ᐅ How can I transform IKEA BESTA into practical craft storage?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to convert my IKEA Besta shelving unit into a practical craft storage solution and would appreciate some tips and suggestions on the best way to approach this. Specifically, I want to create a functional interior layout for various craft supplies such as paper, fabrics, tools, and small parts.

I am considering different compartment dividers, possibly made of wood or plastic, to keep things organized. I am also interested in how to effectively integrate drawers, as I have many small items that tend to get lost otherwise.

Are there any recommendations on which DIY materials work well with the BESTA system? Or modifications that others have successfully carried out? Advice on tools and steps to take would also be very helpful.

It is important to me that the conversion remains sturdy, the appearance stays reasonably attractive, and the whole setup remains practical for long-term use.

Thanks in advance for your ideas and experiences!

Hello luruus,

your project sounds exciting, and with an IKEA BESTA, you have a good base since the modules are quite flexible.

I particularly recommend thinking carefully first about which crafting supplies you want to organize, as this will greatly influence the layout.

My approach is often as follows:
- Choosing the internal dimensions: BESTA usually offers carcasses measuring 64x38x38 cm (25x15x15 inches). From these, you can cut custom dividers from MDF boards, for example, or use plexiglass if visibility is important.
- For small items, drawers or boxes made from acrylic or plastic are suitable. I have had good experiences with self-made wooden drawers that can be attached to the carcass with runners.
- Integrating appropriate casters or handles also makes sense to improve drawer operation.
- If you want to store fabrics, it is advisable to use larger compartments or containers instead of very small divisions, to prevent creasing.

Regarding tools: For woodworking, I recommend a fine-tooth saw and a cordless drill. For edge finishing, some sandpaper and possibly edge protectors can help achieve a clean look.

A small tip: Make sure that with all modifications you do not exceed the load-bearing capacity of the BESTA so that the carcass remains stable.

Which materials do you prefer to use? Wood, plastic, or ready-made boxes?

I’d like to add an important point to Surelas’ explanation: modularity.

My advice is to use removable inserts so you can stay flexible and avoid overly rigid compartments.

For example, plastic boxes fit very well as additional storage in BESTA compartments, and you can arrange them individually. They are sturdy, easy to clean, and more transparent than wooden boxes, which improves visibility.

If you want to integrate tools, magnetic strips on the interior walls are also recommended; they save a lot of space and help keep things organized.

Also, consider whether you prefer doors or open shelves. Doors protect against dust, while open shelves offer easier access.

It’s useful to start with a sketch of the room layout to save yourself a lot of hassle later on.

I’m curious to see how you proceed.

Surela schrieb:
Make sure that with any modifications you do not exceed the load capacity of the BESTA, so the frame remains stable.

I find this point very important and often underestimated.

Just because the shelf seems sturdy doesn’t mean it can handle every individual insert or heavy box. In the worst case, the frame may warp or the back panel could give way.

Even when combining drawers and fixed compartments, it’s advisable not to overload them or rely solely on the original IKEA accessories, as these are usually designed for a perfect fit.

So, my question to you, luruus: How heavy are the materials you plan to store in your BESTA approximately? Paper and fabric are relatively light, but tools can be quite heavy.

A good alternative could be a combination of lightweight inserts and external hanging systems to better distribute the load.

For the drawers, I recommend installing metal slides with a soft-close function, as this increases both durability and comfort.

If you need smaller compartments, acrylic boxes work very well; they are sturdy and keep things organized.

You might also consider adjusting the height of the shelves, which provides more flexibility for different materials.

A good preparation step is to take accurate measurements and create cutting plans to avoid material waste.