27 Gorgeous Ikea BESTA Hacks

You can transform IKEA’s affordable BESTA storage system into stunning custom furniture that looks like it costs thousands.

This modular system offers endless possibilities for creative customization.

The basic frames work beautifully in every room of your home. With some creativity and simple modifications, you’ll achieve high-end results.

These 27 hacks will inspire you to create gorgeous storage solutions that perfectly match your style and functional needs.

1: Create a Floating Media Console

You’ll achieve a sleek, modern look by wall-mounting BESTA units to create the illusion of floating furniture.

This approach makes rooms feel larger and more sophisticated.

Hide all cables behind the unit for clean lines. The floating effect works especially well in minimalist or contemporary living spaces.

Choose units without legs for the cleanest appearance.

Add LED strip lighting underneath for dramatic ambient lighting that enhances the floating effect.

2: Add Fluted Wood Door Fronts

You can replace standard BESTA doors with custom fluted wood panels for an expensive, textured appearance.

This trendy detail adds warmth and visual interest to any room.

Purchase pre-made fluted panels or create your own using wood strips. Sand and stain to match your existing furniture for cohesive design.

This upgrade works particularly well in dining rooms and living spaces.

The vertical lines create height illusion while adding sophisticated texture.

3: Install Crown Molding and Trim

You’ll create a built-in appearance by adding crown molding and baseboards around BESTA units.

This architectural detail makes budget furniture look custom and expensive.

Paint the molding to match your walls for seamless integration. White trim against colored walls creates classic contrast and visual appeal.

Measure carefully for professional results.

The molding bridges gaps between units and walls while hiding any installation imperfections beautifully.

4: Create a Room Divider Storage Wall

You can use multiple BESTA units to divide open floor plans while providing storage on both sides.

This solution works perfectly for studio apartments and large rooms.

Stack units vertically for maximum impact. Include both open shelving and closed storage to balance display space with hidden organization.

Choose a mix of door styles for visual interest. This creates functional zones while maintaining an open, airy feeling throughout your space.

5: Design a Custom Closet System

You’ll maximize bedroom storage by installing BESTA units as a walk-in closet alternative.

Add hanging rods, drawers, and shelving for complete organization.

Include lighting inside units for better visibility.

Battery-operated LED strips work perfectly without requiring electrical modifications or complicated wiring.

Plan the layout based on your wardrobe needs.

Mix hanging space with folded storage and shoe shelving for comprehensive clothing organization.

6: Add Cane Webbing to Door Fronts

You can achieve trendy bohemian style by replacing solid door fronts with cane webbing panels.

This natural texture adds warmth while allowing glimpses of stored items.

Frame the webbing with thin wood strips for a finished appearance. This detail prevents edges from fraying while creating professional-looking results.

The semi-transparent effect keeps stored items accessible visually.

This works especially well for displaying books, plants, or decorative objects beautifully.

7: Create an Entryway Storage Bench

You’ll solve entryway organization challenges by combining BESTA units with a custom cushioned top for seating.

This multifunctional piece provides both storage and functionality.

Add hooks above for coats and bags. Include baskets or dividers inside for shoes, mail, and everyday essentials that need quick access.

Choose durable upholstery fabric that withstands daily use.

This combination creates an impressive entry statement while solving practical storage needs.

8: Install LED Strip Lighting

You can add sophisticated ambiance by installing LED strips inside glass-front BESTA units.

This illumination showcases displayed items while creating dramatic evening lighting effects.

Choose warm white LEDs for cozy atmosphere.

Cool white works better for task lighting when units store office supplies or work materials.

Hide transformers and controls for clean installation.

Battery-operated options eliminate electrical work while providing flexible lighting control throughout your home.

9: Paint Units in Bold Colors

You’ll create statement furniture by painting BESTA units in vibrant or sophisticated colors that complement your decor.

This simple change transforms basic storage into artistic focal points.

Use high-quality primer designed for laminate surfaces. This ensures paint adhesion and prevents chipping during regular use and cleaning.

Consider two-tone combinations for visual interest.

Paint frames one color and doors another for dynamic contrast that elevates the overall design.

10: Add Brass or Black Hardware

You can upgrade the entire appearance by replacing standard handles with premium brass, matte black, or brushed gold hardware.

This small change creates expensive-looking results.

Choose hardware that complements your room’s existing finishes.

Consistent metal tones throughout a space create cohesive, intentional design schemes.

Measure existing holes carefully to avoid drilling new ones.

Many aftermarket handles fit IKEA’s standard spacing for easy installation and professional appearance.

11: Create a Home Bar Cabinet

You’ll design sophisticated entertaining space by converting BESTA units into a stylish home bar with specialized storage for glasses, bottles, and accessories.

Add wine racks, glass holders, and interior lighting. Include a small countertop surface for mixing drinks and serving guests during gatherings.

Choose dark colors or wood-look finishes for bar ambiance.

This creates an upscale entertaining zone that rivals expensive custom bar furniture.

12: Install Glass Shelves Inside

You can increase storage capacity and create elegant display space by adding glass shelves inside BESTA units.

This maximizes vertical space while maintaining visual lightness.

Tempered glass shelves support substantial weight safely.

Adjustable shelf pins allow customization based on stored items and changing organizational needs.

The transparent shelves don’t visually compete with displayed objects.

This creates sophisticated showcases for collections, books, or decorative accessories.

13: Add Fabric-Covered Door Inserts

You’ll soften hard lines and add texture by covering door centers with upholstered fabric panels.

This technique introduces color and pattern while maintaining storage functionality.

Choose fabrics that coordinate with existing textiles.

This creates visual flow throughout rooms while adding custom, expensive-looking details to basic furniture.

Use batting underneath for dimensional appearance.

This professional upholstery technique creates sophisticated results that elevate the entire piece dramatically.

14: Create Built-in Bedroom Storage

You can maximize bedroom space by installing BESTA units around your bed for integrated nightstands, clothing storage, and display areas.

This approach creates hotel-like luxury.

Include both open and closed storage options.

Mix drawer units with shelving for complete bedroom organization that accommodates various personal items.

Paint units to match wall colors for seamless integration.

This creates the appearance of expensive built-in cabinetry at a fraction of the cost.

15: Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

You’ll enhance functionality and ambiance by adding under-cabinet lighting to wall-mounted BESTA units.

This practical upgrade provides task lighting while creating sophisticated atmosphere.

Puck lights work well for focused illumination.

Strip lights provide even coverage across wider units for comprehensive lighting that eliminates shadows.

Connect to wall switches for convenient control.

This professional installation detail makes the lighting feel intentional rather than obviously added later.

16: Add Decorative Molding Details

You can create custom furniture appearance by adding decorative molding to door fronts and unit edges.

This architectural detail suggests expensive, handcrafted construction.

Choose molding profiles that complement your home’s existing trim.

Consistent details throughout spaces create cohesive design schemes that appear professionally planned.

Paint molding to match or contrast with base units.

This flexibility allows either subtle integration or dramatic emphasis based on your decorative preferences.

17: Create a Bathroom Vanity

You’ll solve bathroom storage challenges by adapting BESTA units as vanity bases with integrated sinks and countertops.

This custom approach saves money while providing ample storage.

Ensure proper waterproofing around plumbing connections.

Use marine-grade finishes in moisture-prone areas to prevent damage from humidity and water exposure.

Include drawers for small item organization.

This provides more functional storage than traditional vanity cabinets while maintaining clean, modern aesthetic appeal.

18: Install Mirror Door Fronts

You can make rooms appear larger while adding functional mirrors by replacing standard doors with mirrored panels.

This trick works especially well in smaller spaces.

Antique or tinted mirrors add character beyond basic reflective function.

These specialty mirrors create sophisticated focal points while providing practical daily use.

Secure mirrors properly for safety during daily use.

Use appropriate mounting hardware that handles the weight while preventing accidents from broken glass.

19: Create a Window Seat with Storage

You’ll maximize natural light areas by building window seats using BESTA units as the base structure.

Add cushions on top for comfortable seating with hidden storage below.

Include lift-up tops for easy access to stored items.

This provides convenient storage for seasonal items, books, or children’s toys without sacrificing seating comfort.

Position units to match window heights perfectly.

Custom measurements ensure professional appearance that looks intentionally designed rather than obviously adapted.

20: Add Wooden Slat Door Fronts

You can achieve trendy Scandinavian style by creating custom door fronts using wooden slats over BESTA frames.

This natural texture adds warmth to any space.

Vary slat spacing for different transparency levels.

Closer spacing provides more privacy while wider gaps allow better visibility of stored items.

Stain or paint slats to match existing woodwork.

This coordination creates cohesive design schemes that appear professionally planned and intentionally coordinated.

21: Install Sliding Doors

You’ll save space in tight areas by replacing hinged doors with sliding panels that don’t require clearance for opening.

This solution works perfectly in hallways and small rooms.

Use barn door hardware for rustic charm.

Modern sliding systems provide clean lines that complement contemporary decorating styles beautifully.

Plan track placement carefully for smooth operation.

Proper installation ensures doors slide easily while maintaining secure closure when positioned correctly.

22: Create a Home Office Storage Wall

You can design comprehensive workspace organization by combining multiple BESTA units into a complete office storage system with specialized compartments for all supplies.

Include both open shelving for frequently used items and closed storage for paperwork.

This combination maintains organized appearance while keeping essentials accessible.

Add desk surfaces between units for integrated workspace.

This creates cohesive office environments that maximize functionality within available space efficiently.

23: Add Acoustic Fabric Panels

You’ll improve room acoustics while adding color and texture by covering door fronts with acoustic fabric panels.

This solution works especially well in music rooms and home theaters.

Choose fabrics that absorb sound while complementing room decor.

This functional upgrade provides both aesthetic and practical benefits for multimedia spaces.

Frame fabric panels properly for professional appearance.

This attention to detail creates sophisticated results that appear custom-designed rather than obviously DIY.

24: Install Touch-Latch Hardware

You can achieve sleek, handleless appearance by installing touch-latch mechanisms that open doors with gentle pressure.

This creates clean, minimalist lines throughout your storage.

This hardware works especially well in modern kitchens and bathrooms.

The streamlined appearance complements contemporary decorating styles while providing convenient daily operation.

Test mechanisms before final installation for smooth operation.

Quality hardware ensures reliable function while maintaining the sophisticated appearance you want to achieve.

25: Create Kid-Friendly Storage Solutions

You’ll organize children’s spaces effectively by adapting BESTA units with colorful bins, low shelving, and child-safe features.

This approach grows with changing needs over time.

Include both open storage for easy access and closed compartments for less attractive necessities.

This balance maintains organized appearance while encouraging independence.

Use soft-close hinges to prevent finger injuries.

Safety features become essential when children regularly access storage independently throughout daily routines.

26: Add Wine Storage Inserts

You can create sophisticated wine storage by installing custom wooden inserts that hold bottles securely while displaying your collection attractively.

This upgrade suits dining rooms and kitchens perfectly.

Include both horizontal bottle storage and vertical space for glasses.

This comprehensive approach provides complete wine service organization in one coordinated system.

Climate control considerations become important for serious collections.

Position units away from heat sources to maintain optimal storage conditions for wine preservation.

27: Install Integrated Charging Stations

You’ll modernize storage for today’s electronic lifestyle by adding charging stations inside BESTA units.

Hide cords while keeping devices accessible and organized during charging.

Include both USB outlets and traditional plugs for versatility.

This accommodation handles various device types while maintaining clean appearance when not in use.

Ventilation becomes important for electronic storage.

Include small fans or vents to prevent overheating when multiple devices charge simultaneously in enclosed spaces.

Conclusion

Your BESTA hacks transform affordable storage into custom-looking furniture that perfectly suits your style, needs, and budget while appearing professionally designed.