ᐅ IKEA BESTA: How Can I Build It as a Media Unit with Cable Management?

Hello everyone, I am planning to use my IKEA Besta system as a media unit and would like to incorporate a neat cable management solution. Specifically, I am looking for a way to assemble the shelving so that the cables from various devices like the TV, receiver, and soundbar can be routed cleanly through the furniture without hanging loose or becoming tangled behind it. Are there any proven methods or special accessories from IKEA or third-party suppliers that work well for this? I am also interested in whether it is better to cut out sections of the back panel or if it is more practical to drill holes or use cable grommets myself. Any expert tips or shared experiences on setting up a media unit with effective cable management would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I recommend replacing the back panel of the BESTA units with perforated panels or pegboards at the appropriate spots. This not only provides enough space for cables but also makes it easier to bundle them. For cable management, IKEA offers the SIGNUM cable channel system, which can be attached with simple clips. If you prefer to drill your own holes, make sure not to compromise structural stability and use plastic grommets to protect the cables from damage. Also important: whenever possible, cables should be routed separately, meaning power and AV cables should be kept apart to minimize interference.

I know how annoying cable clutter can be – I had the exact same issue with my BESTA setup. What helped me was planning carefully in advance which devices I would connect and then deliberately installing cable grommets in the back panels. If you remove or replace the back panel partially, you get more flexibility with cable routing and can hide everything neatly. Sometimes I only realized during trial furniture arrangement that it’s better to make generous cutouts; otherwise, you end up with too many cables getting tangled. Just try out several options!

Cable management works best with a hole about 10cm (4 inches) in diameter in the back panel of the shelf, centered at the bottom. IKEA does not offer specific cable grommets, so you need to drill the hole yourself. I used a hole saw for this and then protected the edges with plastic rings. This way, you avoid damaging the cables.

I simply removed the back panel and used cable ties to secure the cables at the back. This keeps the wiring organized. If holes are drilled, make sure to use edge protectors, otherwise the surface can be damaged quickly.

Hello Alistair, I think it’s great that you are approaching cable management with BESTA in such an organized way. From my experience, the back panel in the standard version is often an obstacle, especially if you connect multiple devices. That’s why I replaced it with a custom-cut perforated board that I made myself. This way, I can easily route cables and also attach clips and Velcro straps to keep everything tidy. It’s important to first consider which devices and cables will be changed or moved frequently. If you have dynamic additions (e.g., cables that are plugged and unplugged often), arrange the cable paths so they are easily accessible. Regarding drilling: it’s recommended to place holes further away from the edges and to protect the edges (for example, with edge protectors or rubber). This prevents fraying and saves time on finishing work.