ᐅ How can I set up Ikea Besta as a DIY workbench?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to use my Ikea Besta cabinets as a crafting station and would like to ask for concrete tips on how to best organize it. My idea is to use different compartments and drawers systematically for tools, craft materials, adhesives, paints, and papers to prepare and carry out my crafting work as efficiently and clearly as possible. I’m especially interested in which interior dividers make sense, whether it’s better to use boxes or separators, and how to best design the workspace on top, for example if you mount a countertop on the Besta. Does anyone have practical experience or recommendations? I look forward to your suggestions!

To organize an Ikea Besta as a crafting station, I would first recommend using modular interior dividers. The Besta system allows for flexible compartment layouts through various shelves and insert boxes, which is especially important for different crafting materials. It is essential to keep frequently used materials within easy reach and store less frequently used items in lower compartments. You could place an additional work surface directly on top of the Besta or secure it with clips to keep everything stable. Transparent boxes or small containers that are easy to label help maintain order. A swivel organizer for brushes or pens attached to the side can also be very useful.

Giagau schrieb:
You could place an additional countertop directly on the Besta or secure it with clips to keep everything stable.

I think that’s an important point, but the choice of countertop material should also be considered – it needs to be durable and easy to clean, especially when working with paints or adhesives. Additionally, the question arises how mobile the station should remain. Would a permanently installed solution be better, or does John70 need flexibility in the setup?

Separating the electronics – like lamps or cutting devices – from the cabinet itself is also important to prevent damage to the furniture. A more detailed description of the intended use would be helpful here to specifically optimize the organization.

For tools and small parts, I recommend the small Ikea SKUBB boxes or similar insert boxes. They fit well into Besta units and help keep materials organized and separated. Store colors and larger items at the bottom. Place a board on top and do the craft work directly there.

To address the topic of the Ikea Besta as a craft workstation precisely, I would first need to understand what type of crafting you primarily do. Different techniques require different organizational approaches. In terms of planning, I would proceed as follows:

- Interior fully modular with divider systems for small items, preferably made of transparent plastic, with labeling on the back.
- Drawer inserts for paints and liquid materials that can be securely closed.
- For the worktop, I recommend a 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) thick wooden board covered with a protective film that is easy to clean and UV-resistant. A rubber mat underneath provides slip resistance and protects the Besta surface.
- Side-mounted holders (pegboards or magnetic strips) for tools allow quick access and reduce clutter inside.

Could you please add which materials and techniques you prefer? For example, do you work with fabrics, model building, or mainly paper crafting? This makes a big difference for optimal organization.

FAZAR schrieb:
Could you also add which materials and techniques you prefer? For example, do you want to work with fabrics, model building, or mainly paper crafts?

Good question, thanks. I mainly work with paper, cardboard, various adhesives, and paints, along with pens, brushes, and cutting tools. Storage for small tools and parts is important. Electronics such as lamps or small cutting machines might also be involved, but mostly manual work. Mobility is not so important; the workspace will stay in a fixed location. I want the work surface to be as large and clearly organized as possible.