ᐅ How can I convert IKEA Besta units into a desk with storage?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to build a desk with plenty of storage using IKEA Besta units but don’t yet have a clear idea of the best way to do it.

My idea is to place the cabinets as storage on the right and left under the worktop, leaving enough space for legroom in between. It is important to me that the desk is sturdy and durable, and also looks fairly appealing.

Does anyone have experience or tips on how to modify or assemble the Besta units to make this really practical? Are there any special tricks, screws, or additional reinforcements to consider?

Also, I would be interested to know whether it’s better to keep the doors and drawers or replace them with shelves to create more flexible storage for folders and similar items.

Thanks in advance for your ideas and experiences!

Hello Emilpu,

place the Besta carcasses side by side, leaving about 70 cm (28 inches) of space for legroom. Use a sturdy countertop, which you attach on top of the carcasses with metal brackets. You can keep doors or drawers depending on your storage needs, or replace them with open shelves – it’s up to you. Reinforcements are usually not necessary if the countertop is thick enough and the attachment is secure.

Nigel schrieb:
Reinforcements are usually not necessary if the panel is thick enough and the fastening is secure.

I agree with that, but I wanted to add that for my renovation, the most important thing was to think about the traffic flow and the type of storage beforehand. At first, I had drawers, but then I replaced them with open compartments because I wanted quicker access to documents.

Also, I believe the height of the table and the carcasses should be carefully measured to maintain good ergonomics. I was unsure at the beginning and often felt uncomfortable while working until I adjusted the dimensions.

It’s frustrating if you don’t plan ahead, but once well-prepared, working with such a renovation really becomes enjoyable.

I see a few points that are often overlooked:

- Stability: The Besta carcasses are not designed for lateral loads, so you should additionally connect them to the wall or underneath the countertop. Otherwise, over time, they might become wobbly.

- Worktop: Ideally, use a solid wood or plywood panel at least 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick, which you fix to the carcasses with brackets to ensure the load is well distributed.

- Storage space: Doors and drawers look nice but can be inconvenient for quick access to files. You might consider a combination to have both.

One last tip: Think about integrating cable management – I often forget this with DIY builds, but it’s very useful.

Jamalli schrieb:
One last tip: consider integrating cable management – I tend to forget it in self-built projects, but it’s very useful.

Exactly that! Cable mess ruins my mood at the desk faster than a wobbly table. 😅

For my Besta desk, I simply attached some cable clips under the tabletop and fixed a cable duct along the back edge. It’s barely noticeable and makes daily use much easier.

Also: For the doors and drawers, you can add some personality with decorative finishes or adhesive films – it gives the desk a more personal touch without much effort.