system allows you to change the fronts at any time without dismantling the entire furniture structure. This is a huge advantage for those who value flexibility and want to adapt their interiors to changing needs or trends.
When is it worth replacing the fronts?
One of the BESTÅ system’s biggest advantages is its modularity. The furniture structure remains unchanged, while the fronts can be replaced at any time—even after several years of use. This makes it easy to refresh the interior, adapt the furniture to a changing style, or simply renew worn-out elements. Importantly, replacing the fronts doesn’t require dismantling the whole piece—it’s a quick and relatively inexpensive way to transform your space.
Thanks to the flexibility offered by the BESTÅ system, furniture personalization has never been easier. Whether you are furnishing a new home or refreshing an existing decor—the possibilities are almost endless. The final result depends solely on your creativity and sense of style.
