Use A Smart IKEA Solution To Add Storage To Your Desk

Do you feel like you've lost control of your workspace to clutter and need to reclaim it? If so, you need more storage. Well, that sounds like the perfect situation for a smart IKEA solution, and the trick is using the popular IKEA BESTÅ shelf unit with doors (a double unit or a single unit). You can simply place it right under your old desktop or build an entirely new and custom extended desk with storage from scratch by pairing it with a table top or slab of wood of the right size. This becomes one of those brilliant IKEA BESTÅ hacks to take your home storage to the next level but on a budget.

What we love most about this IKEA solution for desk storage is just how spacious the BESTÅ shelf units with doors are. Each unit is 16½ inches deep and 25¼ inches tall, which, when paired with feet, brings it close to the standard desk height of 28 to 30 inches. The width of the double unit is 47¼ inches and the single unit 23⅝ inches. That means you have more than enough storage space for larger office items like a cable management box, printer, or even a coffee station if you like.

Besides the abundant space, the cabinets have a chic minimalist look that totally feels high-end. And the fact that these IKEA items are easily customizable means you can create your DIY desk to fit your style preference (in terms of color and finishing design) and available space.

To begin this IKEA BESTÅ desk project, choose either one double-compartment BESTÅ unit or two single-compartment units. You'll also need compatible legs for additional support and to boost the desk height like these wooden STUBBARP legs at $10.00 per 2 pack or the stainless steel ÖSARP legs for $20.00 per 2 pack.

If you don't have a ready desk you can use, get a slab of wood or buy a table top that's wide enough to accommodate the BESTÅ units underneath as well as a gap for your chair. This IKEA LAGKAPTEN tabletop is an ideal option as it's 78 ¾ by 23 ⅝ inches. For customization, you can buy paint or use this as an opportunity to repurpose leftover paint instead of it rotting in the garage. Finally, gather screws, L-brackets, a paintbrush, and a screwdriver.

With that, you can begin building your DIY IKEA desk by first assembling the IKEA BESTÅ shelf unit. You can simply follow the IKEA instruction manual in the box and use the hardware and joinery material to put the shelf frame together. Once your shelf is complete, it's time to transform it into a desk.

If you bought two of the single-compartment BESTÅ, place each on opposite ends under the table top. Fasten the tabletop to the units using the L-brackets and screws. Use screws that are short enough not to penetrate the BESTÅ unit's particleboard to avoid damage. If your tabletop spans a long distance, install an extra desk leg underneath at the center point to prevent sagging over time.

Alternatively, if you chose one double-compartment BESTÅ unit, attach it to one end of the tabletop using L-brackets. The free end of the tabletop can either be secured to the wall with L-brackets or supported with a drawer unit for additional storage. And that's it, your DIY IKEA solution for desk storage is ready for use.

Remember, your IKEA build doesn't have to look like every other one in the store, so don't be afraid to customize it. You can paint the wood panels in absolutely any color you like from bright blue to bold red or the more traditional brown or black if the finish you wanted wasn't available. You can also jazz up the doors of the BESTÅ units by curving out a gap in the middle and adding cane or glass inserts or simply buy other doors with a unique design like this STUDSVIKEN door with woven poplar in the middle. And with that, you can now enjoy your clever IKEA desk hack that will give you a focused workspace at home.