ᐅ How can I convert Ikea Besta units into well-organized craft storage?
Created on: 14 Mar 2019 09:37
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dasota
Hello everyone,
I want to convert my Ikea Besta shelving unit into a well-organized craft storage solution and would appreciate your tips and experiences. Specifically, I’m looking for ideas on how to best use the modules to store various craft supplies like paper, pens, glue, fabrics, and tools in an orderly and practical way. The different sizes and frequent use make organizing a bit challenging for me.
I have already considered installing drawers, individual compartments, and small boxes but am unsure which combinations truly work best and how to plan the layout most effectively. I’m also interested in whether you make any custom modifications or additions to the Besta, such as adding dividers, separators, or special inserts.
Also: How do you arrange access to the materials so that everything remains easily reachable but still looks neat?
I look forward to your suggestions, including any practical advice or potential pitfalls to avoid when doing such a conversion.
I want to convert my Ikea Besta shelving unit into a well-organized craft storage solution and would appreciate your tips and experiences. Specifically, I’m looking for ideas on how to best use the modules to store various craft supplies like paper, pens, glue, fabrics, and tools in an orderly and practical way. The different sizes and frequent use make organizing a bit challenging for me.
I have already considered installing drawers, individual compartments, and small boxes but am unsure which combinations truly work best and how to plan the layout most effectively. I’m also interested in whether you make any custom modifications or additions to the Besta, such as adding dividers, separators, or special inserts.
Also: How do you arrange access to the materials so that everything remains easily reachable but still looks neat?
I look forward to your suggestions, including any practical advice or potential pitfalls to avoid when doing such a conversion.
Peone schrieb:
If you use the full depth, you often get ‘dead’ spots at the back where materials get lost. That’s why I halved my compartments, which works great for flat papers, craft books, or small items in bags.That sounds very sensible, thanks. Hiding materials at the back is a big problem for me. It’s important that when I open the drawers or compartments, I can see as much as possible at once without having to rummage or rearrange.
Does anyone have tips on the best way to divide the space? Material thickness, fixing methods? And does it make sense to make some compartments fully removable or extendable to improve access?
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edisondan15 Mar 2019 08:47For better organization inside Besta, I can offer the following recommendations:
- Shelves made of 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch) thick plywood or high-quality MDF are sturdy and easy to work with.
- Use furniture connectors or brackets with small screws to secure shelves in a stable and reversible way.
- Removable inserts are advisable for flexible access; typically, build wooden or plastic boxes that fit precisely into the compartment.
- Drawer inserts or pull-out boxes with gliding surfaces (e.g., felt pads) improve ease of use.
- Ensure that no edges are sharp to prevent damage to packaged materials.
- For flat items, it often makes sense to subdivide compartments horizontally or use small drawer inserts.
I recommend this setup for logistical and ergonomic reasons. Although it requires some time and effort, a stable and easily accessible arrangement pays off in the long run.
- Shelves made of 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch) thick plywood or high-quality MDF are sturdy and easy to work with.
- Use furniture connectors or brackets with small screws to secure shelves in a stable and reversible way.
- Removable inserts are advisable for flexible access; typically, build wooden or plastic boxes that fit precisely into the compartment.
- Drawer inserts or pull-out boxes with gliding surfaces (e.g., felt pads) improve ease of use.
- Ensure that no edges are sharp to prevent damage to packaged materials.
- For flat items, it often makes sense to subdivide compartments horizontally or use small drawer inserts.
I recommend this setup for logistical and ergonomic reasons. Although it requires some time and effort, a stable and easily accessible arrangement pays off in the long run.
dasota schrieb:
Does anyone have a tip on the best way to divide the space? Material thickness, fastening?Regarding fastening: I often build my partition walls from 6 mm (1/4 inch) HDF, which is sturdy and affordable. I use tongue-and-groove techniques when cutting the wood myself, but that only works well with good tools. Otherwise, self-adhesive furniture rails are helpful for hanging the panels.
edisondan schrieb:
Drawer inserts or pull-out boxes with sliding surfaces (e.g., felt pads) improve ease of use.I can confirm that: I even install small casters under some boxes to better utilize depth and allow comfortable pulling out.
One more tip: Pay attention to the weight load on the shelves. Besta shelves are not very thick, so you may need additional supports or reinforcements, especially when storing a lot of tools or heavier materials.
What also helped me is making an exact sketch with measurements of all the materials you want to store — this avoids long searching and misplacements later on.
Hello dasota,
I can easily understand that organizing craft supplies can quickly become overwhelming. I experienced something similar with my Besta shelf, and what helped me was regularly doing an "inventory" and storing items I rarely use separately.
Also, storing some materials anonymously in opaque boxes can help resolve conflicts between order and accessibility. As you already mentioned, maintaining a clear overview is important for motivated work.
Once you have a basic structure, you can make more precise adjustments later on—don’t let perfectionism hold you back.
Wishing you good luck and enjoyment with the renovation!
I can easily understand that organizing craft supplies can quickly become overwhelming. I experienced something similar with my Besta shelf, and what helped me was regularly doing an "inventory" and storing items I rarely use separately.
Also, storing some materials anonymously in opaque boxes can help resolve conflicts between order and accessibility. As you already mentioned, maintaining a clear overview is important for motivated work.
Once you have a basic structure, you can make more precise adjustments later on—don’t let perfectionism hold you back.
Wishing you good luck and enjoyment with the renovation!
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