ᐅ How can I best integrate Ikea BESTA units into a small home office?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to redesign my small home office and am very interested in the IKEA BESTÅ series because it is modular and customizable. My question is how to best arrange the BESTÅ furniture units in a small room of about 6-7 square meters (65-75 square feet) to provide both storage for documents and technology as well as an ergonomic workspace.

I would appreciate tips on which BESTÅ modules are particularly suitable for space-saving storage, how to design the layout effectively, and if there are practical suggestions to keep the area feeling open and uncluttered despite the small size. Are there any experiences or recommendations regarding the combination of open and closed units that make the workspace both functional and visually appealing?

Thank you in advance for your ideas and advice!

Alvakar schrieb:
how I can optimally arrange the BESTÅ furniture units in a small room of approximately 6-7 square meters (65-75 square feet) to ensure both storage space for documents and technology as well as an ergonomic work surface.

For this room size, I recommend using BESTÅ cabinets with a maximum width of 1.2 meters (4 feet) and a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) to avoid taking up too much space. A combination of low cabinets as a base with wall-mounted shelves above creates vertical storage without making the room feel cramped.

- Open shelves are suitable for frequently used documents or devices, while closed units help reduce visual clutter and dust.
- For the desk, a suitable BESTÅ unit or an additional desktop panel is advisable, preferably height-adjustable.
- Make sure to include cable management to keep the workspace tidy and functional.

Overall, clean lines and a deliberately limited number of modules help maintain clarity in a small room.

Alvakar schrieb:
Are there any experiences or recommendations regarding the combination of open and closed elements that make the workspace both functional and aesthetically pleasing?

Hello! I use BESTÅ myself in my 7-square-meter (75-square-foot) office and find the mix of open shelves and doors very helpful. Open shelves are great for keeping items you need frequently within reach, such as books or decorations, which also add personality to the room.

I use closed compartments for files and delicate electronics, which keeps everything tidy and dust-free.

The choice of color is also important: light tones make the room appear larger. With suitable LED strips mounted under the shelves, you can also illuminate the work surface well.

If you like, you can also add small accessories or plants to the open compartments to make the space feel cozy without becoming cluttered.

If you have any questions about the exact combination, I’m happy to help!

Benge5 schrieb:
A combination of low cabinets as a base with wall shelves mounted above creates vertical storage without visually overwhelming the space.

This recommendation is generally sensible, but it should be considered that wall shelves can also create a sense of enclosure and might give the impression of an additional wall. This can feel restrictive, especially in very small rooms.

Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance between storage capacity and open space. One should carefully assess sightlines to determine whether wall shelves are truly helpful or if they reduce the sense of spaciousness.

Additionally, I recommend using the BESTÅ system with flexible components that can be repositioned as needed—this increases adaptability and prevents over-planning.

What is your view on this, Alvakar? Are there aspects of space utilization that contradict your suggestions?

My approach would be to focus more on multifunctional furniture, such as foldable or movable elements, which allow greater flexibility in use.

enrique7 schrieb:
Finding the right balance between storage space and open areas is therefore crucial.

I completely agree. My goal is to use the limited space as efficiently as possible without making the office feel cramped or cluttered. Storage and organization are a priority for me, but I also don’t want to lose a comfortable, airy working environment.

Benge5 schrieb:
Make sure to include cable management to keep the workspace clean and functional.

On that note: how have you all solved this? I imagine it can get messy quickly, especially when combining different BESTÅ modules with electronic devices.

And Julien, thanks for the tip about lighting—I could definitely use that. Are there any specific recommendations for LED strips that integrate well with the BESTÅ system and don’t cause excessive light reflection in a small room?

Regarding multifunctionality: are there any proven combinations for you, like desktops that fit on BESTÅ and can also be used as extra surface space when needed?