ᐅ How can I convert IKEA BESTA into a practical living room wall unit with a workspace?

Hello everyone, I am planning to convert my IKEA Besta system into a practical wall unit with an integrated work surface and am looking for tips and experiences on the best way to do this. The goal is to maximize storage space while creating a stable, functional work area without making the overall look too cluttered or compromising the stability of the wall unit. I am also interested in which materials and fixings are recommended when partially repurposing or expanding the BESTA components. Has anyone had experience with modifications such as adding extra worktops, cutouts for cables, or integrated drawers? I look forward to your suggestions!

Great idea to combine a storage wall with a work surface! I modified my BESTA unit the same way some time ago, and it’s really enjoyable to customize a piece of furniture to your own needs. I can only recommend ensuring a sturdy substructure—for example, I screwed in thicker wooden boards at the points where the work surface is attached. For extra stability, it’s also a good idea to secure the wall behind the BESTA cabinets with brackets.

You can easily run cables through pre-drilled holes in the back panel—I combined this with cable ducts to keep everything tidy. Most importantly: make a clear plan in advance about where exactly you want each element, and the remodeling will go much more smoothly. Good luck! 🙂

Place the countertop on the BESTA unit and secure it with brackets.
Drill cable openings yourself, leave the back panel inside or replace it with a perforated board.

Regarding a practical wall unit with a work surface based on IKEA BESTA, I would like to offer a brief guide:

- Planning: First, measure the available space and decide how much work surface you need.
- Selection of modules: Choose cabinets that provide enough storage but are also shallow enough to support a level worktop evenly.
- Worktop: I recommend a sturdy wood or laminate worktop about 18–25 mm (0.7–1 inch) thick, placed crosswise or lengthwise on the BESTA modules.
- Fixing: Attach brackets to the side panels of the modules and from underneath to the worktop to secure it in place.
- Cable management: If you want to integrate outlets or cables, drill cable openings in the back panel or use cable ducts.

A common mistake is not securing the worktop adequately, which can lead to instability during use. Also, consider the weight of any devices placed on it to avoid compromising structural stability.

I hope this helps with your renovation.

Wow, a DIY project like this is really fun! 😄

Sometimes, it’s enough to use a simple but sturdy worktop and attach it to the BESTA cabinets with a few clever metal brackets. Tip: If you pay attention to the worktop material (e.g., plywood or solid wood), you’ll enjoy it for longer.

When it comes to cables, it’s great to keep everything neat – I used small cable ducts, which look clean and prevent anyone from tripping over them.

Good luck and above all, have fun with your renovation!

Sepele schrieb:
A common mistake is not securing the countertop properly, which can later cause it to become unstable during use.

That sounds very important, thank you!
Could you possibly explain in more detail how to best position the brackets – is it better to use many small ones or fewer larger ones? And what spacing should there be between the fastening points? I want to avoid the countertop bending or shifting.

Also, I am considering partially removing the back panel of the BESTA to create more cable openings. Do you have any tips on how to do this without compromising stability too much?