ᐅ Can I use Ikea BESTA as a TV cabinet with integrated cable management, and if so, how?

Hello everyone,

I am considering using my Ikea Besta shelving system as TV furniture, but I especially want to include integrated cable management. The question I have is: Can Ikea BESTA actually be used as TV furniture with effective, built-in cable management, and if so, what is the best way to implement it?

I want to avoid cables hanging loosely behind the furniture where they are visible. Are there clever modifications, accessories, or tips to make the BESTA unit functional as TV furniture and keep cables neatly organized?

For those familiar with the system and who may have already modified or adapted it—how do you handle cable management with BESTA?

Thanks for your ideas and experiences!

You can remove the back panels of the BESTA or drill holes to route cables through. Mounting cable ducts at the bottom or inside also helps. Use hook-and-loop straps or clips to bundle cables. It’s not perfect cable management, but it works well.

I set up my BESTA system as a TV unit and followed these steps:

- Cut out sections of the back panel to create space for cable routing. Make sure not to compromise the unit’s stability.
- Attached cable channels inside the side panels using adhesive pads.
- Mounted perforated strips or cable outlets underneath the unit to store power supplies and adapters.
- It’s best to bundle the cables with cable ties or special clips to avoid tangled messes.

A tip: The perforated grid on the back panel allows you to place the cable outlets flexibly in different positions. This way, you can customize your cable management.

Common mistake I’ve seen: Just leaving cables loosely behind the furniture, which causes constant hassle during cleaning or rearranging.

Jensson schrieb:
I set up my BESTA system as a TV unit and carried out the following steps:

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I am particularly interested in how you maintained the stability of the BESTA after cutting out the back panel. Did you use a specific technique or special materials for reinforcement?

Also, how do you manage the power cables for the devices? Do you run them directly through holes or use additional cable channels?

Looking forward to more details, as I am currently planning and want to avoid instability in my furniture or cables being overly visible.

Regarding the stability when cutting out the back panel of the Ikea BESTA:

The back panel primarily serves to stabilize the furniture unit laterally and from behind. If this panel is cut out, it is recommended to add reinforcements afterward, such as:

- Installing sturdy battens or angle brackets on the inside surfaces,
- Using clamps during assembly,
- Gluing additional wooden strips or MDF pieces to replace the original surface.

For cable management, it is advisable to drill wide openings to accommodate multiple cables. Cable channels or sleeves can be attached inside to keep the cable bundle organized and protect it from damage.

For power connections, flexible power strips are often recommended, which can be mounted behind or underneath the furniture. Important note: ensure that ventilation for power adapters is not restricted to prevent overheating.

I have been using the BESTA as a TV unit for two years and can confirm that it works well, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

- Cutting the back panel: I cut out part of the back panel but did not remove it completely in order to maintain stability. Alternatively, you can install a thin MDF panel with a perforated pattern.

- Cable management: Cable grommets and cable ducts are essential. I drilled several openings so that cables can be routed from both the top and bottom.

- Power supplies and power strips are mounted on a pull-out board in the lower compartment. This keeps them protected while still accessible.

- Tip: Plan your cable routing carefully before assembly to ensure everything fits properly later on.

If you want, I can share the measurements and my detailed experience again.