ᐅ How can I transform my Ikea Besta cabinet into an elegant TV unit with cable management?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to convert my Ikea Besta cabinet into an elegant TV stand, focusing especially on effective cable management. It is important to me that the result is not only functional but also visually appealing since the cabinet is in the living room and should attract attention.

Does anyone have experience modifying the Besta to neatly hide cables behind the furniture? Are there any specific tips or materials suitable for drilling, cable passages, or cable channels that do not compromise the appearance?

Additionally, I would be interested to know if there are particular designs or additions that work well together to transform the rather simple cabinet into a real highlight of the room.

I look forward to tips, detailed instructions, or recommendations for different approaches!

Adamsar schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with modifying the Besta to neatly hide cables behind the furniture?

For effective cable management with the Besta, I recommend creating cutouts or drill holes in the rear panel. You can use a jigsaw or a hole saw attachment for a cordless drill. Afterwards, ideally install plastic cable channels to bundle the wires and protect them from damage.

Adamsar schrieb:
Are there any specific tips or materials suitable for drilling, pass-throughs, or cable channels that don’t spoil the appearance?

One solution is rubber grommets or cable pass-throughs that fit into the holes. This keeps the openings tidy and prevents the cables from fraying. For the visible front side, cable channels matching the color of the cabinet are recommended to keep them discreet.

For aesthetic improvement, I suggest topping the Besta with a glass plate or replacing the front panels with wood featuring a fine grain. This creates a high-quality finish.

Important: Before modifying, always take accurate measurements and consider existing construction details (hole rows, hinges) to avoid compromising stability.

In addition to Joshbe’s tips, I would like to suggest a simple step-by-step approach to equip your Besta dresser as a TV stand with effective cable management:

- Step 1: Plan the cable routes – sketch where each device will be placed and how the cables need to run.

- Step 2: Route the back panel by milling it out or drilling a hole with a hole saw (diameter about 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches)) to pass multiple cables through.

- Step 3: Always use cable grommets in the openings to prevent damage to the cables from wood splinters.

- Step 4: Attach small Velcro straps or clip systems inside the dresser to bundle and secure the cables, so they don’t hang loose.

- Step 5: For the front or visible areas, use flat cable channels or cable sleeves in matching colors or finish to maintain a tidy appearance.

- Step 6: Optionally, you can install LED backlighting or a glass shelf to enhance the look of the furniture and give it a more refined appearance.

A common mistake is to simply pass the cables loosely through the back panel – this quickly looks messy and leads to tangled cables. Therefore, using cable clips and guides is well worth the effort.

If you’re not very experienced with DIY, it’s advisable to tape off the cutting lines with masking tape before sawing; this reduces splintering of the wood.

Adamsar schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with modifying the Besta so that cables can be neatly hidden behind the furniture?

To upgrade the Besta as a TV unit with effective cable management, you can try the following proven approach:

First, remove the back panel or replace it with a thinner, more affordable board that you pre-drill with appropriate holes. Cable grommets or flexible rubber bushings are helpful for this.

Next, install cable channels inside the cabinet to bundle cables like HDMI, power, and audio together. You can attach these channels to the side panels using self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape or small clips. It’s important to plan the cable routing carefully to avoid tension or sharp bends.

If you want to improve the appearance, you can replace the original fronts with tinted glass fronts or oiled wood fronts. Ikea and third-party suppliers offer accessories for this purpose.

Finally, adding lighting is highly recommended to highlight the TV area – nowadays, smart LED strips can be easily attached behind the cabinet and controlled with minimal effort.

I hope this helps and makes sense in terms of effort versus benefit for you.