ᐅ How can IKEA BESTA be adapted for cable management?

Hello everyone,

I am currently exploring ways to modify the IKEA BESTÅ system to improve cable management. Since BESTÅ is widely used in many living rooms or offices, the question is how to best utilize the backs, internal compartments, or side panels for organizing cables without significantly altering the structure of the furniture. I am interested in practical approaches – for example, installing cable grommets, using cable channels, or how to integrate power outlets and extension cords neatly.

Does anyone have experience or ideas on how to specifically modify or retrofit BESTÅ to avoid cable clutter, especially for TV or audio setups? Any tips on materials, tools, or procedures are welcome!

Hello pabatu,

Thank you for your clear question. I’m happy to provide a brief guide on how I upgraded my BESTÅ for more efficient cable management:

- First, I cut small openings at the back of the BESTÅ units using a rotary tool or jigsaw, about 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) wide and 3–4 cm (1–1.5 inches) high. This allows cables to pass through flush.
- Inside, I used self-adhesive cable clips and cable ties to secure the cables to the inner walls, which prevents cable clutter.
- For power strips, it’s advisable to mount one with a power switch directly inside. Attach it with Velcro or screws, if the back panel allows.
- Flexible spiral or flat cable channels, which you can install on the sides or bottom, also help route cables neatly.

I recommend avoiding large holes in the back panel to maintain the furniture’s stability. Small openings are usually sufficient.

Summary: Openings at the back, cable clips inside, securely mounted power strip, cable channels on the outside. This keeps everything tidy and accessible.

Good luck with your modification!

PRA64 schrieb:
I would recommend avoiding large holes on the back side, as this can compromise the stability of the furniture.

That is exactly an important point I would like to elaborate on. When modifying the IKEA BESTÅ for cable management, you should not only consider aesthetics and functionality but also how it affects the structural stability. The back panel is usually made of thin hardboard or particleboard, and large cutouts can make the entire piece unstable.

My recommendation: use modular cable grommets inserted into small openings (e.g., round holes about 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) in diameter), which can also be covered with self-adhesive caps. Some users drill small holes for Velcro straps or fasteners on the side panels or inside the compartments.

If you want to integrate power outlets, check the spacing inside the BESTÅ (normally the units are 64 cm (25 inches) deep) and choose low-profile power strips that you can mount on the side—ideally using screws and wall plugs, as Velcro may not hold permanently.

One more tip for cable channels: fix them in place with strong double-sided tape and add rubber buffers to prevent vibrations or noise when the furniture is moved or doors are opened.

If you plan to modify the interior walls, please carefully check whether load-bearing elements are affected—otherwise, it is better to mount on accessories or the back panel.

Which devices are you planning to connect specifically? TV, soundbar, or something else? Depending on that, the planning can be further customized.

FAZAR schrieb:
Which devices exactly do you want to connect? TV, soundbar, or something else? Depending on that, the planning can be adjusted more specifically.

That’s a very good question that is often overlooked. I know it well – you build elaborate cable channels and drill holes, but in the end, some cables don’t fit or there isn’t enough space for the plugs.

I had a similar situation with my BESTÅ and TV setup. I had a flat-screen TV, a soundbar, a few gaming consoles, and the router all in one shelf. It was especially important to arrange power outlets and connection options in a way that allowed me to change the device layout flexibly at any time without having to modify the openings afterward.

My advice: consider which devices you want to connect now and in the future – the number of cables (power, HDMI, Ethernet, speaker cables) is crucial for cable management. Plan generously and leave some extra room. Especially for HDMI cables, it helps to install round guide holes due to the shape of the connectors.

In addition, I installed a thin strip made of aluminum profiles with cable ties at the bottom of my BESTÅ, so cables can be neatly routed along the bottom and then led out sideways.

Hope this gives you a few more ideas!

pabatu schrieb:
How can BESTÅ be effectively modified or upgraded to avoid cable clutter, especially for TV or audio setups?

Even though the idea of modifying BESTÅ with holes and cable channels seems practical, you should carefully consider the long-term flexibility of the system. In my opinion, the original condition is often significantly compromised by such alterations, which can cause problems later when renovating the furniture or moving.

Why not rather use additional add-ons? For example, there are separate cable management boxes or organizers that can be placed inside drawers or attached at the back without modifying the furniture itself. This protects the value and allows for changes without much effort.

It is also important to consider the added value versus the cost of modifications: For just a few dollars more, you can buy power strips with integrated cable ties that can be mounted and adjusted flexibly.

PRA64 schrieb:
For multiple outlets, it is recommended to mount a power strip with a power switch directly inside.

That is practical, but also a potential fire hazard if adequate ventilation is not ensured. More advisable are loosely mounted solutions that you can simply remove if needed.

What do you think about solutions with a universal power strip and cable routed externally instead of modifying the furniture? Does that keep the setup flexible? Looking forward to your opinions.