This IKEA Gem Replaced My Grandma’s Antique Piece — and It Transformed My Living Room

When I first moved into my one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn two years ago, I was pretty low on both cash and stamina. Naturally, this made the thought of buying, building, and styling new furniture feel pretty daunting. To make matters worse, my old TV console had been damaged in the move. So for a while, my 55” flatscreen was just sitting on the floor. Until one day, when my mom arrived in town with a very special piece in tow. 

My grandma’s antique wooden commode was once a fixture of my childhood, but it had sat idle for the last few years in my parents’ attic after they downsized. So naturally, I was thrilled to give it a chance to shine again in my new home. I was also, of course, actively looking for ways to add character and make the apartment feel more like me. I figured a sentimental antique would be perfect. Before passing it on to me, my mom even spruced up the old piece with a fresh coat of paint and some gorgeous vintage crystal knobs. It’s truly a beautiful piece. The catch? It was way too small for the space.

When I was growing up, we mostly used the old commode for storing china and table linens, but now, as my TV console, I was using it to store my crafting supplies for easy access. I quickly realized the commode just didn’t have enough storage space, nor was it very easy to access. The largest compartment could only be accessed by lifting up the top of the piece. So every time I needed yarn I had to move all my candles, plants, and books. 

But the main issue for me was more than just a lack of storage: It was the fact that the commode was just too small for the TV. Most designers will tell you that whatever piece you choose to go underneath your TV — whether it’s a mantel, a console table, or an antique commode — should be at least a few inches wider than the TV itself. So many months later, although I was reluctant to part with such a sentimental and charismatic piece, I finally took the plunge on a new TV console. The piece I eventually chose could not be more different from my grandma’s beloved antique. Say hello to a fan-favorite IKEA storage icon: the BESTÅ!

One of IKEA’s most popular and enduring designs, the BESTÅ line is famous for its timeless versatility and generous storage offerings. You can customize almost any combination of doors, drawers, frames, finishes, legs, etc. and use these pieces almost anywhere. I eventually decided on the BESTÅ mainly because I liked how modular and adaptable it was. With so many different combinations, I can easily change up the look of this piece or the type and amount of storage down the road as my tastes and/or needs change. 

The size was pretty much perfect, too; the finished piece is just slightly larger than the TV and slightly shorter than the full wall. I ended up opting for three separate frame pieces, which made the piece easier to move by myself, and I chose high-gloss white doors to echo the cabinets in my IKEA kitchen. I haven’t decided on knobs or pulls just yet, but I did spring for these super-cute turned wooden legs from IKEA. They’re so easy to attach, and they definitely have a bit of a vintage look to them. They help soften an otherwise angular, modern-looking piece.  

The difference between the two is pretty much black and white (pun intended!). With a longer, more shallow storage piece, I was able to layer another rug underneath the red one for added cushion and noise reduction. I love the high-gloss white finish, too, as it adds a modern touch to a very vintage-inspired room. 

Plus, it provides a subtle throughline to the ultra-modern kitchen space. Echoing colors, patterns, and textures throughout different rooms in your space can go a long way towards making your space feel like a cohesive home. I was also able to swap in two new accent chairs: the Cassidy swivel chairs from Castlery. With slimmer silhouettes, these chairs take up less space, so I can keep them pretty much in front of the media console and still be able to use the BESTÅ cabinets. And I use them often — I added doors to the outer two, where I store my box of files, my sewing machine, yarn winder, Nintendo Switch, etc. And the middle section is open shelving, so I can display some of my cuter coffee table books and board games!

Honestly, my only regret here is that I didn’t do this sooner. Now, before you head to the comments, let me assure you: No, I did not get rid of my grandmother’s commode. I simply relocated it to my dining area. Although unfortunately it’s less visible, the piece is back to serving its original purpose. It honestly makes the dining space look so much more finished.

Check out some more ingenious IKEA BESTA hacks, or try designing your own BESTA combination on IKEA’s site. Either way, I strongly suggest you keep the BESTÅ series top of mind for any and all of your storage upgrades. And don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to styling them!

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