ᐅ Ikea BESTA – How can I optimize space utilization in small apartments?

Hello everyone, I am currently working on better organizing my small apartment and am relying heavily on Ikea Besta shelving systems to make the most of the available storage space. My specific question is: How can I best optimize space usage in small apartments by using BESTA furniture? I am interested not only in suggestions for arranging and integrating them into various living areas but also in tips for combining them with additional storage solutions, making use of corners or narrow niches, and information about any available extensions or accessories for BESTA that are particularly useful for small spaces. I am looking for comprehensive and well-thought-out approaches that truly help maximize the functional use of the available space while keeping it comfortable and inviting. Thanks in advance for your ideas and recommendations!

I would recommend using the BESTA elements as tall as possible, up to wall height. This way, you make the best use of the vertical space. Also, use shelves with doors to keep things organized and avoid visual clutter.

Hello BAPOPE, your question is very well formulated and important, especially for small apartments. Here is a more detailed overview of how to use BESTA optimally:

- Use a combination of open and closed elements. Open shelves are suitable for frequently used items, while closed compartments help keep things organized.
- Consider adjusting the modules in height. BESTA can be stacked as you like, so make use of taller modules as well.
- Use the narrow options, which are often overlooked, such as 20 or 30cm (8 or 12 inches) wide units for hallways or recesses.
- For corners, you can plan special corner units or work with two shelves on the wall with a shelf in between.
- Complement the BESTA units with interior fittings like drawers, baskets, or dividers to structure the space.

Typical mistakes include planning only flush-mounted shelves, which misses the opportunity to use space under the ceiling, or ignoring unused niches and corners. If you also integrate lighting, the room will appear more open and tidy.

In summary: Plan for small spaces using height, focus on niches, and consistently use accessory systems. Feel free to ask for more details if you like.

I can really understand how frustrating it can be when space is limited. What helped me in a similar situation was designing the shelves to be flexible and continuously testing which layout worked best. Furniture with multiple functions can also make small rooms feel much larger. Maybe fabric baskets or boxes for the BESTA cabinet could help you keep everything in place and organize the storage more effectively. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about your progress!

I would like to contribute a precise approach to this topic. The use of space in small apartments with BESTA systems can be optimized objectively as follows:

- Vertical surface use: Most small apartments have limited floor space but a reasonable ceiling height. Install BESTA shelves up to the ceiling.
- Precise planning: Before purchase, carefully check all room dimensions, including corners, doors, and windows, to determine the best module.
- Modularity: Use modules in a way that allows easy expansion and remodeling. Buying unsuitable items without flexible design options is wasteful.
- Functional interiors: Load-bearing surfaces with adjustable drawers, dividers, or baskets ensure optimal storage space.
- Use of narrow niches: Use narrower BESTA elements suitable for hallways or under windowsills to fill unused space.
- Avoidance of overcrowding: Visual overload reduces living comfort. A clear color scheme or reduced visible surfaces is efficient here.

These points form the basis for clear and objective space utilization with BESTA systems.

LAURE-TA schrieb:
If you also integrate lighting, the room feels more open and tidy.

That’s a good tip. What types of lighting or systems have you used with BESTA? Direct LED strips, spotlights, or something else? And how do you integrate them technically without making it too complicated?

pikin schrieb:
Check all room dimensions very carefully before purchasing, including corners, doors, and windows, to determine the best module.

I assume BESTA is quite flexible, but in your experience, are there dimensions or shapes that are difficult to cover effectively? How do you, for example, handle slanted walls?

For additional context: My room is about 12 square meters (130 square feet), with a window on the short side and a sloped ceiling covering roughly a quarter of the wall area. I’m mainly looking for a custom solution that maximizes limited storage space without making the room feel cramped or cluttered.