- Decorating
Eleanor Büsing Eleanor Büsing Interior designer, freelance writer, passionate foodie. Canadian by birth, Londoner by choice and Parisienne at heart.
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Oh IKEA, where would we be without you? From the ubiquitous BILLY bookcase to the beloved HEMNES dresser, the Swedish giant’s versatile pieces problem-solve in homes the world over. Why, you ask? Because of the endless ways these basic pieces can be overhauled with a simple and fun DIY project. One of our favorite pieces to work over is the IKEA BESTA, which is part of the BESTA storage system collection. Its mix-and-match cabinets can sit on the floor or be hung on the wall, can be used horizontally or vertically, and come in a range of sizes, colors, and finishes.
This cabinet is so minimal and versatile, it’s almost impossible not to put your own stylish spin on it. It’s easy to give it a DIY paint job, or you can buy a cool add-on from an outside company to personalize your BESTA to match your aesthetic. For inspiration, check out these IKEA BESTA hacks and styling ideas to make the most of your BESTA cabinets.
1. Use it in an entryway.
This serene entryway by @haus_im_odenwald is functional too, thanks to the use of an IKEA BESTA cabinet. It’s a great way to corral the inevitable clutter that comes with a busy home’s entryway, and to house beautiful items like the flowers she showcases here.
2. Wrap it in a faux wood exterior.
We love how @tweaking_28 has created a cohesive look in their living space by utilizing the same faux wood vinyl on the IKEA BESTA entertainment system and the coffee table. With a neutral palette like this, you’re free to decorate with visually interesting pieces, while regularly changing up your decor without the worry about things clashing.
3. Add rippled glass for an upscale look.
How amazing is this BESTA turned bar cabinet? By adding a panel of rippled glass to each door, @IKEA_duesseldorf has managed to create a gorgeous and upscale looking piece. It would be perfect as a bar cabinet, or to house collectibles or fine china.
4. Create a bench for your dining table.
In this cozy kitchen area, @susanne.maassen has lined up a few IKEA BESTA cabinets side by side and added a pad to the top to create a spacious bench for the kitchen table. The added storage certainly can’t hurt, and could be used for things like additional seating pads, table linens or even rarely used kitchen accessories or dishes.
5. Craft a cozy sitting area.
Similarly, this fireside seating area by @wohnliebe.diy is an IKEA BESTA hack, and even includes a cut-out that houses firewood.
6. DIY a wooden top.
This Australian homeowner added a custom stained pressed pine top from her local hardware store to a three door white BESTA, giving it a modern two-tone look.
7. Transform it into a bar zone.
Rydhima Brar, the interior designer behind R/terior Studio, upgraded a basic BESTA into a stylish home bar. Says Brar: “The BESTA measured just right in terms of width and I was able to add two soft close drawers on the top to give the cabinet some needed height and storage. The place where I played with style and DIY was to swap out the legs and knobs.
For legs I went with these gorgeous brass U-shaped legs from PrettyPegs that instantly elevated the look and went for brass and agate door pulls to add some texture and interest to the front of the cabinet. The final outcome is this sexy bar cabinet outfitted with some memorabilia from our travels to the drinking capitals of the world, Ireland and Scotland.”
8. Create a curio cabinet.
Brar also turned another BESTA cabinet into a curio cabinet by choosing glass doors and brass knobs, and kitting it out with finds from her travels. “The goal for this nook was to make it eye-catching,” says Brar. “ Instead of investing in shelving I decided to use bright bold wallpaper that not only added color, but brought in some personality into the space. It helped in tying in all the color elements around the room. With the curio cabinet in front of it, it adds just the right amount of interest and a hint of curiosity.”
9. Imbue a mid-century vibe.
Another trendy upgrade? Customize your BESTA with ’70s-inspired caned doors, like these from woman-owned company Norse Interiors. Beyond decorative door fronts, they also make furniture legs and knobs that fit on IKEA BESTA pieces, as well as MALM pieces.
10. Open up more counter space.
The skinny galley kitchen of this 350-square-foot studio also serves as the entryway, meaning the space needs to work twice as hard. A floating BESTA adds counter space for the tiny kitchen and offers extra storage space underneath it, with wicker baskets that hold athletic equipment.
11. Make a power-cord-hiding console.
This modern Miami home features a BESTA media console unit with custom-built horizontal slate doors built by the homeowners. It’s the perfect place to hide a cable box or WiFi router without blocking the signals.
12. Craft a budget-friendly MCM cabinet.
These budget-savvy Brooklyn renters turned their BESTA into a chic mid-century-style TV cabinet by wrapping it in a dark-stained plywood.
13. Stack for a home library.
BESTA for books! Danish magazine Bolig shows how a whole wall of the units makes a great library. The clever mix of doors and open storage is stylish and practical.
14. Set up a quick console table.
A few floor units to the back of a sofa create a console with storage, from Homey Oh My.
15. Expand your closet storage.
BESTA can work in a wardrobe, too. Today Is Magazine shows us how’s it’s done—floor units for hidden storage, and a hanging rail and shelves above.
Filed in:
Decorating
IKEA
Interior Design
