Are you constantly saving images of stunning home interiors to your Pinterest board? If so, the Ikea BESTA system is about to become your new obsession. This storage solution perfectly blends practicality and aesthetics, offering a sleek, versatile, and highly customizable way to organize your belongings. Whether you need extra storage space or a striking focal point, the BESTA system can be tailored to suit your unique style and needs in any room, from the dining room to the bedroom.
Ready to unleash your creativity? We’ve gathered a collection of inspiring ideas to help you transform your Ikea BESTA storage unit into something truly special, using a combination of personal touches and simple DIY techniques.
Breathing New Life into the Ikea BESTA: Design Ideas and Inspiration
When you think of Ikea furniture, the first word that likely comes to mind is “functional.” The BESTA system stands out as a favorite because it provides a solid foundation for your creative vision and personal style to flourish. The best part? This versatile unit can enhance almost any area of your home, even your bathroom, with a touch of personalized design.
Ikea BESTA units offer a wealth of storage options without sacrificing style or valuable space. Whether you’re envisioning a floating media console or a sophisticated office storage system, the possibilities are virtually limitless. This is where you can bring your creativity to the next level, with simple updates to complex transformations.
Make Your BESTA Pop with Color: Adding Personality Through Paint
Sometimes, all it takes to revitalize a piece of furniture is a splash of color. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your BESTA unit and, in turn, the entire room. Consider making a bold statement with rich emerald green, deep navy blue, or even an attention-grabbing mustard yellow. Spray paint is an excellent choice for achieving a smooth and even finish, especially if you’re not a seasoned hand-painter.
Spray Paint Tip: For the best results, choose a spray paint specifically formulated for furniture. This will ensure a durable and attractive finish. Begin with a coat of primer, then lightly sand the surface before applying your chosen color. A couple of coats should be sufficient to achieve a vibrant and professional-looking piece.
Custom Cabinet Doors and Knobs: Elevating the Design with Hardware
If you’re looking for a quick and easy upgrade, focus on the cabinet doors and knobs. Swapping out the standard BESTA doors for something more luxurious is a relatively simple process that can make a significant impact without breaking the bank. You can find doors from third-party manufacturers, or even create your own for a personalized touch.
Don’t underestimate the power of hardware and knobs. Opt for brass or ceramic knobs for a touch of elegance, or choose hardware that complements your room’s existing aesthetic. This is also a great customization step for beginners. Alternatively, embrace an eclectic look by mixing and matching different styles and finishes.
Pro tip: Before installing new hardware, use wood filler and wood glue to patch up any existing holes. This will ensure a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Fluted Designs and Wooden Dowels: Adding Texture and Sophistication
Incorporating fluted designs is a timeless way to elevate your BESTA unit and create a high-end aesthetic. You can achieve this look using wooden dowels or plywood. Cut the wooden dowels to the height of your BESTA doors and attach them using brad nails for a chic and sophisticated touch. This is great for adding texture and creating an updated look.
Plywood is another excellent material choice, offering a wealth of textural possibilities. Cut the plywood into thin sheets to cover the front of your cabinet doors and then paint or stain them to your liking. The possibilities here are only limited by your creativity. Consider the existing aesthetic of your space, and make choices that complement that style.
This hack is ideal for anyone seeking a luxurious and customized media console or bench seat. It’s simple enough to do, but adds a certain level of class that makes it look more expensive than it really is.
Built-in Bookshelves and Media Units: Achieving a Custom Look on a Budget
Do you dream of having built-in bookshelves? While they’re fantastic for maximizing space and adding a touch of elegance, hiring a contractor can be a significant expense. That’s where the Ikea BESTA system comes to the rescue, allowing you to create your own DIY built-ins. Simply stack multiple units and secure them to the wall for a seamless, integrated look. This approach works beautifully in living rooms, home offices, or even dining areas.
One of the most popular Ikea BESTA transformations involves turning the unit into a stylish TV console. Enhance the look by adding a few shelves above your TV, or build around it to create a cozy and inviting entertainment space. Don’t be afraid to customize the space to fit your specific needs and style.
Window Seat with Storage: Maximizing Space and Comfort
Do you have an awkward, unused space near a window? Transform it into a cozy window seat using an Ikea BESTA unit. The best part is that you’ll gain ample storage space underneath the seat, making it ideal for smaller spaces or for creating a comfortable reading nook with practical functionality.
Add a bench cushion on top of your BESTA unit to soften the overall aesthetic and create a more inviting atmosphere. For a seamless look, match the fabric to your room’s existing decor.
Dining Room Bench with Storage: Stylish Seating and Practical Storage
If you’re short on space in your dining room, here’s a clever solution: create a dining room bench using Ikea BESTA cabinets. This bench provides hidden storage for table linens or extra dinnerware, while also serving as a stylish and functional seating option. It’s a great way to maximize your space and add a touch of personality to your dining area.
Enhance the comfort and style of your bench by adding a few chic cushions and pillows. This creates a welcoming and comfortable seating area, perfect for dinner parties or simply enjoying a meal with family. It can also be a perfect place for guests to sit during celebrations or gatherings.
Open Display Shelving: Showcasing Your Favorite Items
Adding open shelving to your BESTA unit is a fantastic way to combine open and closed storage options. You can either use custom shelving inserts designed to fit your BESTA frame or create your own to provide a stylish space for displaying books, plants, or decorative items. Creating these open spaces allows you to add personal items to give the unit more character.
Opening up a few shelves can also transform your unit into a stylish living room bookshelf. Combine multiple units to create a floor-to-ceiling library effect, or opt for a single unit for a more minimalist approach. It also allows you to place larger items like vases or sculptures that give the space some personality.
Alternatively, consider replacing the existing doors with clear glass doors for an open look without compromising on storage capacity or style. This will allow you to display your items while keeping them protected from dust and debris.
Pull-Out Drawers and Hidden Compartments: Maximizing Functionality and Minimizing Clutter
If you’re looking for a minimalist and sleek addition to your workspace, customize your BESTA unit into a functional desk or work nook. Incorporate drawers to store papers and office supplies. Enhance the look with brass or metal hardware for a modern touch. A neat and organized space is essential for creating a productive environment.
One of the best-kept BESTA secrets is its potential for adding hidden storage compartments. This is perfect for concealing unsightly clutter and keeping your space looking tidy and organized. You can add false bottoms, secret drawers, or other hidden spaces to store your belongings out of sight.
Simple Tools to Hack Your BESTA: Essential DIY Equipment
You don’t need to be a seasoned DIY expert to execute these creative Ikea BESTA hacks. All you need are a few basic tools and a dash of imagination. Use the following tools to customize your BESTA unit to match your personal style and home decor:
- Wood glue: For securing 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 inject pops of color or build a custom office desk, the Ikea BESTA unit provides a solid foundation for creating the perfect storage and shelving solutions. Use it to express your style and transform basic storage into a stunning statement piece. Make it uniquely yours, so you and visitors to your home will appreciate the new addition.
Whether you’re hacking your Besta unit for extra storage, style, or functionality, remember that the sky’s the limit! You can mix and match design ideas until you end up with a perfect storage unit for your home.
More Ikea hacks and ideas:
- 30+ of the Coziest IKEA KURA Hacks
- 15 Best IKEA TROFAST Hacks: Storage, Play, And More
- The IKEA Curtains That Every Designer Swears By