ᐅ Is it possible to use IKEA BESTA as a TV unit with built-in cable management?
Created on: 25 May 2015 10:27
K
kenklaHello everyone,
I’m considering using the IKEA Besta system as a TV cabinet and would like to know if its built-in cable management can be used effectively. I’m especially interested in how practical the cable management in Besta really is when connecting multiple devices like a TV, soundbar, game console, and other components.
I’ve seen that Besta modules have various openings and channels for cables, but it’s unclear to me whether this is enough for neat and tidy wiring or if additional work with cable ducts and holes in the furniture frame is usually necessary.
Does anyone know about the limitations or have tips on how to best use Besta as a TV unit with integrated cable management? Also, how about the stability and sufficient depth for the devices?
Thanks in advance for your experiences and opinions!
I’m considering using the IKEA Besta system as a TV cabinet and would like to know if its built-in cable management can be used effectively. I’m especially interested in how practical the cable management in Besta really is when connecting multiple devices like a TV, soundbar, game console, and other components.
I’ve seen that Besta modules have various openings and channels for cables, but it’s unclear to me whether this is enough for neat and tidy wiring or if additional work with cable ducts and holes in the furniture frame is usually necessary.
Does anyone know about the limitations or have tips on how to best use Besta as a TV unit with integrated cable management? Also, how about the stability and sufficient depth for the devices?
Thanks in advance for your experiences and opinions!
Hello kenkla,
your question about using IKEA BESTA as a TV cabinet with integrated cable management is very interesting and deserves a detailed look.
The BESTA system does offer some advantages:
- The back panels of the modules come with pre-made cable openings, which facilitate cable routing.
- Internal compartments can be useful for neatly storing devices like receivers or players.
However, there are several aspects to consider:
1. Depth and height: Depending on the equipment, especially larger AV components may not fit comfortably. The cabinets are not designed for very deep devices. You should compare the dimensions of your components before purchasing.
2. Cable management: The existing openings are not always sufficient, especially if many devices need to be connected and their power supply and cables properly managed. It is advisable to drill additional holes or integrate cable channels. Although the back panels already have some openings, heavy cabling can reach the system’s limits.
3. Modularity: The system can be expanded or reconfigured quite flexibly, for example with open units to create more space for cables.
4. Ventilation: A crucial point is heat buildup, which can be problematic in fully enclosed storage. Good air circulation—possibly by leaving the rear of some modules open or adding ventilation holes—helps prevent overheating.
Conclusion: If your devices are not too large and you are willing to improve the cable management yourself (by drilling holes, adding cable channels, etc.), IKEA BESTA is certainly a good base for a TV cabinet with integrated cable management. For complex setups with many devices, some additional effort is necessary.
I would be interested to know how many devices you plan to connect exactly and whether you prefer a fully closed cabinet or if open elements would be acceptable?
your question about using IKEA BESTA as a TV cabinet with integrated cable management is very interesting and deserves a detailed look.
The BESTA system does offer some advantages:
- The back panels of the modules come with pre-made cable openings, which facilitate cable routing.
- Internal compartments can be useful for neatly storing devices like receivers or players.
However, there are several aspects to consider:
1. Depth and height: Depending on the equipment, especially larger AV components may not fit comfortably. The cabinets are not designed for very deep devices. You should compare the dimensions of your components before purchasing.
2. Cable management: The existing openings are not always sufficient, especially if many devices need to be connected and their power supply and cables properly managed. It is advisable to drill additional holes or integrate cable channels. Although the back panels already have some openings, heavy cabling can reach the system’s limits.
3. Modularity: The system can be expanded or reconfigured quite flexibly, for example with open units to create more space for cables.
4. Ventilation: A crucial point is heat buildup, which can be problematic in fully enclosed storage. Good air circulation—possibly by leaving the rear of some modules open or adding ventilation holes—helps prevent overheating.
Conclusion: If your devices are not too large and you are willing to improve the cable management yourself (by drilling holes, adding cable channels, etc.), IKEA BESTA is certainly a good base for a TV cabinet with integrated cable management. For complex setups with many devices, some additional effort is necessary.
I would be interested to know how many devices you plan to connect exactly and whether you prefer a fully closed cabinet or if open elements would be acceptable?
Hello kenkla,
I want to answer your question in detail because I use exactly the same setup – IKEA BESTA as a TV unit including a lot of technology and cable management.
First about cable routing: The BESTA units have back panels with openings designed for simple wiring, but these are rather small passages. For HDMI, power, and network cables, this is often not enough if you use multiple devices. That’s why I made additional openings with a hole saw and a rotary tool (Dremel) to neatly pass large bundles of cables through.
Also, I recommend using cable Velcro straps or zip ties inside to keep the cables organized. Cable channels on the back panel of the cabinet help to discreetly hide adapter switches and power strips.
Regarding stability: The BESTA elements are sturdy, the back panel is thin, but the furniture becomes quite stable by screwing the modules together. For the depth, you should choose at least 40 cm (16 inches) if you want to fit larger AV receivers or gaming consoles.
An important tip for air circulation: The back panel is closed, so I cut additional ventilation slots or made the furniture more open. Electronics do not like heat buildup.
Conclusion: IKEA BESTA is well suited if you are willing to make certain modifications. The factory cable management is okay, but with simple adjustments, you can improve it significantly.
By the way, how many devices do you want to connect and how complex is your setup?
I want to answer your question in detail because I use exactly the same setup – IKEA BESTA as a TV unit including a lot of technology and cable management.
First about cable routing: The BESTA units have back panels with openings designed for simple wiring, but these are rather small passages. For HDMI, power, and network cables, this is often not enough if you use multiple devices. That’s why I made additional openings with a hole saw and a rotary tool (Dremel) to neatly pass large bundles of cables through.
Also, I recommend using cable Velcro straps or zip ties inside to keep the cables organized. Cable channels on the back panel of the cabinet help to discreetly hide adapter switches and power strips.
Regarding stability: The BESTA elements are sturdy, the back panel is thin, but the furniture becomes quite stable by screwing the modules together. For the depth, you should choose at least 40 cm (16 inches) if you want to fit larger AV receivers or gaming consoles.
An important tip for air circulation: The back panel is closed, so I cut additional ventilation slots or made the furniture more open. Electronics do not like heat buildup.
Conclusion: IKEA BESTA is well suited if you are willing to make certain modifications. The factory cable management is okay, but with simple adjustments, you can improve it significantly.
By the way, how many devices do you want to connect and how complex is your setup?
Thanks in advance for the feedback so far,
about the setup: It includes a 55" TV, a soundbar, an AV receiver, a PS4, and a Blu-ray player. A streaming client might be added later.
I prefer a closed cabinet because the available space in the apartment is limited, and I like a tidy appearance. I find open designs impractical since dust and cables become more visible.
The idea of additional cable openings sounds good. Has anyone had experience with which tools are best suited for this?
Since I don’t just want to drill holes but am also concerned about potential damage, it would be helpful to know the best way to do this without compromising stability.
And very importantly: How is ventilation handled in a fully closed BESTA TV cabinet? How can overheating be prevented with multiple devices inside?
about the setup: It includes a 55" TV, a soundbar, an AV receiver, a PS4, and a Blu-ray player. A streaming client might be added later.
I prefer a closed cabinet because the available space in the apartment is limited, and I like a tidy appearance. I find open designs impractical since dust and cables become more visible.
The idea of additional cable openings sounds good. Has anyone had experience with which tools are best suited for this?
Since I don’t just want to drill holes but am also concerned about potential damage, it would be helpful to know the best way to do this without compromising stability.
And very importantly: How is ventilation handled in a fully closed BESTA TV cabinet? How can overheating be prevented with multiple devices inside?
kenkla schrieb:
And very importantly: What about ventilation for a fully enclosed BESTA TV cabinet? How do you prevent overheating when using multiple devices?This is a key point that is often underestimated. A fully enclosed piece of furniture, especially with several heat-generating devices like AV receivers, can quickly lead to heat buildup.
I would generally recommend avoiding a completely sealed construction. Instead, for example, ventilation slots could be cut into the back panel, or the back panel could be fitted with ventilation grills. Alternatively, doors with ventilation louvers are an option.
Even if you want the furniture to look closed, some airflow does no harm. Small openings at the top and bottom can help hot air escape while allowing cooler air to enter.
Without such measures, you risk overheating, reduced lifespan of your electronics, and possible malfunctions.
In general, I also wonder whether furniture made from wood or MDF with foil is suitable for good heat dissipation, or if other materials should be considered.
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