I Asked 3 Designers to Share Their Favorite IKEA Piece — And They All Said the Same Thing

As a home decor lover, I firmly believe there’s no place like home. But let’s be honest: IKEA is the next best thing. Since the Swedish retailer was founded back in 1943, it has served up intuitive, space-efficient, price-conscious furniture and home decor that always manages to hold up over the years. Of course, I’m not the only one who’s an IKEA superfan: Professional interior designers not only like the store, but they also include its pieces in their projects (and their own homes).

IKEA has a lot of furniture and home decor to sift through and shop, but I couldn’t help but wonder which pieces were the most popular amongst interior designers. Is there one SKU that, for industry insiders, rules them all? I spoke to three interior designers, and it turns out the most popular, designer-approved IKEA piece isn’t the BILLY bookcase or KALLAX shelving units. In a move I definitely didn’t see coming, designers are low-key obsessed with the BESTÅ storage system.

At first glance, the BESTÅ seems like basic cabinets with plain fronts; however, pros agree the collection offers endless possibilities. Designer Carmen Javier says not only does the BESTÅ “tend to find its way” into her various projects, but the IKEA staple has also been in her last three homes. “It’s been so easy to add on components and swap things around to suit each space,” she explains. “It’s extremely versatile and lends itself well to so many different styles.” 

Although the BESTÅ line comes in a bunch of colors and finishes — black, white, and a wooden veneer are just a few popular options — its style does skew more simple. However, thanks to a handful of door replacements from brands like Semihandmade and Norse Interiors, it’s possible to give your storage setup a stylish flair (think: practical without feeling primitive). It’s no wonder why Javier calls this pick “a superstar item at IKEA.”

Or if you want to elevate the store-bought version, take a cue from Haley Beckham-Shetty, whose office is pictured above. The Nashville-based designer incorporated the popular storage in her home office and added a modular shelving system above it to give her setup “a more custom feel,” in her words. “Everyone who sees it, loves it,” Beckham-Shetty says.

Of course, there’s more to the BESTÅ’s versatility than just its looks. Design pro Vickie Nickolls of Interior Therapy in the United Kingdom says this power piece can be used just about everywhere. “It’s particularly great in playrooms, as it can be made up in many sizes to ensure that you get maximum storage,” the designer explains. “You can customize to make the look and feel more fun, and the best part is that there are cupboard doors, so you can store all [your items] in the cupboards and shut the doors so it looks neat from the outside!”

Another smart, budget-friendly idea, Nickolls says, is to use the BESTÅ to create the illusion of built-in storage. “You can build around the TV, or create a long sideboard and shelving on either side,” she explains. If you want to create a more seamless look, paint your storage the same color as your walls. Or, if you want to make your BESTÅ counter a focal part of your home, Nickolls recommends sourcing a marble top for a “real finishing touch” to the unit.

There are so many ways to make the best of the BESTÅ, so Nickolls gives you her blessing to experiment with this “it” item. “Be brave and add combinations that make you feel happy in your home,” she explains. “Remember it can always be swapped at a later date or even added to if you want a bit of a change; it’s such a versatile piece of furniture.” Versatile and very stylish — consider me sold!