27 Stunning IKEA BESTA Hacks That Will Transform Your Home on a Budget
Looking to upgrade your living space without breaking the bank?
IKEA’s versatile BESTA system offers endless possibilities for customization at an affordable price point.
These simple storage units transform into designer-worthy furniture pieces with just a few creative tweaks and modifications.
Let’s explore 27 gorgeous BESTA hacks that will elevate your home décor while showcasing your personal style and saving you thousands compared to custom alternatives.
1: Mid-Century Modern Media Console
Transform your BESTA units into a sleek mid-century inspired entertainment center by adding tapered wooden legs.
Replace the standard handles with brass or gold hardware for an authentic vintage look that elevates the entire piece.
Complete the transformation with a wooden top that extends slightly beyond the BESTA units for a custom built-in appearance.
2: Floating Buffet With Custom Front Panels
Mount BESTA units to your wall at dining room height to create a striking floating buffet that saves floor space.
Replace the standard doors with custom panels in textured materials like cane webbing or fluted wood for designer flair.
The floating installation creates a light, airy feel while providing ample storage for dining essentials and serveware.
3: Built-In Window Seat Storage
Position low BESTA units beneath a window to create a cozy reading nook with hidden storage underneath.
Add a custom-cut cushion in a washable fabric that complements your room’s color scheme for comfortable seating.
Install soft-close hinges on the top openings to safely access books, blankets, and seasonal items stored inside.
4: Marble-Look Entryway Console
Transform a narrow BESTA unit into a luxurious entryway piece by adding a marble-look contact paper to the top surface.
Install stylish metal legs that elevate the unit to a more practical height for dropping keys and mail when entering.
Add decorative baskets to any open shelving to corral small items while maintaining a curated, organized appearance.
5: Custom Nursery Changing Station
Create a functional changing table by installing a BESTA unit at waist height with a contoured changing pad on top.
Organize diapers, wipes, and baby essentials in the cabinets below for easy access during quick changes.
Add custom drawer dividers inside to keep small baby items organized and readily available when needed.
6: Green Velvet Media Wall
Build a dramatic entertainment wall using multiple BESTA units configured to fit your specific space and needs.
Replace the standard doors with custom fronts upholstered in rich green velvet for a luxurious textural element.
Mount your television directly on the wall above or on the units themselves for a coordinated, intentional look.
7: Two-Tone Kitchen Island
Combine several BESTA units to create a kitchen island with storage accessible from both sides of the structure.
Add a butcher block top that extends beyond the cabinets to create an eating area with counter-height stools.
Paint the units in a contrasting color to your main kitchen cabinets for a deliberate, designer two-tone effect.
8: Rattan Door Upgrade
Replace standard BESTA doors with custom panels featuring rattan or cane webbing inserts for a tropical, bohemian vibe.
Frame the rattan with wood trim painted to match your units for a seamless, custom-built appearance.
This semi-transparent door style allows glimpses of contents while disguising any disorganization behind the beautiful texture.
9: Fluted Wood Paneling
Add architectural interest to your BESTA units with vertical fluted wood strips applied to the door fronts.
This three-dimensional texture creates attractive light and shadow play that elevates the simple unit.
Paint the entire piece, including the fluting, in a single color for a sophisticated monochromatic statement piece.
10: Home Office Credenza With Desktop
Connect multiple BESTA units to create a long credenza that doubles as a spacious home office desk.
Add a wooden countertop that extends the full length for a generous work surface above ample closed storage.
Install custom organizers inside the cabinets specifically designed for office supplies and document management.
11: Geometric Overlay Design
Apply pre-cut geometric wood overlays to your BESTA doors for an instant high-end makeover.
Choose patterns like Greek key, diamond lattice, or art deco sunbursts to reflect your personal design aesthetic.
Paint the entire unit, including the overlays, in a luxurious shade like navy blue or emerald green for maximum impact.
12: Floating Entertainment Wall
Create a custom-look entertainment center by mounting multiple BESTA units in a configured pattern on your wall.
Leave strategic open spaces between units for visual lightness and to create display nooks for art or plants.
Run hidden lighting behind the floating units to create a dramatic backlit effect that enhances your television viewing experience.
13: Slatted Wood Room Divider
Position BESTA units perpendicular to a wall to function as a stylish room divider in an open-concept space.
Attach vertical wood slats to the back side that faces your secondary space for architectural interest.
The combination provides both storage and visual separation while allowing light to filter through the slatted section.
14: Tile-Topped Outdoor Kitchen Storage
Adapt BESTA units for covered outdoor spaces by adding a weather-resistant tile top suitable for outdoor use.
Apply several coats of exterior-grade sealer to the unit itself to protect it from humidity and temperature changes.
This hack creates valuable outdoor storage for entertaining essentials while providing extra serving space for gatherings.
15: Grass-cloth Wrapped Cabinet
Elevate your BESTA with natural grasscloth wallpaper applied carefully to the door fronts for rich textural interest.
This organic material adds warmth and tactile appeal that contrasts beautifully with the unit’s clean lines.
Change standard handles to simple leather pulls or wooden knobs that complement the natural grasscloth covering.
16: Play Table With Storage
Transform a low BESTA unit into a children’s activity table by adding a wipeable, rounded-edge top surface.
Install dividers inside the cabinets to create organized storage zones for different types of toys or art supplies.
The accessible height allows young children to independently access and return their items while learning organization skills.
17: Floating Night Stands
Mount small BESTA units on either side of your bed to create contemporary floating nightstands that save floor space.
Add integrated LED lighting underneath to provide subtle illumination for nighttime navigation.
This space-saving solution works particularly well in small bedrooms where floor space is at a premium.
18: Statement Hallway Console
Narrow BESTA units create the perfect slim hallway storage solution when wall space is limited.
Apply bold wallpaper to the wall behind a wall-mounted unit, leaving a border visible for dramatic framing effect.
This high-impact installation maximizes storage in often-overlooked hallway spaces while adding intentional design elements.
19: Bench Seating With Shoe Storage
Position low BESTA units near your entryway to create a convenient seating area for removing shoes.
Add a cushioned top in a durable, stain-resistant fabric that coordinates with your entry area decor.
Organize shoes within the cabinets below, using pull-out bins for family members to easily locate their footwear.
20: Cat Litter Box Concealment
Modify a BESTA unit to discreetly hide unsightly cat litter boxes while providing easy access for your pets.
Cut a cat-sized entrance hole in one side or door, finishing the edges smoothly for safety and appearance.
Add a shelf inside to place the litter box on, with storage above for supplies and cleaning tools.
21: Raised Garden Bed Planter
Elevate indoor plants by converting a BESTA unit into a stylish raised planter perfect for room dividing.
Line the interior with waterproof material and adequate drainage to protect the unit from moisture damage.
This living furniture piece adds natural elements to your space while providing useful room division and greenery.
22: Record Player Console
Design the ultimate vinyl enthusiast’s dream station by adapting BESTA units to house record collections and equipment.
Create specific compartments sized perfectly for album storage, with additional space for turntable and speakers.
Add cable management solutions to keep wires organized and hidden from view for a clean, intentional setup.
23: Under-Stairs Storage Solution
Customize BESTA units to fit precisely into awkward under-stairs spaces often wasted in many homes.
Cut units at angles where needed to follow the staircase slope, creating storage that maximizes every inch.
Install push-to-open hardware in place of handles to maintain a clean, minimal look in a potentially tight passage area.
24: Home Bar Cabinet
Transform BESTA units into an impressive home bar by adding wine glass holders and bottle storage inserts.
Install LED lighting to illuminate glassware and create ambiance during evening entertaining sessions.
Include a pull-out work surface that provides space for mixing drinks without requiring permanent counter space.
25: Bathroom Vanity Conversion
Create a custom bathroom vanity by modifying BESTA units to accommodate plumbing and sink installation.
Apply multiple coats of moisture-resistant sealer to protect the unit from bathroom humidity and splashes.
Add a waterproof countertop material like quartz or solid surface with an undermount sink for a clean, designer look.
26: Upholstered Bench Seating
Connect multiple low BESTA units to create a long bench perfect for dining table seating or window placement.
Add high-density foam and upholstery in a stain-resistant fabric for comfortable, practical seating above storage.
This dual-purpose furniture saves space while providing hidden storage for items used in the surrounding area.
27: Picture Frame Molding Upgrade
Apply thin picture frame molding to BESTA door fronts to create a classic, Parisian-inspired look.
Paint the entire unit, including the molding details, in a single color for sophisticated architectural interest.
This simple addition transforms basic flat doors into elegant panel details that elevate your entire space.
Conclusion
With these creative BESTA hacks, you’ll transform basic IKEA units into custom-looking furniture that perfectly suits your space and style—all while keeping your renovation budget firmly under control.
