ᐅ How can I modify an IKEA BESTA cabinet to use it as a TV stand?

Hello everyone, I am considering modifying my IKEA Besta chest of drawers to make it ideal for use as a TV stand. Specifically, I would like to know how to best adjust the existing drawers and compartments to create enough space for media devices such as a receiver, game console, and speakers. I am also interested in how to implement cable management to keep everything tidy and out of sight. Last but not least, I would appreciate suggestions on how to make the piece more stable or better suited to the increased load from the television. Are there any people here with experience in such a conversion or tips on which materials are particularly suitable? Thank you in advance!

Hello PIGEORGINA, your project is definitely feasible – the BESTA series is quite versatile. For converting it into a TV stand, you should mainly consider the following points:

- Removing the drawer fronts or installing doors if you prefer open storage.
- Removing individual shelves to add larger devices like receivers or gaming consoles.
- Installing ventilated back panels, such as cutouts or perforated sheets, for good cable management and airflow.
- Attachment options for cables at the back, for example with cable clips or cable channels.
- Reinforcing the top surface if your TV is heavy, possibly with additional crossbars or by drilling and fitting angle brackets inside.

If you are comfortable using some basic tools, the conversion is quite achievable. Don’t be discouraged, as this way you can customize the furniture to your needs.

dunitan schrieb:
For the conversion to a TV cabinet, you should especially consider the following points:

I can only agree with that but would like to add that it is worth measuring the BESTA panels precisely and, if necessary, switching to more stable materials, especially for the base panel that supports the TV’s weight. The standard panels are not designed to withstand the additional load of heavy televisions.

Furthermore, I recommend not simply removing the back panel, but replacing it with a cut-out plywood board prepared for cable openings. This is much more stable and contributes to torsional stiffness.

Another tip: If you want to integrate speakers or soundbars, you can also cover the cabinet with some foam or fabric to improve acoustics and reduce dust accumulation.

Hey PIGEORGINA, really exciting project! 😄 I also had a lot of fun converting my BESTA into a TV unit back then. Here are my tips:

- Remove the drawers and install shelves instead, so you can flexibly place your devices.
- For cables, I cut a thin back panel with larger holes – it looks a bit like a grid system and gives a cool “hole-style” effect 😂
- Important: Make sure your TV isn’t too close to the wall, or it might overheat.
- And honestly, a little secret tip: LED strips underneath make the whole thing look really stylish without making it look like a disco 😉

Good luck, it’s going to be great!

sonplo schrieb:
The standard panels are not designed to support the additional weight of heavy TVs.

I find this point important and would like to add a critical remark here: Many users underestimate the load-bearing capacity of the BESTA units. Even if the surface seems stable, the particleboard panels can warp or bend under continuous load. Therefore, reinforcement with solid wood or metal brackets is not only advisable but necessary for large TVs.

Additionally, you should check whether the furniture’s legs properly distribute the load. Often, they serve only a decorative purpose, while the main load is concentrated on the panels, causing pressure marks.

I also recommend asking about the unit’s maximum load capacity in advance or checking the product description to be on the safe side.

Wow, there are already some great tips here! 😊 About a year ago, I converted my BESTA into a TV stand – and I can only encourage you: go for it! It’s really fun to complete projects like this.

I also attached a few casters underneath, so I can move the furniture if I want to rearrange. The advantage is that you have more flexibility with the wiring without having to redo everything.

enrique7 schrieb:
Reinforcing with solid wood or metal brackets is not only useful but necessary for large TVs anyway.

That’s exactly what I did! And with a few self-adhesive cable channels, the cable management looks super neat. It’s just great when the TV is standing securely and everything looks good! 🙂

So, just go ahead and give it a try!