ᐅ How can I modify Ikea Besta units to fit as TV furniture with a soundbar?
Created on: 25 Mar 2022 18:07
G
gerdboHello everyone,
I plan to modify my Ikea Besta shelving unit to optimize it as a TV stand with a soundbar. Specifically, I want to ensure that the soundbar is either discreetly integrated or placed on the furniture without compromising the sound quality, while also providing sufficient ventilation for the electronics.
I’m interested in what modifications or adjustments you would recommend to:
- securely mount or install the soundbar
- allow enough space for ventilation at the back and sides
- enable tidy cable management
- possibly maintain or increase storage space efficiently
Has anyone had experience with cutting or reinforcing the shelves, or installing ventilation grilles? Are there particular models that work especially well together? I look forward to your tips and suggestions!
I plan to modify my Ikea Besta shelving unit to optimize it as a TV stand with a soundbar. Specifically, I want to ensure that the soundbar is either discreetly integrated or placed on the furniture without compromising the sound quality, while also providing sufficient ventilation for the electronics.
I’m interested in what modifications or adjustments you would recommend to:
- securely mount or install the soundbar
- allow enough space for ventilation at the back and sides
- enable tidy cable management
- possibly maintain or increase storage space efficiently
Has anyone had experience with cutting or reinforcing the shelves, or installing ventilation grilles? Are there particular models that work especially well together? I look forward to your tips and suggestions!
Hi gerdbo, great topic that will surely interest many! 🙂
I remodeled my Besta myself to neatly fit the soundbar at the front. My advice:
- Remove the middle bottom panel and install a slanted panel so the soundbar projects sound slightly upward.
- Drill ventilation holes directly in the back panel to prevent the electronics from overheating.
- Create a small notch at the bottom of the back for cable management.
This is actually easier than it sounds! Don’t be afraid to do a few test runs with your cordless drill. It works really well! Good luck!
I remodeled my Besta myself to neatly fit the soundbar at the front. My advice:
- Remove the middle bottom panel and install a slanted panel so the soundbar projects sound slightly upward.
- Drill ventilation holes directly in the back panel to prevent the electronics from overheating.
- Create a small notch at the bottom of the back for cable management.
This is actually easier than it sounds! Don’t be afraid to do a few test runs with your cordless drill. It works really well! Good luck!
Hello gerdbo,
to implement the renovation properly from a technical perspective, you should first precisely measure your soundbar, especially its height, width, and depth. From these measurements alone, you can determine whether a fully recessed installation is possible or if it’s better to plan for the soundbar to be placed on top.
In detail, I recommend the following steps:
- Removal or adjustment of the middle shelves: Especially if the soundbar is slim, a specially designed, narrow shelf can help to visually integrate the device while also allowing for optimal positioning.
- Ventilation: Partially lift the back panel or replace it with one that has ventilation holes or a grille, particularly to avoid heat buildup during operation of the soundbar and the connected receiver.
- Cable management: Use cable grommets or cable channels that can be attached at the back. This prevents cable clutter and creates a neat appearance.
- Stability: If you remove or modify the shelf, reinforce the sides of the unit with brackets or additional wood to keep the furniture stable.
I’m wondering: How wide and high is your Besta, and what size is your soundbar? That would help to provide more targeted advice.
to implement the renovation properly from a technical perspective, you should first precisely measure your soundbar, especially its height, width, and depth. From these measurements alone, you can determine whether a fully recessed installation is possible or if it’s better to plan for the soundbar to be placed on top.
In detail, I recommend the following steps:
- Removal or adjustment of the middle shelves: Especially if the soundbar is slim, a specially designed, narrow shelf can help to visually integrate the device while also allowing for optimal positioning.
- Ventilation: Partially lift the back panel or replace it with one that has ventilation holes or a grille, particularly to avoid heat buildup during operation of the soundbar and the connected receiver.
- Cable management: Use cable grommets or cable channels that can be attached at the back. This prevents cable clutter and creates a neat appearance.
- Stability: If you remove or modify the shelf, reinforce the sides of the unit with brackets or additional wood to keep the furniture stable.
I’m wondering: How wide and high is your Besta, and what size is your soundbar? That would help to provide more targeted advice.
Gafiel schrieb:
I wonder: How wide and tall is your Besta, and what are the dimensions of your soundbar? That would help provide more targeted advice.Thank you for the detailed response! My Besta is 120 cm (47 inches) wide, 40 cm (16 inches) deep, and 64 cm (25 inches) high. The soundbar is 90 cm (35 inches) wide, about 6 cm (2.5 inches) high, and 12 cm (5 inches) deep. It’s important for me that the soundbar can project sound freely at the front, so I was thinking about creating some kind of pedestal or recess at the front.
The back panel is currently closed, but I could modify it if needed. Stability is important since I will be placing other electronics on top as well.
How would you specifically design the recess or pedestal? And is simple ventilation at the back enough, or should ventilation slots also be added to the sides?
Hello gerdbo and everyone else,
I recommend considering sound reflection and dispersion when modifying the Besta unit for a soundbar. Soundbars usually require an open or only slightly limited front to avoid distorting the sound.
Therefore:
- Avoid a closed front; the soundbar should be able to project sound directly towards the listener.
- If you create a recess, the soundbar should protrude by about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches), or the furniture edges should be angled to prevent sound reflections.
- Rear ventilation is generally sufficient, as ventilation slots on the sides provide no extra benefit unless the soundbar is placed very close to the walls.
- Ensure enough distance to the back panel: at least 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches) for heat circulation.
In summary, I find it practical to place the soundbar on a customized shelf that extends in front of the unit and to modify or completely remove the back panel to ensure free airflow.
I recommend considering sound reflection and dispersion when modifying the Besta unit for a soundbar. Soundbars usually require an open or only slightly limited front to avoid distorting the sound.
Therefore:
- Avoid a closed front; the soundbar should be able to project sound directly towards the listener.
- If you create a recess, the soundbar should protrude by about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches), or the furniture edges should be angled to prevent sound reflections.
- Rear ventilation is generally sufficient, as ventilation slots on the sides provide no extra benefit unless the soundbar is placed very close to the walls.
- Ensure enough distance to the back panel: at least 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches) for heat circulation.
In summary, I find it practical to place the soundbar on a customized shelf that extends in front of the unit and to modify or completely remove the back panel to ensure free airflow.
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