ᐅ IKEA BESTA DIY – How Do I Install a Built-In Charging Station?
Created on: 2 Jan 2020 08:37
K
KunaboHello everyone,
I am planning to upgrade my Ikea Besta sideboard by adding an integrated charging station. I have a few questions: What is the best way to make the necessary cutouts without compromising the furniture’s structural integrity and appearance? Which chargers or modules are recommended if I want to integrate wireless charging (Qi standard)? Also, I am interested in the process to ensure neat cable management inside and which tools are most suitable. Are there any experiences on how to properly connect mains power, and whether safety features like fuses or surge protection should be installed? I look forward to tips on practical steps, any required accessories, and advice on the expected effort in terms of time and materials. Thanks in advance to everyone sharing their experiences!
I am planning to upgrade my Ikea Besta sideboard by adding an integrated charging station. I have a few questions: What is the best way to make the necessary cutouts without compromising the furniture’s structural integrity and appearance? Which chargers or modules are recommended if I want to integrate wireless charging (Qi standard)? Also, I am interested in the process to ensure neat cable management inside and which tools are most suitable. Are there any experiences on how to properly connect mains power, and whether safety features like fuses or surge protection should be installed? I look forward to tips on practical steps, any required accessories, and advice on the expected effort in terms of time and materials. Thanks in advance to everyone sharing their experiences!
Hey Kunabo! Really exciting project—I love it when furniture can be so practically extended! :-)
Some time ago, I installed a Qi charging station into my BESTA unit (well, actually built it in 😄). It’s important that you first carefully decide where the USB/Qi module should be placed. I cut a small rectangle with a jigsaw to inset the Qi charger flush with the surface. Definitely use a fine-toothed plunge-cut saw for a cleaner edge.
Regarding power supply: I installed a small USB charger from Anker behind the furniture, connected to a power outlet via a hidden cable. I didn’t use any extra fuses, but having a distribution box with surge protection certainly can’t hurt!
My tip: Keep the cable management clear with zip ties and cable channels. That way everything stays neat and safe.
Go for it—you’ll do great! If you want, I can share more details about the products I used.
Some time ago, I installed a Qi charging station into my BESTA unit (well, actually built it in 😄). It’s important that you first carefully decide where the USB/Qi module should be placed. I cut a small rectangle with a jigsaw to inset the Qi charger flush with the surface. Definitely use a fine-toothed plunge-cut saw for a cleaner edge.
Regarding power supply: I installed a small USB charger from Anker behind the furniture, connected to a power outlet via a hidden cable. I didn’t use any extra fuses, but having a distribution box with surge protection certainly can’t hurt!
My tip: Keep the cable management clear with zip ties and cable channels. That way everything stays neat and safe.
Go for it—you’ll do great! If you want, I can share more details about the products I used.
P
pauPierce2 Jan 2020 10:46Hello Kunabo,
regarding your project: I recommend precisely adjusting the cutout for the Qi charger to the dimensions of the module. The best way is to use a router with a suitable bit to ensure clean edges and an exact fit for the charger. A router with a depth stop is very helpful for this. If you don’t have a router, you can also use a step drill and files, but this is much more time-consuming and less precise.
For power supply: If you hide a USB power adapter inside the furniture, make sure it has the necessary safety certification (e.g., CE marking). For secure mounting, fasten the power supply inside with screws or M7 nuts to a small custom-made bracket. Surge protection is advisable, especially if you want good protection for your electronics.
Cable management: Cable ducts or cable clips are highly recommended to prevent pinching and cable damage. Also, consider providing enough space for heat dissipation from the power supply.
Optional: Installing a small LED indicator or status light for charging is very practical.
Where exactly should the charging station be installed in the BESTA? This will help to better plan accessibility and wiring.
regarding your project: I recommend precisely adjusting the cutout for the Qi charger to the dimensions of the module. The best way is to use a router with a suitable bit to ensure clean edges and an exact fit for the charger. A router with a depth stop is very helpful for this. If you don’t have a router, you can also use a step drill and files, but this is much more time-consuming and less precise.
For power supply: If you hide a USB power adapter inside the furniture, make sure it has the necessary safety certification (e.g., CE marking). For secure mounting, fasten the power supply inside with screws or M7 nuts to a small custom-made bracket. Surge protection is advisable, especially if you want good protection for your electronics.
Cable management: Cable ducts or cable clips are highly recommended to prevent pinching and cable damage. Also, consider providing enough space for heat dissipation from the power supply.
Optional: Installing a small LED indicator or status light for charging is very practical.
Where exactly should the charging station be installed in the BESTA? This will help to better plan accessibility and wiring.
pauPierce schrieb:
Where exactly is the charging station supposed to be installed in the BESTA? This helps to better plan accessibility and wiring.Thank you for your detailed tips! I was thinking of installing the Qi charging pad on the top surface, preferably centered on one of the large areas of the BESTA sideboard (for example, under a glass panel), so I can simply place my phone on it. Inside, I want to integrate the USB power supply, with the power cable running as discreetly as possible to the wall outlet. Cable management is very important to me here because I want to keep the sideboard as original-looking as possible, without visible cables on the side.
There is about 40cm (16 inches) of space between the front openings and the back, so I think I can comfortably store the power supply and cables inside. Still, I would like to know if you have experience with specific/compact power supplies that do not generate much heat. I want to avoid the furniture overheating internally.
I am also interested in any recommended kits with a Qi charger and power supply that are especially suitable for such DIY projects.
A
Alberto513 Jan 2020 10:52Hello Kunabo, I find your questions very understandable, as I often find myself balancing between perfect appearance and functional technology, and one affects the other.
Regarding your concern about heat generation: there are indeed compact chargers with “Low Heat” technology, for example from reputable manufacturers. These usually work with better energy efficiency and often produce less heat. I once installed such a charger, which barely warmed up even after hours of charging, and the furniture only felt slightly warm to the touch.
If you are looking for these sets, I would recommend modules with 10 watts or less, specifically designed for Qi-certified devices. They usually also include various safety features (temperature, overvoltage, short circuit). Safety is my top priority as well, so I fully understand your concern.
Sometimes ventilation behind the BESTA cabinet also plays a role, such as planning small ventilation slots. That fits well with what you mentioned about the 40 cm (16 inches) of space.
If you want, I can also send you my list of good Qi charger modules.
Regarding your concern about heat generation: there are indeed compact chargers with “Low Heat” technology, for example from reputable manufacturers. These usually work with better energy efficiency and often produce less heat. I once installed such a charger, which barely warmed up even after hours of charging, and the furniture only felt slightly warm to the touch.
If you are looking for these sets, I would recommend modules with 10 watts or less, specifically designed for Qi-certified devices. They usually also include various safety features (temperature, overvoltage, short circuit). Safety is my top priority as well, so I fully understand your concern.
Sometimes ventilation behind the BESTA cabinet also plays a role, such as planning small ventilation slots. That fits well with what you mentioned about the 40 cm (16 inches) of space.
If you want, I can also send you my list of good Qi charger modules.
Hello everyone,
I would like to add my experience: For the charging station installed in the Ikea BESTA, it is important for beginners that the width or length of the cutout exactly matches the charging electronics. Otherwise, the module may shift when placing the smartphone.
Another tip: If you plan to use a phone case, allow approximately 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 inches) of space between the charging surface and the module. Qi charging works through cases to a certain extent, but materials that are too thick can reduce charging efficiency.
Regarding the connection:
- Make sure all solder joints and cable connectors are clean and secure.
- A USB power adapter with 5V/2A or 5V/2.4A output is suitable for power supply.
- Use cables with an adequate cross-section (at least 22 AWG).
To plan from the start, I recommend positioning the electronics temporarily before cutting and testing how charging works with your phones.
Sometimes silicone mats placed under the module help to prevent vibrations and scratches on the surface.
I would like to add my experience: For the charging station installed in the Ikea BESTA, it is important for beginners that the width or length of the cutout exactly matches the charging electronics. Otherwise, the module may shift when placing the smartphone.
Another tip: If you plan to use a phone case, allow approximately 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 inches) of space between the charging surface and the module. Qi charging works through cases to a certain extent, but materials that are too thick can reduce charging efficiency.
Regarding the connection:
- Make sure all solder joints and cable connectors are clean and secure.
- A USB power adapter with 5V/2A or 5V/2.4A output is suitable for power supply.
- Use cables with an adequate cross-section (at least 22 AWG).
To plan from the start, I recommend positioning the electronics temporarily before cutting and testing how charging works with your phones.
Sometimes silicone mats placed under the module help to prevent vibrations and scratches on the surface.
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