The Simple IKEA Hack To Make Your BESTA Bookcase Look Instantly Decluttered

Open shelving can be a double-edged sword. While it provides easy access and display opportunities, it can also quickly lead to visual clutter. Rows of books, cables, and baskets may feel chaotic, especially in smaller living areas where every square foot matters. Creating closed storage helps reduce that overstimulating look while also keeping dust at bay, which is no small perk when you're tired of weekly shelf wipe-downs. That's where this clever hack comes in. By attaching cut linen curtain panels over the fronts of your IKEA BESTÅ bookshelf frames, you transform open shelving into a softer, decluttered storage solution in minutes.

Instagram creator @itsonthethirdfloor is the innovative force behind this DIY that involves cutting the DYTÅG linen curtain from IKEA into neat rectangles that fit the openings of a freestanding BESTÅ unit. While this works beautifully with a low-profile bookcase frame, the approach could easily adapt to taller configurations or other open shelving. Since the hack only requires lightweight panels and tape, it's one of the simplest ways to hide your cluttered shelves without a major purchase. Aside from the BESTÅ frames and the curtain, you'll need a strong double-sided mounting tape to firmly secure the fabric in place. What you get in the end is storage that looks intentional and serene — no power tools or pricey add-ons required!

Recreating this project is refreshingly straightforward. Start by measuring the height and length of each section of your BESTÅ, and then add about an inch to each measurement to leave extra fabric for making a clean hem on every side. Mark those measurements directly onto the DYTÅG curtain with tailor's chalk or a fabric marker. Then, cut along the lines with sharp fabric scissors to keep edges neat and prevent fraying. You'll want to hem the edges by folding them in half an inch on each end so that they perfectly cover the face of your shelf units. If you don't have a machine, you can still achieve crisp edges with an easy way to hem curtains without sewing — iron-on hem tape. Once your panels are prepped, attach them to the shelving frame with nano tape, pressing firmly to make sure the adhesive bonds evenly.

The beauty of this hack lies in its versatility. If linen feels too pricey, you can swap in cotton, canvas, or even repurposed sheets for a budget-friendly option. Thrift stores like Goodwill often accept bedding donations, so you are also able to find alternate fabric at secondhand prices. For a bolder look, consider colored curtains or patterned fabrics that turn your storage into a design statement. And while nano tape works well, you could experiment with Velcro strips or discreet staples, depending on how permanent you want the fix to be. Think of the hack as a framework — you're not just decluttering your shelves, but also customizing them to reflect your taste while making your daily environment feel calmer and more intentional.