ᐅ How can I use IKEA BESTA as a TV unit with cable management?
Created on: 16 Apr 2023 10:23
K
Kusar47
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!
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!
To achieve a neat cable management system within IKEA Besta units, careful planning of the power supply is essential. I recommend the following structured approach:
- Electricians or experienced DIY enthusiasts should choose low-profile power strips that can be easily integrated into the back panel of the Besta unit.
- Cable grommets with rubber sleeves help reduce cable wear and provide a clean, professional appearance.
- Inside the unit, cables should be secured with clips to prevent tension on the connectors.
- Additionally, devices should be positioned to ensure proper air circulation, for example by allowing space and, if necessary, including ventilation slots.
This system is flexible if these points are considered and can be made nearly invisible.
- Electricians or experienced DIY enthusiasts should choose low-profile power strips that can be easily integrated into the back panel of the Besta unit.
- Cable grommets with rubber sleeves help reduce cable wear and provide a clean, professional appearance.
- Inside the unit, cables should be secured with clips to prevent tension on the connectors.
- Additionally, devices should be positioned to ensure proper air circulation, for example by allowing space and, if necessary, including ventilation slots.
This system is flexible if these points are considered and can be made nearly invisible.
theo63 schrieb:
I always wonder if it really makes sense to just drill random holes in BESTA. Who has reliable experience and evidence for this?You raised the issue of stability exactly right. Uncoordinated drilling can definitely cause damage.
My advice is: Don’t drill randomly, but rather carefully behind the shelves or on non-load-bearing surfaces. Some users drill into designated back panel areas of IKEA units, which are thin anyway and designed for such cutouts.
The effort is manageable if you work precisely and avoid damaging functional parts. Alternatively, you can use narrow cable channels on the outside if you prefer not to make holes.
Tinaneo schrieb:
Alternatively, you can use narrow cable ducts on the outside if you don't want to make holes.This is a practical alternative, especially in rental apartments or if you plan to repurpose the furniture later. Cable ducts made of self-adhesive plastic or metal provide flexibility and prevent damage to the furniture.
Additionally, I recommend using power strips with surge protection and a switch — these can be conveniently hidden inside a compartment and turned off centrally when needed.
I use my BESTA as a TV unit and can confirm: cable management works best with a combination of small holes drilled in the back panel and cable channels installed inside.
I also made sure not to store devices fully enclosed, opting for open compartments or inserts with grilles instead. This helps prevent overheating.
For the cable pass-throughs, I used rubber grommets to protect the cables and keep the appearance neat. In addition, I placed power strips inside on the right side, which can be operated via a toggle switch.
For anyone planning similar projects: take your time to measure precisely and plan the hole positions carefully—sketching beforehand is advisable. This will save you from having to do rework later.
I also made sure not to store devices fully enclosed, opting for open compartments or inserts with grilles instead. This helps prevent overheating.
For the cable pass-throughs, I used rubber grommets to protect the cables and keep the appearance neat. In addition, I placed power strips inside on the right side, which can be operated via a toggle switch.
For anyone planning similar projects: take your time to measure precisely and plan the hole positions carefully—sketching beforehand is advisable. This will save you from having to do rework later.
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