ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY: How to Build a Storage Solution for Craft Supplies?

Hello everyone, I am planning to build a custom storage solution for my craft supplies using the IKEA Besta system. It is important to me that the solution is versatile and space-saving, and that it can store different materials such as paper, paints, fabrics, and tools in an organized and accessible way. Does anyone have experience on how to best combine or modify the Besta units to create a practical craft station like this? I would appreciate tips on useful shelves, drawers, or additional inserts—also advice on suitable dimensions or ideas for organizing many small items.

Hello, a good choice, the BESTA system is very flexible. For DIY materials, I recommend choosing units with drawers, preferably in different heights to store various items. Inside, you can use dividers or small boxes to keep small parts organized. Shelves are good for larger items like fabrics or stacks of paper. Make sure the shelves are securely installed, as not all are designed to hold heavy loads. If you want to store tools, you could also use the inside of doors and attach hooks or magnetic strips.

Super exciting idea, I love DIY storage solutions! 😀 I once assembled a BESTA unit with colored drawers that instantly made the creative area much more inviting. It's important to carefully consider in advance which materials you use most often and how frequently. For items you use regularly, it’s best to choose drawers with smooth opening mechanisms. Also, be sure to get additional organizing units like small baskets! It’s really fun when everything is nicely sorted yet still quickly accessible!

lemar41 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with the best ways to combine or modify the BESTA units to create a practical craft station?

I’m happy to provide a more detailed answer. For a functional DIY project using BESTA, I recommend the following approach:
- Start with a wide base unit at least 60–120 cm (24–47 inches) wide to provide plenty of workspace.
- A combination of drawers and open shelving works best. Use drawers for paper, pens, tools, and small items, and shelves for storage boxes and larger rolls of paper or fabric.
- You can also add doors equipped on the inside with small storage systems, hooks, or magnets.
- Since craft materials often vary in size, incorporate adjustable dividers. Custom-cut wooden or acrylic dividers help organize the drawers effectively.
- Make sure to use adjustable shelf supports so you can adapt the shelf heights according to changing material sizes.
Additionally, I’d like to know how much space you have available at most, and whether the unit should be mobile, for example on casters. This affects the choice of BESTA components and their stability.
Could you also share some details about the materials you plan to store and the room where the unit will be placed?

pauPierce schrieb:
I can gladly provide a more detailed explanation.

Thanks for the detailed tips! My craft room is about 2.5 x 3 m (8 ft 2 in x 9 ft 10 in), and the BESTA solution should fit along a wall approximately 2 m (6 ft 7 in) long. Mobility is not necessary; I prefer stability and maximum storage capacity.
My materials include various types of paper, acrylic paints, brushes, different craft tools, small jars with beads and other small items, as well as fabric scraps. The fabrics are cut into small pieces, so they fit well in boxes.
I think drawers with integrated compartments would be ideal for the small jars and tools. For paints and brushes, shelving with boxes would be better.
Do you have recommendations for specific BESTA components (e.g., dimensions, combinations) that are especially sturdy? Tips for suitable interior organizers or practical ways to divide the drawers would also be helpful.

Use a 120x40x64 cm (47x16x25 inches) BESTA chest of drawers as a base, as it is sturdy. Drawers with plastic insert trays are practical for small items. For paints and larger bottles, use open shelves, which fit well in the upper section.
Be careful not to overload the drawers, as this can weaken the runners.