ᐅ IKEA BESTA: How can I optimize space utilization in small apartments?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to use the IKEA Besta system in my small apartment to optimize space usage as effectively as possible. Since I have very limited floor area, my main goal is to create more storage without making the room feel cluttered or restricting movement. My question is: which Besta configurations, materials, and combinations with accessories (such as doors, boxes, or shelving units) work best to improve small apartments efficiently, functionally, and also aesthetically? If anyone has experience with flexible solutions that can adapt to changing needs, I would really appreciate hearing about them. Tips on special installation or mounting methods that save space are also very welcome. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hello Martinfra,

your question about optimizing space with the IKEA BESTA system in small apartments is really important and often a challenge. I have been using BESTA myself for several years, and here are my detailed experiences and tips:

First: choosing the module size is crucial. The standard BESTA units come in depths of 20, 40, and 60 cm (8, 16, and 24 inches). For small rooms, I generally recommend 20 cm (8 inches) depth if the storage needs are for books, CDs, or smaller items; otherwise, 40 cm (16 inches) is better to accommodate shelves or TV equipment more flexibly.

- Materials & finishes: High-gloss fronts and light colors reflect light and create a more open feel, while matte and dark wood-look surfaces can add coziness but visually take up more space.

- Combinations with doors are a plus when you want to hide clutter and make the room look calmer. I prefer sliding doors in small spaces since they don’t require swing clearance.

- Modularity: BESTA can be customized with different interior layouts, such as drawers, storage boxes, or shelves. This is essential for optimal use of storage space.

- Installation type: Wall mounting creates clearance from the floor, making the room feel airier and easier to clean.

Corner solutions can also be helpful, for example by combining corner BESTA modules to make good use of dead corners.

I’m interested in knowing your room dimensions and main usage to give you more targeted advice. How is your current furnishing? It’s also important to know what you want to store — books, clothing, electronics?

Especially in small spaces, less obvious storage ideas matter too, like using the area under the BESTA or utilizing back panels with hooks or magnetic strips.

If you like, you can add more details and I can fine-tune my tips for you.

valerie-tr schrieb:
I prefer sliding doors in small rooms because they don’t require swing space.

I completely agree! Especially when space is tight around every corner, sliding doors or even open storage are great to avoid constantly bumping into furniture. 😊

I combined the BESTA with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) and open shelves at my place. This way, I can immediately see where everything is, and there are no more “cabinet door puzzles.” Plus, light colors work wonders in small apartments – they make everything feel much more spacious and inviting.

A little tip: try using different shelf heights. Some items fit perfectly in shallow shelves, while others need more space. This adds a lot of flexibility without wasting space.

I’m curious to see what solutions you’ll choose for your home! Enjoy setting it up!

valerie-tr schrieb:
I’d be interested to know the room dimensions and main use of your space so I can give you more targeted advice.

Good question! My living/bedroom is about 3.80 m x 3.20 m (12.5 ft x 10.5 ft), which is obviously quite small. Next to the bed, I’d like to have a compact media and storage solution for books, electronics, and some decorative items. Having enough space to move around is important since I often have guests during the day. The current furniture is typically minimalist but not very cohesive.

So far, I haven’t really considered open shelving because I thought it might look messy quickly. The main point for me is how to configure the BESTA system to maximize storage without making it feel too heavy and, if possible, to incorporate mobile elements in a sensible way.

I’m also thinking about stacking some elements, but wouldn’t that create a heavy feel in the room? What about safety and stability in that case?

Stacking with BESTA units is generally stable as long as the modules are properly connected and securely attached to the wall. For a small apartment and such compact dimensions, I would recommend:

- Choosing units with shallow depths (20 or 40 cm (8 or 16 inches)) to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Combining closed cabinets with open shelves for books and decoration.
- Utilizing vertical space by stacking modules on top of each other, while ensuring they are safely secured.
- Wall mounting to minimize floor contact and make cleaning easier.

Additionally, you might consider using casters if you want mobility, but make sure the casters are lockable to maintain stability.

For technical equipment, an open design is advisable to avoid heat buildup. In general, clean lines and light colors help make small rooms appear larger.

I would choose narrow BESTA units with sliding doors.

They don’t take up space when opened, are sturdy, and provide storage.

Wall mounting creates a greater sense of space.

I also support the idea of using different heights for different items.