ᐅ How can I design Ikea BESTA as a functional shoe storage unit for small entryways?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to make my small entrance area functional as a shoe cabinet using the Ikea Besta system. Since space is limited, I want to use the existing furniture series in a way that allows shoes to be stored neatly and easily accessible without making the area too cluttered or impractical. I am mainly looking for tips on how to best combine the individual BESTA components – such as boxes, doors, shelves, and interior fittings – to accommodate shoes of different heights (like sneakers, boots, or dress shoes). Are there any recommendations for the interior, such as inserts or special shelves that can be added? It is also important to me to use the storage space as efficiently as possible while maintaining a tidy overall appearance.

Does anyone have experience with the BESTA system in small hallways, specifically as a shoe cabinet, and can recommend practical design ideas or solutions? Many thanks in advance!

Bakar schrieb:
I am planning to make my small entrance area functional using the Ikea BESTA system as a shoe cabinet.

The main challenge of using BESTA as a shoe cabinet in small entrance areas is the depth of the modules (typically around 40cm (16 inches)) and the lack of specialized shoe storage options within this system.

Recommendations for optimal use:
- Use open boxes or shelves at different heights to store low shoes like sneakers separately from high shoes or boots.
- For boots, it is advisable to pull out the bottom drawers or, with BESTA units that have larger doors, create interior divisions using additional shelves or shoe racks.
- Additional inserts: Although IKEA does not offer special shoe inserts for BESTA, you can use removable plastic or wire grid inserts to improve air circulation.
- Use the back panel as a magnetic or hook holder for keys, shoe brushes, etc.
- Cabinet doors provide a closed look that hides clutter.

A combination of open elements and closed fronts ensures optimal functionality and a tidy overall appearance.

ladali schrieb:
The challenge of using BESTA as a shoe rack in small entryways mainly lies in the depth of the units (typically around 40cm (16 inches)) and the lack of specialized features for shoes in this system.

I can completely relate! I also had difficulties because I have many low shoes and especially boots in my hallway.

I used several small baskets and boxes inside the BESTA unit to keep things organized. It was important for me to be able to quickly take out the shoes, especially in the morning when things get hectic.

In addition, I placed a thin, pull-out shoe bench next to it, but that is of course not always possible in very small hallways. How much space do you have next to BESTA?

I think a combination of closed compartments and open boxes or baskets works particularly well so that the entryway doesn’t feel too crowded.

Bakar schrieb:
Are there any recommendations for the interior, such as inserts or special shelves that can be added?

To increase shoe storage, I recommend using grid inserts or pull-out shoe racks, even if these are not specifically offered by Ikea for BESTA. There are modular systems available online that allow for adjustable depth.

Additionally, it can be useful to create a compartment in the lower section of the BESTA specifically for tall boots by designing a taller interior space. In the upper section, closed boxes work well for flatter shoes.

Another smart solution is to equip the BESTA units with adjustable shelves, allowing the interior heights to be customized, which is especially helpful for shoes of varying sizes.

If you want to set up shoe compartments, use L-shaped shelf inserts or small boxes. This keeps things organized and prevents shoes from falling over. Dividing the space with storage boxes or baskets is practical and looks tidy.

Pull-out shelves can also be retrofitted.