ᐅ How can I modify IKEA BESTA units to hide and organize cables neatly?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Besta TV and storage system and am facing the challenge of rearranging and routing all the cables so that they are hidden and neatly organized. My main goal is to conceal the typical clutter of power cords, HDMI cables, speaker wires, and AV components as much as possible, without compromising functionality or making access to connections unnecessarily difficult.

Since Besta units usually have back panels made of thin material, I’m wondering how to route cables in the most elegant way—such as using cutouts, cable channels, or custom-made cable management systems inside the furniture modules.

Does anyone have experience or tips on how to modify Besta furniture so that the cable management looks professional? Are there practical solutions you would recommend in terms of safety as well (cable damage, heat buildup)? What materials and tools have you used?

I look forward to your answers!

I recommend adding cutouts in the back panels so cables can run directly through the furniture. Cable ducts at the back or underneath the BESTA units are practical. Use Velcro straps to bundle cables together; this keeps them neat and organized. Avoid drilling metal clips too deeply; it’s better to use screws with plastic clips.

Hello Bulineo,

I can relate to your challenge well, as I have modified IKEA BESTA units multiple times to neatly hide cables.

First: One of the most effective methods is to completely remove the back panel and replace it with thin plywood panels into which you precisely cut slots for the cable connections. This way, you can thread the cables elegantly without them being visible.

Second: Using flat cable channels mounted inside on the side panels or at the bottom works best. Make sure to use cable channels with a self-adhesive backing, making installation straightforward.

Third: For power strips inside the unit, I recommend ventilation through small holes above to minimize heat buildup. Speaker or HDMI cables should be bundled with Velcro straps and never pulled too tight to avoid damage.

Fourth: Use flexible flat cables whenever possible, especially for HDMI, antennas, or soundbars, as they are easier to conceal. I also suggest using a thin spiral wrap for the cable bundles – it looks neat and offers protection.

Which exact components are you planning to connect? The planning really depends on the scale of your setup.

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Hello Bulineo,

I completely understand your challenge, as I have modified IKEA BESTA units several times myself to neatly hide cables.

Thank you very much for the detailed reply!

My setup mainly consists of a flat-screen TV, a soundbar, an AV receiver, a game console, and a few streaming devices. I could probably hide the power strips inside one of the larger BESTA units, but I am concerned about accessing the connections, especially if I want to swap HDMI cables frequently.

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
First: One of the most effective methods is to remove the entire back panel and replace it with thin plywood panels, into which you precisely rout slots for cable connections.

That sounds really good, but I have very little experience with plywood or routing work. Is the effort worth it, or is there a simpler alternative that still looks neat?

I have also considered attaching a cable tray or cable duct to the wall behind the BESTA unit – that could create space and allow quick plug changes. What do you think about that?

Bulineo schrieb:
I also considered attaching a cable tray or cable duct to the wall behind the BESTA shelf – that could save space and allow for quick reconnections. What do you think about that?

I think the idea of a cable tray on the wall is really smart! 😉 Especially if you expect to swap HDMI cables frequently, this setup gives you full flexibility and lets you quickly reconnect cables without having to empty the furniture.

Here’s what I did with my BESTA system:
- Replaced the back panel with a thinner one, drilled small round holes all around for cables
- Bundled cables together with small hook-and-loop fasteners, which hold firmly
- Attached cable ducts inside the furniture, which you can easily keep out of sight

And very important: Use cables of the right length, because too much cable can quickly create a mess.

So – if you value flexibility, I recommend my mix of a cable tray plus neat cable management inside the furniture. It looks great and stays functional!

Israel62 schrieb:
Cable ducts at the back or underneath the BESTA unit are practical.

That sounds pragmatic, but isn’t that only a partial solution?

A cable duct attached to the underside of the furniture doesn’t fundamentally solve the cable clutter issue for me and might look somewhat bulky or makeshift because of the cover.

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Using flat cable ducts mounted inside the side panels or underneath is ideal.

That, in turn, requires a level of precision during installation that you can’t just achieve casually.

I also wonder whether such modifications affect the structural integrity and stability of the BESTA, especially if you replace back panels with thinner materials or cut out openings.

Additionally, drilling holes and cutting slots can change the character of the furniture, which, for me, reduces its aesthetic value.

In my opinion, it’s better to aim for a mix of minimally invasive measures that are easy to reverse yet still improve cable management. For example, better-designed hook-and-loop straps, flexible cable sleeves, and targeted organization systems instead of major modifications.

What do you think? Do you prioritize appearance, function, or a combination? And how do others feel about potential damage to the furniture?