27 Stunning IKEA BESTA Hacks That Will Transform Your Home

Looking to upgrade your IKEA BESTA units without breaking the bank? These versatile storage systems are perfect blank canvases for creative customization.

With a few tweaks and some imagination, you can transform these simple units into stunning statement pieces that look custom-made for your space.

We’ve gathered 27 incredible BESTA hacks that range from simple weekend projects to more ambitious makeovers. Get ready to be inspired!

1: Floating Entertainment Center with Custom Wood Top

Add a solid wood top to your wall-mounted BESTA units for an instant upgrade.

The contrast between the sleek cabinets and natural wood creates a beautiful focal point.

Choose a wood stain that complements your existing decor.

Oak and walnut are particularly popular options that add warmth to the modern BESTA silhouette.

This hack is perfect for creating a floating entertainment center that appears much more expensive than it actually is.

2: Mid-Century Modern Makeover with Tapered Legs

Transform your BESTA into a mid-century modern masterpiece by adding tapered wooden legs.

This simple addition elevates the unit off the floor for a lighter, airier feel.

You can find pre-made furniture legs online or at hardware stores. Attach them using mounting plates for stability.

Complete the look with brass hardware for authentic mid-century appeal that guests will assume came from a specialty furniture store.

3: Custom Panel Overlay with Cane Webbing

Replace the standard BESTA doors with frames containing cane webbing for a trendy, textural look.

This natural material adds warmth and visual interest to your storage unit.

The semi-transparent nature of cane allows you to partially hide contents while maintaining an open feel. It’s perfect for displaying decorative items.

This bohemian-inspired hack works beautifully in living rooms and dining areas where you want storage with style.

4: Built-In Office Storage Wall

Create a custom home office by installing multiple BESTA units in a row. Add a desktop surface that spans across the top for an integrated workspace solution.

Paint all units the same color as your walls for a built-in look. This hack maximizes storage while giving the appearance of custom cabinetry.

The result is a sophisticated workspace that efficiently uses your square footage without the custom carpentry price tag.

5: Nursery Changing Station with Custom Topper

Convert a BESTA unit into a stylish and practical changing station for your nursery. Add a changing pad topper with raised edges for safety.

Customize with child-friendly hardware and organize the interior with IKEA dividers for diapers, wipes, and other essentials.

This hack provides a changing station that will transition into useful storage as your child grows.

6: Fluted Panel Door Upgrade

Add vertical wooden dowels or fluted panels to your BESTA doors for a high-end architectural look.

This textural element adds dimension and sophistication to plain surfaces.

The vertical lines create visual height and draw the eye upward. Paint in a monochromatic color for subtle elegance.

This trending design feature transforms basic BESTA units into furniture that looks straight out of a design magazine.

7: Luxe Marble Contact Paper Transformation

Apply marble-patterned contact paper to the top of your BESTA for an instant luxe upgrade. Today’s peel-and-stick options are remarkably realistic and durable.

This affordable hack gives you the look of expensive stone without the weight or cost. It’s particularly effective for entryway console tables.

The marble finish elevates the entire unit and creates a perfect stage for your decorative objects.

8: Hidden Cat Litter Box Solution

Modify a BESTA unit to discreetly house a cat litter box. Cut an entrance hole in one side and install a cat door on the cabinet front.

Add interior dividers to create separate compartments for the litter box and storage for pet supplies. Consider lining the interior with waterproof material.

This clever hack keeps the litter box hidden while providing your cat with necessary privacy.

9: Kitchen Island with Seating

Combine two back-to-back BESTA units to create a kitchen island. Top with butcher block for a functional work surface.

Add an overhang on one side to accommodate bar stools for casual seating. Install casters on the bottom for mobility if needed.

This hack provides valuable kitchen workspace and storage at a fraction of the cost of traditional kitchen islands.

10: Painted Geometric Pattern Statement Piece

Create visual interest by painting bold geometric patterns on your BESTA doors.

Use painter’s tape to create clean lines and select colors that complement your room’s palette.

This artistic approach transforms functional storage into a true statement piece. It works particularly well in minimalist spaces that need a pop of color.

The beauty of this hack is its customizability—create patterns as simple or complex as your skill level allows.

11: TV Stand with Integrated Fireplace

Install an electric fireplace insert into a BESTA TV unit for a cozy focal point. Choose a model that fits the dimensions of your cabinet.

This unexpected addition brings warmth and ambiance to your living space. Modern electric fireplaces offer realistic flames without the need for venting.

The combination of media storage and fireplace creates a multifunctional piece that maximizes your wall space.

12: Grasscloth Wallpaper Front Panels

Apply natural grasscloth wallpaper to your BESTA doors for rich texture and organic appeal. This material adds depth and interest to plain surfaces.

The natural variations in grasscloth create a sophisticated, layered look. Choose neutral tones for timeless appeal.

This easy upgrade works particularly well in coastal or natural-themed decor schemes.

13: Raised Platform with Hidden Storage

Place your BESTA on a custom platform base with additional drawers. This increases your storage capacity while creating a more substantial piece of furniture.

The platform can be built from simple materials like MDF and fitted with drawer slides. Paint to match your BESTA units for a cohesive look.

This hack is ideal for maximizing storage in small spaces where every inch counts.

14: Wine Rack Integration

Convert part of your BESTA unit into a wine rack by installing diagonal dividers or purpose-built wine storage inserts.

This transformation creates a dedicated space for your collection while maintaining the clean lines of your storage system.

The result is a sophisticated bar area that makes entertaining more organized and enjoyable.

15: Contrasting Two-Tone Paint Treatment

Create visual interest by painting your BESTA in two complementary colors. Try darker shades for the frame and lighter tones for the doors.

This contemporary approach adds depth and dimension to your piece. It’s an easy way to incorporate accent colors from your room’s palette.

The two-tone technique elevates basic BESTA units from flat-pack furniture to designer-worthy pieces.

16: Rattan Door Insert Upgrade

Replace solid door panels with frames containing rattan inserts for a trendy boho look. This natural material adds wonderful texture and warmth.

The semi-transparent quality allows you to display items subtly. It’s perfect for hiding electronics while still allowing remote signals through.

This hack brings an organic element to the clean, modern lines of BESTA units.

17: Sliding Barn Door Media Center

Install mini barn door hardware and custom doors on the front of your BESTA TV unit. This unexpected feature adds character and charm to a standard piece.

The sliding mechanism provides easy access to components while adding architectural interest. Choose rustic wood for country charm or painted versions for modern spaces.

This creative hack transforms functional storage into a conversation-starting focal point.

18: Upholstered Bench Seating

Top a low BESTA unit with foam, batting, and upholstery fabric to create a stylish bench for your entryway or bedroom.

Add decorative nailhead trim or tufting for an upscale look. The storage beneath provides a convenient place for shoes, bags, or seasonal items.

This multipurpose hack maximizes functionality by combining storage and seating in one footprint.

19: Picture Frame Molding Detail

Add architectural interest by applying picture frame molding to your BESTA doors. This classic detail elevates basic cabinets to look like custom millwork.

Paint the entire unit in a single color for a cohesive look. Choose semi-gloss or satin finishes for easy cleaning and subtle sheen.

This timeless enhancement works in traditional and transitional spaces, adding depth and character.

20: Hexagonal Pattern Overlay

Create a striking geometric design by applying wooden hexagon shapes to your BESTA doors. This three-dimensional effect adds visual texture and modern appeal.

Paint the hexagons in the same color as the base for a subtle monochromatic look, or use contrasting colors for bold impact.

This contemporary hack transforms your storage into an artistic focal point that draws the eye.

21: Plywood Wrap for Scandinavian Aesthetic

Wrap your BESTA units in thin plywood for warm, Scandinavian-inspired charm. The exposed edges of the plywood create interesting linear details.

Seal with clear matte polyurethane to protect the natural wood. The light tones contrast beautifully with the white BESTA cabinets.

This minimalist hack maintains clean lines while adding organic warmth to your space.

22: Integrated Reading Nook

Combine BESTA units with a bench seat between them to create a cozy reading nook. Add cushions and pillows for comfort.

Install shelving or lighting above to complete the space. This creates a dedicated area for relaxation in even small rooms.

The storage units on either side provide convenient shelving for books and decorative objects.

23: Curved Arch Detail Overlay

Add architectural interest with applied arches on your BESTA doors. Cut curved shapes from thin MDF and attach them to create dimensional detail.

Paint everything in a single color for a sophisticated, tone-on-tone effect. This unexpected detail adds character to simple surfaces.

This on-trend hack brings soft curves to the angular BESTA frame, creating beautiful contrast.

24: Kid-Friendly Toy Storage with Labeling System

Customize your BESTA for playroom organization by adding picture labels to each drawer or bin. This helps children independently find and put away toys.

Use removable labels that can be updated as storage needs change. Consider colorful knobs or handles that little hands can easily grasp.

This practical hack grows with your child while keeping your living spaces tidy and organized.

25: Herringbone Wood Overlay

Apply thin strips of wood in a herringbone pattern to your BESTA doors for sophisticated texture. This classic pattern adds timeless appeal.

Stain the wood to complement your existing furniture. The intricate pattern transforms basic cabinets into artistic statement pieces.

This detailed hack requires patience but yields stunning results that look completely custom-made.

26: Built-In Window Seat

Position BESTA units under a window and top with cushions to create a comfortable window seat with storage. This maximizes otherwise unused space.

Customize the top with foam cut to size and fabric that coordinates with your decor. Add pillows for comfort and style.

This cozy addition creates a perfect spot for reading or relaxing while providing valuable hidden storage.

27: Brass Hardware and Leg Upgrade

Replace standard hardware with brass knobs or handles for an instant luxury upgrade. Add matching brass legs for a cohesive, high-end look.

This simple swap dramatically changes the appearance of your BESTA units. The warm metallic finish adds sophistication and warmth.

This accessible hack requires minimal tools but delivers maximum style impact in just an afternoon.

Conclusion

With these 27 BESTA hacks, you can create custom-looking furniture that perfectly fits your space and style—all without breaking your budget.

The only limit is your imagination!