The IKEA Besta and Eket systems are both modular storage solutions, but they serve entirely different purposes. Besta is a larger, highly customizable system designed for creating substantial media centers and living room storage, while Eket is a collection of compact, affordable cubes perfect for small spaces and simple storage needs.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA storage system for your home.
IKEA Besta Storage System
The Besta series is IKEA's flagship customizable storage system, ideal for creating everything from a simple TV stand to a full-wall media unit or a bespoke sideboard. It's known for its clean, modern lines and the ability to combine frames, doors, drawers, and interior organizers to create a seamless, built-in look that fits your exact space and needs.
- What it is: A highly versatile and configurable modular storage system primarily designed for living rooms and media storage.
- Key features: Wide variety of frame sizes, door and drawer front styles, finishes (matte, high-gloss, wood-effect), soft-close hinges, and extensive interior fitting options like shelves and inserts.
- Price: Individual frames start around $50, with complete small units from $100. Larger, complex setups can range from $200 to $600+.
- Style: Minimalist and modern. Its flat-front doors and clean lines help it blend into contemporary spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Built from particleboard and fiberboard with foil, laminate, or painted finishes. Besta is heavier and more substantial than many other IKEA systems.
- Pros: Extremely customizable to fit your needs and space. Achieves a sophisticated, integrated look. More durable and sturdy than Eket. Can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Hides cables effectively for media setups.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than Eket. Assembly is more time-consuming and requires careful planning. The heavier modules can be difficult to move and install.
The Besta system is for homeowners wanting a long-term, tailored storage solution that can be designed to look like custom cabinetry for a fraction of the price.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/categories/storage/sideboards-buffets-buffet-cabinets/besta-series-pub2d/
IKEA Eket Storage System
The Eket series is a simple, playful system of storage cubes in uniform sizes that can be stacked, wall-mounted, or placed on the floor individually. It’s IKEA’s answer for quick, affordable, and flexible storage in tight spaces, utilitarian areas, or anywhere you need a small pop of organization without a significant investment of time or money.
- What it is: A compact and lightweight modular storage system made of painted cubes, ideal for small spaces.
- Key features: Simple cube shapes, tool-free assembly with wedge dowels, can be floor-standing, stacked, or wall-mounted. Available in a range of solid colors.
- Price: Very affordable, with single cubes starting around $20 and small configurations often staying under $150.
- Style: Simple, utilitarian, and modern. Its blocky, colorful nature can be used as a minimalist feature or for practical, hidden storage.
- Materials/Construction: Made from particleboard with a painted finish. The construction is lightweight, designed for easy handling and installation.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Extremely quick and simple to assemble - no tools required for the main structure. Lightweight and easy to move or reconfigure. Perfect fit for small nooks, bathrooms, hallways, or kids' rooms.
- Cons: Limited customization - what you see is what you get. Not as durable or sturdy as the Besta system. The smaller size isn't suitable for primary media storage or large items. The painted finish can be less resilient to scratches than Besta's foil or laminate.
Eket is the perfect solution for apartment dwellers, students, or anyone needing a fast and affordable way to organize a small or awkward space.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/categories/storage/eket-series-pub2d/
Besta vs. Eket Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The biggest distinction between the two systems is scale. The Besta is built for larger applications. Frames come in various heights and widths, from around 15 inches to over 70 inches wide, with two main depths (roughly 8" and 16"). This allows you to construct large, cohesive units that can anchor a living room wall.
The Eket system is much smaller and more constrained. The cubes are typically 13 ¾" or 27 ½" square, with a standard depth of around 13 ¾". Their compact nature makes them ideal for filling small niches, creating a slim entryway console, or adding bedside storage, but they lack the scale to serve as a primary media center or for storing large items.
Materials & Construction
Besta is constructed to be a more permanent furniture solution. It uses denser particleboard and fiberboard, and its foil, laminate, and high-gloss finishes are generally more resistant to everyday wear and tear, making it look more like a finished piece of furniture. The hardware is more substantial, featuring things like adjustable soft-closing hinges.
Eket is designed for lightness and simplicity. The materials are particleboard, but the units feel noticeably lighter and are intended for easy handling. The assembly relies on a clever wedge dowel system that means it can be assembled quickly without many tools, but this also means it is not as structurally robust.
Price & Value
There's no contest here - Eket is hands-down the more budget-friendly option. A single Eket cube can cost around $20, making it an inexpensive way to build a small storage solution for under $100. It is perfect for those on a tight budget or students needing a temporary solution.
Besta represents more of an investment. A basic media stand can start over $250, while costs for large wall units can easily exceed $600. However, the value comes in its greater durability and superior customization, giving a custom-built look which resembles a high-end piece of furniture.
Style & Versatility
Besta's aesthetic versatility comes from its extensive range of door styles and finishes. You can create a system that is either sleek and modern with high-gloss doors or warm with wood veneer choices.
Eket's versatility is in its simplicity and ease of use. The brightly colored cubes can be arranged to form a playful feature in a room, or for storage you can choose white or gray cubes for a more subtle, minimal look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA storage systems are excellent options but target different needs.
Choose the Besta if:
- You're creating a primary media center or entertainment unit for your living room.
- You need a large storage system that can be tailored to specific dimensions.
- You want a cohesive, modern built-in furniture look that appears custom.
- Durability and a higher-quality look and feel are your top priorities.
Choose the Eket if:
- You are on a tight budget and looking for the most affordable option.
- You're looking for a storage solution for a small area, like a hallway or bathroom.
- Speed and ease of assembly are your main priorities. You want something that can be set up quickly without much fuss.
- You need a lightweight, flexible storage unit that's simple to move or reconfigure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Besta and Eket?
The main difference is scale and purpose. Besta is a large, highly customizable system for creating significant storage units like media centers and sideboards. Eket is a small-scale system of simple cubes designed for quick, affordable storage in tight spaces.
Which one is better for a TV stand?
Definitely the Besta. It offers dedicated TV stand frames that are wider, deeper, and stronger, with built-in cable management solutions. Eket cubes are too small and not sturdy enough to safely hold most modern televisions.
Which IKEA storage system is easier to assemble?
The Eket is significantly easier and faster to assemble. It uses a wedge dowel system where pieces click together, often requiring no extra tools until you are ready to hang it on a wall. Besta requires more thorough assembly with a range of tools and can take more time.
Can you stack Eket cabinets?
Yes, Eket modules are designed to be stacked for additional height, but they should be fixed to the wall for stability using the included hardware.
How much weight can Besta shelves hold?
Besta shelves typically have a load capacity of about 44 lbs (20 kg) each, making them ideal for holding books, electronics, and other heavier items.
Do Eket and Besta come in the same colors?
No, they don't. Even if IKEA has a standard "white" finish for both, there might be subtle differences in sheen or tone. It's important to check the colors in-store if you want them to match exactly.
Can I mix and match Besta and Eket modules together?
While you can technically mix them, it's not recommended due to different depths and aesthetics. Mixing them together might make your space feel disjointed.
Do you have to buy feet for Besta and Eket?
Besta needs legs or must be wall-mounted. Eket can be placed directly on the floor or wall-mounted as well. Feet for both systems are sold separately.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
