ᐅ IKEA Besta DIY: How do I organize the interior using drawer inserts?

Hello everyone,

I recently got an IKEA Besta shelving unit and am now considering how to best organize the interior with drawer inserts. Specifically, I’m interested in which types of inserts work well together to create order in drawers of different sizes and depths – I’m thinking of small compartments for cutlery or small items, as well as larger inserts for cables or documents, for example.

It would also be helpful to know if there are any special considerations to keep in mind when installing the inserts, especially regarding the internal dimensions of the Besta units. Does anyone use their own DIY solutions or recommend products that work well with Besta? Tips on materials or how to choose the inserts are also welcome.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations and experiences!

Tilipa schrieb:
which types of inserts can be combined effectively to organize different drawer sizes and depths

I recommend modular plastic drawer inserts that can be adjusted flexibly. Important: measure the interior dimensions of the cabinet (Besta) carefully beforehand. For small items, choose compartments about 5 cm (2 inches) high; for larger storage, compartments around 10 cm (4 inches) high are usually needed. Installation is simple—most inserts are either pressed in or just placed inside.

Tilipa schrieb:
if there are any special considerations during the installation of the inserts, especially regarding the internal dimensions of the Besta units

The internal dimensions of Besta drawers vary depending on the frame height (e.g., 38 cm (15 inches) or 15 cm (6 inches)). This is crucial when choosing inserts. It is recommended to use inserts that are precisely adapted to the drawer depth to prevent shifting.

- Check dimensional accuracy
- Prefer plastic or wood materials for ease of cleaning and stability
- Inserts with adjustable dividers help create flexible compartments

There are also inserts designed specifically for cutlery or technical accessories, allowing you to neatly separate different categories.

Additionally, if your Besta drawers have inner drawers, keep in mind that inserts with too great a height will not fit.

If you want to do it yourself, plywood is recommended because it is sturdy and relatively easy to work with. When painting, pay attention to environmental compatibility.

I can relate to these questions well, as I recently wanted to set up a Besta system myself. Here are my tips:

- Start by measuring the width, depth, and height of the inside of the drawers to choose or make inserts that fit properly.
- For small items, inserts with many small compartments are useful. Alternatively, I had wooden trays made to the inner dimensions and painted them – this provides more stability.
- Pay attention to the thickness of the inserts so that the total height matches the drawer.
- Use non-slip mats if the inserts are loose, to keep everything in place.

Otherwise, you can combine with affordable Ikea organizing tools or get creative yourself. It seems important to clearly define the intended uses (cables, cutlery, papers, etc.), which makes selection easier.

If it’s about electronic accessories, for example, I integrated cable ties and small storage boxes into the inserts – this makes everyday life much easier.

Hope these tips help you!

Tilipa schrieb:
Does anyone here use their own DIY solutions or recommend products that work well with Besta? Tips on materials or selecting inserts are also welcome.

I think it’s great that you’re putting so much thought into this because organization is often half the battle! I also have Besta and can say that doing it yourself is worth it if you enjoy handiwork.

One tip from me is not only to buy inserts but also to divide shallower drawers by adding thin wooden slats (for example, beech wood). I attach them with wood glue, so they hold up well without screws.

This creates flexible compartments for letters or craft supplies. If you’re interested in materials, I found plastic works well for damp items, while wood finishes look nicer for dry things.

I’ve also noticed that experimenting with different heights of inserts helps to use the space optimally. Of course, it feels uncertain at first, but after one or two tries, everything fits perfectly.

What are the sizes of your drawers? Maybe there are more targeted recommendations to make based on that.