Is your Pinterest board full of unique home interiors? Then you’ll love the Ikea BESTA system. Crossing the intersection of function and style, this unit is the ultimate storage system because it’s sleek, versatile, and customizable. You can utilize this system to add extra storage to your space and as a bold statement piece. Whether you plan to use it in your dining room or bedroom, there’s an idea that can suit your style and needs.
So let’s get creative! We’ve rounded up a few ideas to help you take your Ikea BESTA storage unit to the next level with a mix of your personalized touch and a few simple DIY techniques.
Breathing New Life into the Ikea BESTA
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ikea furniture? Yep – functionality. The BESTA system is at the top of our list of Ikea favorites because it offers a solid base for creative and personal style to come alive. The coolest part is this unit can elevate pretty much any space in your home (yep, even your bathroom).
Ikea BESTA units offer tons of storage without compromising on style (or space). Whether you’re building a floating media console or a sleek office storage system, the possibilities are endless.
Make Your BESTA Pop with Color
Sometimes sprucing up a piece of furniture simply means adding a pop of color. Not only can color transform your BESTA, but it can also transform your space. Consider going bold with emerald green, deep navy, or even an eye-catching mustard yellow. Using spray paint is a great way to easily and evenly color your unit (especially if you aren’t the best at hand painting).
Spray Paint Tip: We recommend using spray paint designed specifically for furniture for a nice finish that’s also long-lasting. Start off with a coat of primer and then lightly sand the surface before applying color. A couple of coats and you have yourself a vibrant piece.
Custom Cabinet Doors and Knobs
Looking for a quick upgrade? Start with the cabinet doors and knobs. It’s fairly simple to swap out the standard BESTA cabinet doors for a luxurious feel without a hefty price tag.
You can also get creative with the hardware and knobs. Use brass or ceramic for a big impact (this is also a good beginner customization step). Opt for hardware that matches your room’s aesthetic or go for something more eclectic.
Pro tip: We suggest using wood filler and wood glue to patch up any holes before swapping out old hardware. This ensures a smooth, professional finish.
Fluted Designs and Wooden Dowels
Fluted design is a timeless approach to upgrading your BESTA unit for a high-end look. Create this style with wooden dowels or plywood, cutting the wooden dowels to the height of your BESTA doors. Next, attach the dowels with brad nails for a chic look.
Plywood is a great material to use as it adds texture to your unit. Cut the plywood into thin sheets to cover the front of your cabinet doors and then paint or stain!
This hack is perfect for anyone wanting a luxurious-looking custom media console or bench seat.
Built-in bookshelves and Media Units
Do you love built-ins? While they’re great for large spaces and functional, you may not have the budget to hire a contractor. No worries, this is where the Ikea BESTA units can be used to create your own DIY built-ins. Stack multiple units and secure them to the wall to create a seamless look. This built-in look works great for your living room, home office, or dining area.
One of the most popular Ikea BESTA hacks is turning the unit into a TV console. Just add a couple of shelves above your TV to complete the look, or build around it to create a cozy entertainment space.
Window Seat with Storage
Do you have an awkward space by a window? Make use of it with an Ikea BESTA unit turned into a cozy window seat. The best part? You’ll get plenty of storage underneath the seat, which is great for a smaller space or to functionally create a comfortable reading nook.
Add a bench cushion on top of your BESTA unit to soften the look and make the space feel more inviting. You can even match the fabric to your room’s decor to seamlessly blend in.
Dining Room Bench with Storage
If you have a small dining room, we’ve got a brilliant hack for you! Create a dining room bench using Ikea BESTA cabinets. This bench can be used as hidden storage for table linens or extra dinnerware (and it’s a stylish seating option).
Add a few chic cushions and pillows on top to make the bench feel extra comfy. It’s a perfect solution for a dinner party or creating more space around a small table.
Open Display Shelving
Adding shelving to your BESTA unit is a great way to add a mix of open and closed storage. You can use custom shelving inserts that fit into your BESTA frame or create your own to give you a stylish space for books, plants, or decor.
Opening up a few shelves can also be a great way to convert your unit into a living room bookshelf. Combine multiple units for a floor-to-ceiling library look, or use a single unit for a minimalist approach.
Alternatively, consider using clear glass doors on your BESTA to replace the existing doors for an open look without sacrificing storage or style.
Pull-Out Drawers and Hidden Compartments
If you’re looking for a minimalist and sleek addition to your workspace you can customize your BESTA as a desk or work nook. Add drawers to store papers and office supplies. Consider using brass or metal to give it a sleek and modern touch.
One of our favorite BESTA secrets? You can hack it to add several hidden storage compartments. This is perfect for reducing unslightly clutter.
Simple Tools to Hack Your BESTA
You don’t need to be a DIY expert to pull off these creative Ikea BESTA hacks. All you need is a few basic tools and a little imagination. Use the following tools to customize your BESTA to match your personal style and home decor:
- Wood glue to secure wood panels or dowels.
- Wood filler for patching up holes when swapping out knobs or hardware.
- Brad nails and a hammer to attach fluted panels or extra shelving.
- Spray paint to customize the color of your unit.
Whether you want to add pops of color or build a custom office desk, the Ikea BESTA unit is a great foundation for the perfect storage and shelving. Use it to let your style shine and transform basic storage into a stunning statement piece.
If you’re hacking your Besta unit for extra storage, style, or functionality, just remember, the sky’s the limit!
More Ikea hacks and ideas:
