27 Stunning IKEA BESTA Hacks That Will Transform Your Home on a Budget

IKEA’s BESTA system offers incredible versatility for storage and display, but its minimalist design can sometimes feel a bit plain.

That’s where clever hacking comes in to elevate these simple units into custom pieces that look far more expensive than they actually are.

With just a few modifications, you can transform these affordable cabinets into stunning furniture that perfectly matches your style and space needs.

From luxe living room entertainment centers to chic bedroom storage, BESTA units provide the perfect blank canvas.

Ready to upgrade your IKEA BESTA? These 27 genius hacks will inspire you to create gorgeous custom pieces without breaking the bank.

1: Fluted Wood Panel Overlay

Transform your plain BESTA doors with vertical fluted wood panels for an architectural, high-end look.

Cut thin strips of wood molding and attach them with wood glue in evenly spaced rows across the door fronts.

This textural element instantly elevates the simple cabinet design.

Paint everything a single color for a cohesive, custom built-in appearance that mimics expensive millwork for a fraction of the cost.

2: Rattan Door Inserts

Replace solid door panels with lightweight rattan webbing for a boho-inspired BESTA.

Remove the center portion of each door, creating a frame, then stretch and secure rattan material across the opening.

This natural element adds wonderful texture and warmth.

The slight transparency of the rattan softens the unit’s boxy shape while allowing you to partially hide contents for a more relaxed, organic look.

3: Marble Contact Paper Top Surface

Create a luxurious marble-look surface by applying high-quality marble contact paper to the top of your BESTA unit.

Carefully measure and cut the contact paper slightly larger than needed, then trim for a perfect fit.

This affordable transformation instantly elevates the unit’s appearance.

The marble effect provides a perfect staging area for decorative items while protecting the surface from minor spills and scratches.

4: Brass Hardware Upgrade

Replace the standard IKEA hardware with elegant brass pulls or knobs to instantly transform your BESTA.

Choose hardware with substantial weight and quality finishes that complement your existing decor.

This simple swap makes a dramatic difference in perception.

The metal finish adds a touch of luxury and intention that makes the piece look like a carefully chosen design element rather than budget furniture.

5: Custom Wood Plinth Base

Elevate your BESTA unit (literally) by building a custom wooden plinth base.

Construct a simple rectangular frame slightly larger than the unit’s footprint, then attach a facing board around the perimeter.

This architectural detail adds sophistication and height.

Paint or stain the base to match or complement your BESTA unit, creating the appearance of a single, cohesive piece of custom furniture.

6: Wallpaper-Backed Open Shelving

Create visual interest in open BESTA shelving sections by applying wallpaper to the back panel.

Choose a bold pattern for dramatic effect or a subtle texture for understated elegance.

This unexpected detail draws the eye and showcases your items.

The wallpaper transforms basic storage into a beautiful display area that highlights your favorite decorative pieces or collections.

7: Wood-Wrapped Exterior

Conceal the manufactured look of your BESTA by wrapping the exterior in real wood veneer or thin plywood.

Measure carefully and use wood glue or construction adhesive to attach the wood to all visible surfaces.

This comprehensive makeover completely transforms the unit.

Sand the edges carefully and apply a quality wood stain to create the warm, natural appearance of a solid wood piece custom-built for your space.

8: Painted Geometric Design

Add personality with a painted geometric pattern across your BESTA doors.

Use painter’s tape to create clean lines and shapes, then apply contrasting paint colors for a striking modern art effect.

This artistic approach makes your unit truly unique.

The geometric elements add architectural interest to an otherwise plain surface while allowing you to incorporate specific colors from your decorating scheme.

9: Leather Pull Handles

Replace standard handles with handcrafted leather pulls for a sophisticated, tactile element.

Cut strips of quality leather, fold to desired length, and secure with brass screws for a designer look.

This organic material adds warmth and texture.

The soft leather creates a beautiful contrast against the hard cabinet surfaces while introducing an artisanal element to the mass-produced piece.

10: Upholstered Cushion Top

Transform your BESTA into a cozy bench by adding an upholstered cushion to the top. Cut foam to size, wrap in batting, then cover with your chosen fabric and secure underneath with a staple gun.

This functional upgrade creates additional seating.

Select a durable fabric that complements your decor to create a multipurpose piece perfect for entryways, bedrooms, or under windows.

11: Cane Webbing Door Panels

Create beautiful textured doors by installing traditional cane webbing.

Remove the center portion of each door, creating a frame, then stretch the cane webbing across and secure with specialized spline.

This classic material adds sophisticated texture.

The pattern allows partial visibility of contents while providing a timeless, handcrafted aesthetic that elevates the entire unit’s appearance.

12: Picture Frame Molding Detail

Add architectural interest with applied picture frame molding on door fronts.

Purchase thin decorative molding, cut 45-degree angles at corners, and attach in rectangular patterns with wood glue.

This classic detail transforms flat surfaces into dimensional focal points.

Paint the entire unit including moldings in a single color for a cohesive high-end built-in look that resembles custom cabinetry.

13: Concrete Effect Top Surface

Create an industrial-chic look with a concrete effect coating on your BESTA top.

Apply concrete microtopping or specialized paint with texture medium, then seal thoroughly for durability.

This unexpected material adds urban sophistication.

The tactile surface creates a striking contrast to the smooth cabinet finish while providing a durable, easy-to-clean surface for everyday use.

14: Stacked Configuration With Spacer Legs

Create vertical interest by stacking two BESTA units with metal furniture legs between them.

Secure the legs to both units with appropriate hardware for stability and visual lightness.

This unexpected arrangement breaks up the boxy silhouette.

The negative space between units provides display opportunities while creating a more architectural, intentional appearance.

15: Ribbed Door Overlay

Transform door fronts with parallel wooden dowels for a ribbed effect.

Cut wooden dowels to length, sand ends smooth, and attach in even rows across the door surface with wood glue.

This textural treatment adds sophisticated dimension.

The vertical lines create beautiful shadow play while giving the unit a custom, artisanal quality that distinguishes it from standard flat-front cabinetry.

16: Contrasting Color Interior

Paint the inside of your BESTA a bold color that contrasts with the exterior finish.

Remove shelves and doors, apply painter’s tape along edges, and use a small roller for even application.

This unexpected pop of color creates visual depth.

The colorful interior serves as a beautiful backdrop for displayed items while adding personality to an otherwise simple storage piece.

17: Integrated LED Lighting

Install strip lighting inside your BESTA to illuminate displayed items.

Attach adhesive LED strips to the underside of shelves or along interior edges, connecting to a power source through a discreet hole.

This atmospheric addition creates drama and function.

The lighting highlights decorative objects beautifully while providing practical illumination for accessing cabinet contents in low light.

18: Custom Metal Frame Surround

Create an industrial edge by surrounding your BESTA with a custom metal frame.

Have metal tubing cut to size, welded at corners, and finished with your preferred metal treatment.

This architectural element adds contemporary sophistication.

The metal outline creates a stunning contrast against the cabinet while visually defining it as a deliberate design statement in your room.

19: Barn Door Sliding Front

Replace hinged doors with custom sliding barn-style doors that run on exposed tracks.

Install a track system above the unit and hang doors made from wood planks or other materials.

This statement feature adds architectural interest and function.

The sliding mechanism eliminates the need for door clearance space while creating a focal point that transforms the basic cabinet.

20: Grasscloth Wallpaper Wrap

Cover your BESTA in natural grasscloth wallpaper for rich texture and warmth.

Apply heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive to each surface, carefully position the grasscloth, and smooth out any bubbles.

This organic covering transforms the unit completely.

The natural material adds dimension and sophistication that elevates the piece to resemble high-end furniture found in designer showcases.

21: Terrazzo Top Treatment

Create a trendy terrazzo effect on your BESTA top using specialized paint and colorful stone chips.

Apply a base color, sprinkle colored chips while wet, then seal with clear epoxy for a glass-like finish.

This artistic surface adds playful sophistication.

The speckled pattern introduces multiple colors from your palette while providing a durable surface that resists stains and scratches.

22: Arched Door Conversion

Replace standard rectangular doors with custom arched designs for architectural interest.

Create a template, cut new door fronts with arched tops from quality plywood, and attach IKEA hinges.

This unexpected shape softens the unit’s harsh lines.

The curved elements introduce a classical architectural detail that transforms the basic cabinet into a statement piece with designer flair.

23: Integrated Planter Section

Convert a portion of your BESTA into a built-in planter for houseplants.

Line one section with waterproof material, add drainage solutions, and fill with potting medium for plants.

This living element brings unexpected vitality to your storage.

The greenery softens the hard edges of the cabinet while improving indoor air quality and connecting your space with nature.

24: Wine Rack Integration

Transform a section of your BESTA into a sophisticated wine storage area.

Install X-shaped dividers or circular cutouts that securely hold bottles at the proper angle for wine preservation.

This functional conversion adds entertaining capabilities. The visible wine collection creates visual interest through color and form while keeping favorite bottles accessible for gatherings.

25: Laptop Desk Conversion

Add a pull-out work surface to transform your BESTA into a compact home office.

Install drawer slides on a custom-cut desk surface that extends when needed and tucks away when not in use.

This practical modification maximizes functionality.

The hidden desk doesn’t compromise the unit’s appearance when closed but provides a dedicated workspace exactly where you need it.

26: Woven Cord Door Panels

Create textural interest by weaving cord or rope across door openings. Remove door centers, install small hooks around the perimeter, and weave natural or colored cord in a pattern of your choice.

This handcrafted element adds artistic flair.

The woven sections provide partial privacy while creating a one-of-a-kind detail that showcases your creativity and elevates the basic cabinet.

27: Floating Wall Mount With Hidden Brackets

Create a floating effect by wall-mounting your BESTA using concealed brackets.

Follow IKEA’s mounting instructions carefully, ensuring you locate wall studs for proper support and stability.

This dramatic installation transforms the unit’s presence.

The floating effect creates an architectural statement that makes the piece appear custom-designed for your space while freeing up floor area.

Conclusion

Ready to transform your BESTA? Start with one of these inspiring hacks and customize it to your own space and style.

With minimal investment, you’ll create stunning, personalized furniture that perfectly suits your home.