ᐅ How can I modify IKEA Besta units to use as storage furniture for craft supplies and materials?

Hello everyone,

I want to repurpose my IKEA Besta shelving unit as storage furniture for crafting supplies and materials, but I’m unsure how to make it practical and functional. My craft items vary greatly: from small beads, threads, and pens to larger items like fabrics or wooden strips. The shelving unit should remain as organized as possible, offer easy access, and protect or neatly store the materials.

Has anyone had experience or tips on how to effectively modify the Besta unit, for example with internal dividers, drawer inserts, or special boxes? Which adaptations are particularly suitable to keep the variety of craft supplies well organized?

I’m also interested in practical advice on whether to modify the back panels or doors, or if there are specific IKEA accessories that are recommended for installation.

Thank you in advance for your ideas and suggestions!

Hello motau,

To effectively convert your IKEA Besta shelving unit into storage for craft supplies, it is advisable to start with a systematic assessment of your items by size and frequency of use. This way, the compartments can be customized individually:

- For small items (beads, buttons), shallow drawer inserts or transparent boxes with dividers work well.
- Larger fabrics or wooden strips are best stored in taller, open compartments, for example with side brackets to prevent falling out.
- Hinged doors can be fitted with integrated organizer systems or hooks, for scissors and other tools.

Additionally, you can remove the back panels to better store cables or other accessories, or to install additional lighting. Integrated drawer slides from the IKEA range are usually easy to retrofit.

Using transparent containers is also recommended so everything is immediately visible.

I would recommend using clear boxes with lids and placing them on the shelves. This way, everything stays clean while still keeping an overview. Additionally, it makes sorting items easier.

Hello motau,

I fully understand your concern. Many DIY enthusiasts face the challenge that their supplies are very different, making it difficult to store everything neatly.

My advice is to organize the various materials into categories: small items (such as beads, buttons), medium-sized items (pens, tools), and bulkier parts (fabrics, cords).

Start with adjustable shelves that you can position as needed to adapt the shelf height. For smaller items, use drawer inserts or pull-out boxes. Another option is to install a pegboard or magnetic board on the inside of the doors to keep tools easily accessible.

Important: When modifying the shelving unit, make sure that its stability is not compromised, especially if you add extra components.

If you like, I can also send you some measurements or example layouts.

Great topic! I completely converted my Besta shelf last month for craft organization! 😊 The key is to choose clear boxes and maybe include small rolling containers – you can easily pull them out and have everything right at hand. Small partitioned boxes for tiny parts are also fantastic. Additionally, I attached small clips and hooks to the inside of the doors, which saves a lot of space!

Another advantage of the Besta is that you can easily add different shelves yourself, which I used to perfectly adjust the compartments to fit my items.

Looking forward to seeing what you make of it! Good luck!

Hello motau,

I have been using the Besta shelving unit for my craft supplies for some time now and can recommend the following:

- Use inserts made of acrylic or plastic to organize loose items within the compartments.
- If you want drawers, check whether your model supports rail systems for them; otherwise, you can also use pull-out boxes.
- Doors can be fitted with magnetic strips to hold items like scissors or brushes.

It is important to first consider which materials you use most often and then keep those within easy reach.