Get In On The Chrome Console Trend With An IKEA BESTA Hack

Chrome has been a longtime favorite in home design — and even in beauty (Think chrome nails). But if you've done any research into chrome home decor, you'll know it can get pretty pricey, especially for larger decorative pieces fully decked out in metallic silver. We're talking thousands for a chrome console, which — let's be honest — is a bit out of reach for most people these days. Fortunately, DIYers and trendsetters offer alternatives to some of the most coveted (and expensive) pieces on the market. And we've got one for you that mimics a chrome console at a fraction of the cost.

Instagrammer and artist Dipa Halder (@dipahalderstudio) partnered with designer Meher Goel (@mehermakes) to transform a plain white IKEA BESTA wall-mounted cabinet into a stunning chrome-wrapped piece using contact paper. The cabinet retails for $279 online (Prices may vary by location) and features three cubbies. Altogether, the unit measures just under 71 inches long, just over 25 inches high, and just under 17 inches deep. The option to wall-mount is up to you, but Halder left it freestanding on the floor. To complete this IKEA hack, you'll need enough chrome contact paper to cover the entire unit, plus a pair of scissors and a smoothing tool. Sounds pretty easy, right? Let's dive into the makeover process.

To achieve the IKEA BESTA hack using chrome contact paper, avoid assembling the unit first as you'll need to wrap each piece individually. Dipa Halder started by laying a console piece on top of the contact paper to measure the right size, allowing extra material to hang over the edges so it can be folded over the sides and underneath for a smooth, seamless finish.

Cut the contact paper, then, working in small increments, slowly begin applying it to the panel, exposing only a little of the sticky side at a time. Use a credit card or another smoothing tool to press the paper down as you continue peeling and sticking. When you reach the edges, cut the top flap hanging over, fold in the side piece first, and then fold the top piece down to create clean, crisp corners. Repeat this for each corner until the entire piece is wrapped. 

It might be easier to wrap one side at a time to ensure you fully cover the unit, without any creasing. Also, since the pieces are not yet assembled, make sure to discreetly mark the numbers or letters of each panel in a corner, and pre-make holes where screws or dowels need to go. This way, you aren't left utterly confused when it's time to put it all together. Once all your pieces are fully wrapped in chrome, it's time for the exciting part — assembly!

Dipa Halder used the BESTA wall-mounted cabinet for a stunning IKEA metallic console hack, but the retailer offers several similar pieces in its BESTA storage system collection that are smaller and possibly more affordable. These would be an ideal choice if you're not ready to commit to buying and wrapping such a large piece. The BESTA frame, which sells for $65 and spans 47 inches wide, makes for a clever multi-purpose furniture piece in a tiny home. One reviewer shared that they use the two cubbies to store shoes, though it can also be used to display vinyl records, books, or decorative plants.

Another option is the BESTA shelf unit with doors, also 47 inches wide and featuring two cubbies. It works just as well as the original console Halder used (just smaller) and costs significantly less, coming in at $105. In addition to swapping out the $279 console for something half the cost (or less), you can also consider using chrome spray paint instead of contact paper, especially if you're concerned about air bubbles or navigating tricky corners. Spray paint can be applied panel by panel, just like contact paper. To reduce the chances of chips or scratches in the newly painted surface, which could affect the console's overall appearance, apply a clear topcoat like Rust-Oleum's 2X Ultra Cover Clear Spray, available in gloss, matte, semi-gloss, or satin finishes. So, whenever you're ready to add a little sparkle to your living room (or bedroom), this IKEA hack is yours for the taking.