ᐅ How can I use IKEA BESTA as a TV unit with cable management?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently planning to redesign my living room and want to use the IKEA Besta system as a TV stand. Since I need to connect several devices—such as a receiver, gaming console, soundbar, and Chromecast—I’m wondering about the best way to manage the cables to keep a tidy and clean appearance.

Specifically, I’m interested in:
- Are there recommended methods for neatly routing or hiding cables inside the Besta cabinets?
- What cutouts or modifications to the Besta make sense to discreetly integrate power outlets and cable connections?
- Does anyone know good solutions for ventilating devices when cable openings are reduced or altered?
- And of course: How do you avoid cable clutter behind and inside the furniture setup?

I look forward to your experiences and tips so I don’t end up with a cable mess once the furniture is in place. Thanks in advance!

For using IKEA BESTA as a TV cabinet with effective cable management, I recommend the following points:

- Use cable grommets (cable pass-through tubes or openings) that can be easily drilled into the back panels of the BESTA units or use existing holes.
- Cable ducts or spiral wraps to bundle cables neatly inside the cabinet.
- Mount power strips with switches inside the furniture to make turning devices on and off easier and to avoid visible power strips.
- Ventilation holes (by drilling or using special IKEA parts) to ensure adequate heat dissipation for electronic devices.

It is important to always protect the interior from damage when drilling. Additionally, some buyers offer custom-cut openings for outlet backs that integrate well with the BESTA system.

Simply drill holes in the back panel, route the cables through cable glands, then use cable ties to secure them properly. Ensure ventilation by not placing the devices too close together.

I often wonder whether it really makes sense to just drill random holes in BESTA units. Does anyone have reliable experience or evidence that this does not permanently damage the furniture or affect its stability?

You often see DIY solutions, but I’m concerned that this could reduce the stability of the back panel, especially if multiple holes are made for cable routing. Are there any official guidelines from IKEA or professional recommendations on this?

Furthermore, I question how effective cable management really is if only cable ties are used – the cables usually remain visible anyway.

When dealing with cable clutter in the living room, I always think about simply arranging BESTA units as boxes and combining them with nice baskets for the electronics – this hides the cable mess quite well and still looks casual.

You don’t always have to make things complicated. 😉 Cable pass-throughs can also be made yourself by drilling holes in the right places, but baskets or concealed compartments create a clean look.

#LifeHack: Rubber gaskets around the cable openings minimize the unsightly fraying of the hole edges.

For cable management in BESTA, I recommend first cataloging all devices and deciding where power outlets should be placed.

Then:
- Drill holes in the back panel at appropriate spots (e.g., using a hole saw)
- Use cable ducts inside and at the back to neatly route cable bundles
- Connect a power strip inside the furniture, preferably with surge protection
- Use cable ties to bundle cables

It is especially important to ensure adequate ventilation by planning ventilation holes or open side panels to prevent devices from overheating.

In my own BESTA, I made corresponding cutouts and have had good experience using rubber grommets for cable management.