ᐅ How can I convert Ikea BESTA into a TV and media unit?

You can find cable grommets in hardware stores or from cable accessory suppliers, usually as rubber grommets. Just search for "rubber cable gland."

For reinforcement: Small metal brackets with three screws are often enough to stabilize side walls.

In addition to the points mentioned so far: If you plan to visually enhance the Besta units, it can be helpful to replace the fronts or cover them with adhesive films.

It is important to check whether the original hinge holes match or if new holes need to be drilled.

Also, the back panels made of thin hardboard can be completely replaced with sturdier panels if needed, which you can then paint or varnish as you wish.

To keep cables neatly organized and prevent them from lying loose in the compartments, you could install special cable clips or hook-and-loop straps inside. This way, everything stays tidy.

TANNERNA41 schrieb:
My goal is to achieve an attractive look while providing suitable storage for my devices and cables, without having to completely take the furniture apart.

Why even modify it? Ikea BESTA is originally not designed as a media furniture system – almost everything you want to do will involve compromises, especially regarding stability and appearance.

My advice: if you are willing to invest time and money, a fully custom-built piece made to measure is usually more worthwhile.

"Upgrading" Ikea furniture is popular, but often you end up with visible flaws, too many holes, and instability.

That said, for those on a budget, modifying it is an interesting project – just don’t expect too much optimization.

ANMARCOS schrieb:
If you want to invest time and money, a fully custom-built piece of furniture is usually more worthwhile.

That’s basically true, but I appreciate the modularity and value for money of Ikea BESTA. So I want to try to make the best of it.

One more technical question: What about ventilation if I install devices behind doors? Are there practical and visually unobtrusive solutions to prevent heat buildup? Ventilation grilles or small slots might be possible – what works well without spoiling the furniture’s appearance?

Here are some practical ventilation tips from my experience:

- Open back panels are most effective if you don’t plan to install doors behind the devices.
- If doors are used, I recommend ventilation grilles at the bottom of the doors or side panels. There are discreet black or white grilles that blend in well.
- Alternatively, small, usually concealed air slots about 5 mm (0.2 inches) wide at the bottom edge of the doors can be used. These are hardly visible but still allow for air circulation.
- Make sure the warm air can escape from the top. Multiple openings at the bottom and top of the side panel create natural airflow.
- Avoid closed compartments without ventilation, especially for AV receivers or consoles, as they can easily overheat.

Additionally, small, quiet fans from the PC sector can be installed if the ventilation is not sufficient.

In addition to the topic of ventilation and cable management, here is a brief, structured summary:

- Precisely position and mark before drilling cable passthrough holes.
- Use hole saws starting at 6cm (2.4 inches) diameter to create clean cable openings.
- Reinforce all load-bearing elements as needed with internal brackets.
- Replace thin back panels with more stable MDF or plywood.
- Ventilation grilles or discreet air slots on doors are mandatory for built-in electronic devices.
- Use cable clips or hook-and-loop straps to keep cables organized.
- Door panels can be replaced, but hinge holes should fit precisely or be pre-drilled.
- Surfaces can be sanded and refinished to achieve a higher-quality appearance.

A small but often underestimated detail: optionally install a cable duct behind the furniture, so you don’t have to reorganize all cables every time.