ᐅ How can I build an Ikea Besta as a TV lowboard?

Hello everyone, I would like to convert my Ikea Besta shelving unit into a lowboard for my TV. My main goal is to keep the height low so the TV is at a comfortable eye level from the sofa while achieving a stable and visually appealing piece of furniture.

Since the Besta system offers many variations, I’m unsure of the best approach to get an elegant lowboard look. Specifically, I am wondering:

- Which cabinet versions and legs work well as a base for a lowboard?
- How can I modify the back panel or sides to neatly hide cables?
- Are there any tips for adapting door or flap mechanisms to suit a media setup?

I would appreciate any helpful experiences, recommendations, or information on the exact process and parts needed.

I would build a Besta with low legs or directly on a plinth. For cables, I use cable grommets in the back panel to keep things organized. Doors are best with push-to-open mechanisms or handleless fronts.

Hello benedetta, basically the Besta system is very flexible for TV stands. I recommend using the 64 cm (25 inch) wide carcasses, as they are sturdy and offer enough storage space. If you want to keep the height low, the Besta legs at 8 cm (3 inch) or a plinth are ideal.

For cable management, you can simply drill router holes in the back panel or use a thinner back panel that allows cutouts. Sometimes it also helps to attach an additional cable duct strip inside.

If you plan to use doors, soft-close hinges are worthwhile as they make operation more comfortable. For the appearance, handleless doors with a push-to-open mechanism are particularly suitable for a modern TV stand.

farGlen schrieb:
I would build a Besta with low legs or directly with a plinth.

Thanks, that sounds practical. How is the stability when the legs are that low?

gregto schrieb:
I recommend working with the 64 cm (25 inches) wide carcasses; they are sturdy and offer enough storage space.

How many carcasses should be stacked for a lowboard? I was actually thinking of a height of about 40 cm (16 inches); which combination fits best for that? Are there any recommendations?

And regarding the doors: soft-close sounds great, I know it, but is push-to-open really better for a media unit?

Stability with flat feet is usually well ensured with Ikea Besta, as long as the carcasses are properly screwed together. At a height of 40 cm (16 inches), it is advisable to use only one carcass level and possibly plan for a wider and deeper unit instead.

Push-to-open makes the furniture look cleaner, as no handles are visible, and is especially good for a lowboard if you prefer only flap doors or sliding doors. Soft-close is more a matter of comfort for hinged doors if you want the doors to close quietly and tightly.

For cable management, I recommend using a simple board with rounded cutouts for cables or a small perforated metal sheet as a back panel to avoid impairing the ventilation of electronic devices.

The best tip: Get comfortable with your TV in your favorite spot and precisely measure the optimal height – then choose the suitable Besta unit that fits underneath. 😎

I once built mine on a base with 8 cm (3 inches) legs and a cabinet 38 cm (15 inches) high on top, which creates the perfect height ratio for my sofa and TV. The legs are little stars that make the furniture appear to float and provide a bit of elegant space from the floor.

I really like push-to-open mechanisms – no more handles! It creates a very clean look. Hiding cables? A small cable pass-through hole in the back panel can work wonders. 😉