ᐅ How can I modify Ikea BESTA drawers to improve their organization?

Hello everyone, some time ago I bought an Ikea Besta sideboard and mainly use the drawers for various everyday items, which tend to end up in a bit of a mess. I’m now wondering how I can modify or adapt the BESTA system drawers to be better organized and allow for a quick overview of their contents.

My current ideas are leaning toward custom dividers or maybe even additional small boxes or containers inside the drawers. I’m especially interested in which materials or shapes work best to ensure the inserts fit well and are durable. I would also like to know if you have experience with specific organizational systems or DIY solutions that have proven effective without limiting the drawer function.

If anyone knows the exact dimensions of the BESTA drawers by heart, it would also be helpful to learn how much usable internal space is actually available to choose the right organizational tools. I’m really looking forward to your tips and suggestions for redesigning the Ikea BESTA drawers to achieve much better order and clarity.

foremau schrieb:
I’m wondering how I can modify the drawers of the BESTA system to make them better organized and to get a quick overview of the contents.

I have modified my BESTA drawers in a similar way and can share some tips that might help you. Basically, I recommend measuring carefully first: the typical internal dimensions of a 60 cm (24 inch) wide BESTA drawer are approximately 56.5 cm (22¼ inches) wide, 44 cm (17¼ inches) deep, and just under 14 cm (5½ inches) high, depending on the model.

Step by step:
- Use solid plastic or wooden strips to create adjustable dividers that fit your exact measurements. The advantage is that everything can be arranged custom-fit.
- Alternatively, you can use modular inserts, for example from storage or cutlery organizers, which you can trim or adapt as needed.
- Make sure the inserts are not too tall so the drawer can still close properly.
- It’s important to have a non-slip base; otherwise, the inserts may shift when opening and closing the drawer.

Common mistakes: making compartments too large or forgetting that the drawers often have limited height.

I also use small transparent boxes that I can remove when needed. This way, I have quick access without having to empty the entire drawer.

If you like, I can send you some sketches or measurements that might help with your planning.

foremau schrieb:
I’m wondering how I can modify or rebuild the drawers of the BESTA system to organize them better and quickly get an overview of the contents.

That’s a very reasonable question because the BESTA drawers have a simple basic design but don’t offer optimal compartmentalization right out of the box. In my post, I’ll go into detail about possible DIY solutions, as this is a very versatile idea.

1. Choice of materials:
- For dividers, thin plywood or multiplex wood (3-5 mm (0.1–0.2 inches)) is usually a good option since it’s sturdy enough but easy to work with.
- Alternatively, acrylic or plastic panels work well if you want a smooth, low-maintenance surface.

2. Construction:
- First, I recommend measuring the inner dimensions very precisely with a tape measure, since there are often slight tolerances in IKEA products.
- Based on these measurements, create a grid layout that suits your typical storage items (for example, compartments 5-7 cm (2–3 inches) wide for screws, cables, pens).
- To secure the dividers inside the drawer, you can mill small grooves or slots into the side walls, or attach small wooden strips with screws or clamp profiles.

3. Accessories:
- There are specialized organizer boxes with clip or plug systems that can be assembled, for instance, as perforated inserts or sturdy compartment holders.
- Another option is integrating pull-out boxes or small bins that run on rollers or are removable.

4. Potential challenges:
- Make sure the dividers are sturdy enough so they don’t tilt or shift when opening the drawer.
- Also, leave enough clearance to prevent the drawer from jamming.

5. Advanced ideas:
- Consider using self-adhesive labels or color coding to make visual organization easier.

I’d be interested to know what kinds of items you mainly want to store there, so that advice can be even more tailored.

valerie-tr schrieb:
I would like to know what type of items you mainly want to store there, so the tips can be more precise.

I find that interesting too, because even the best organization doesn’t make sense if the contents are very different.

I personally was quite frustrated as well, because my BESTA drawers were mostly filled with loose small items that would scatter everywhere when opened. I can easily understand how inconvenient that is.

My solution was somewhat minimalist but worked well for me: small plastic boxes from a household goods store in various sizes that fit exactly inside. This not only provides stability and order but also allows me to take individual boxes out—very practical.

Sometimes it’s also worth investing in transparent containers to quickly see what’s inside. Of course, the visual aspect is important as well, so the organization stays motivating over time.

I would recommend keeping inserts or modifications as flexible as possible, maybe modular, in case the way you use the drawers changes.

How about you, foremau? What is the main type of items you plan to keep in the drawers?