Hello everyone, I recently purchased the IKEA Besta system for my home office workspace because it offers a practical storage solution. However, I find it lacks ergonomic features that are really important for long workdays. My question is: How can the IKEA Besta be modified or supplemented to make it more ergonomic? In particular, I am interested in adjustments regarding working height, sitting/standing positions, as well as better cable and monitor management. What are proven solutions or useful additions to make the Besta desk suitable for ergonomic working in a home office?
Hello butato, your concern is very practical because the BESTA system is designed more for storage than for ergonomics. Here is a brief guide:
- Adjust work height: The standard height of the BESTA units is often too low for ergonomic working. One option is to install adjustable table legs (e.g., IKEA SIGNUM or third-party suppliers) under the BESTA, so you can achieve a height of about 72-75 cm (28-30 inches) or according to your body size.
- Sitting/standing position: Combine BESTA shelves with a height-adjustable platform or use a monitor arm at the edge. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and standing as needed.
- Monitor mounting: Flexible monitor mounts save space and allow for individual positioning. Clamp mounts attached to the tabletop work well with BESTA.
- Cable management: Use cable channels discreetly mounted under the BESTA. Cable clips also help organize cables and provide strain relief.
In conclusion: Measure your individual dimensions and ensure that your seat height with your office chair matches the desk height. It’s better to take some time to assemble the components appropriately.
If you like, I can also provide tips on which products are especially suitable.
- Adjust work height: The standard height of the BESTA units is often too low for ergonomic working. One option is to install adjustable table legs (e.g., IKEA SIGNUM or third-party suppliers) under the BESTA, so you can achieve a height of about 72-75 cm (28-30 inches) or according to your body size.
- Sitting/standing position: Combine BESTA shelves with a height-adjustable platform or use a monitor arm at the edge. This allows you to easily switch between sitting and standing as needed.
- Monitor mounting: Flexible monitor mounts save space and allow for individual positioning. Clamp mounts attached to the tabletop work well with BESTA.
- Cable management: Use cable channels discreetly mounted under the BESTA. Cable clips also help organize cables and provide strain relief.
In conclusion: Measure your individual dimensions and ensure that your seat height with your office chair matches the desk height. It’s better to take some time to assemble the components appropriately.
If you like, I can also provide tips on which products are especially suitable.
Ergonomically adapting an IKEA BESTA system for a home office is certainly achievable but requires some technical knowledge. The main challenge is that BESTA components are primarily designed as storage furniture and therefore do not offer the appropriate height or dynamic adjustment to body measurements. Step by step, I would proceed as follows:
- First, determine the optimal working height. According to ergonomics, this corresponds roughly to elbow height at a 90-degree angle while seated. This is often between 68 and 75 cm (27 and 30 inches) above the floor.
- Since BESTA base units are usually lower, it is advisable to remove the bottom plinth and install an adjustable table frame underneath to set the exact desired working height. Using sturdy, height-adjustable scissor or telescopic legs with a minimum load capacity of 60 kg (130 lbs) is recommended.
- For sit-stand positions, electrically height-adjustable frames can be used, allowing seamless adjustment. This way, the BESTA table can be converted into a standing workstation within seconds.
- Besides table height, the workspace workflow is important. Attaching gas spring monitor arms enables flexible monitor positioning at eye level, which is a major advantage especially with BESTA’s flat tabletop.
- Cable management is challenging due to the open design, but with USB hubs, self-adhesive cable clips, and cable channels mounted underneath the tabletop, the clutter can be kept under control.
- Additionally, I recommend ergonomic chairs with adjustable seat height (preferably with height and tilt adjustment) that fit well with the dimensions provided by BESTA.
One more question: How much storage space absolutely needs to be retained? Depending on the use, combining a table frame with integrated drawers or shelves could be an option to merge ergonomics and functionality.
- First, determine the optimal working height. According to ergonomics, this corresponds roughly to elbow height at a 90-degree angle while seated. This is often between 68 and 75 cm (27 and 30 inches) above the floor.
- Since BESTA base units are usually lower, it is advisable to remove the bottom plinth and install an adjustable table frame underneath to set the exact desired working height. Using sturdy, height-adjustable scissor or telescopic legs with a minimum load capacity of 60 kg (130 lbs) is recommended.
- For sit-stand positions, electrically height-adjustable frames can be used, allowing seamless adjustment. This way, the BESTA table can be converted into a standing workstation within seconds.
- Besides table height, the workspace workflow is important. Attaching gas spring monitor arms enables flexible monitor positioning at eye level, which is a major advantage especially with BESTA’s flat tabletop.
- Cable management is challenging due to the open design, but with USB hubs, self-adhesive cable clips, and cable channels mounted underneath the tabletop, the clutter can be kept under control.
- Additionally, I recommend ergonomic chairs with adjustable seat height (preferably with height and tilt adjustment) that fit well with the dimensions provided by BESTA.
One more question: How much storage space absolutely needs to be retained? Depending on the use, combining a table frame with integrated drawers or shelves could be an option to merge ergonomics and functionality.
Domau0 schrieb:
My question still is: How much storage space absolutely needs to be preserved? Depending on the use, you could also combine a table frame with integrated drawers or shelves to combine ergonomics and functionality.Thanks, Domau0, good point! I definitely use the storage space, especially drawers and compartments for documents and office supplies. However, I don’t want to make major compromises on storage, as my workday involves a lot of papers and devices. Therefore, it would be great if the modifications could be made directly to or within the BESTA system, so I don’t have to do a full renovation.
Hey butato! You can really improve your BESTA with some fresh ideas for your home office!
- Try installing a height-adjustable desk frame underneath – it adds movement! Standing can be great for back pain.
- Also, using monitor arms lets you position the screen exactly at eye level – this really helps with neck strain.
- And don’t forget about cables! Using small clips and channels makes everything look much neater and helps create a calmer workspace.
Keep it up! This is how you make your home office cozy and healthy.
- Try installing a height-adjustable desk frame underneath – it adds movement! Standing can be great for back pain.
- Also, using monitor arms lets you position the screen exactly at eye level – this really helps with neck strain.
- And don’t forget about cables! Using small clips and channels makes everything look much neater and helps create a calmer workspace.
Keep it up! This is how you make your home office cozy and healthy.
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