Looking for an affordable yet stylish modern TV stand? Today I’m sharing an IKEA BESTA hack for a media console that looks high end, without the designer price tag. I created a modern media console on a budget with two IKEA BESTA cabinets plus affordable IKEA cabinet doors, legs, and shelves. I also purchased brass knobs to finish off the look. This project was so easy, I’m not sure it even qualifies as a hack! Our completed IKEA TV stand has lots of storage and is extra wide (94.5 inches), so it is perfect under a large TV. Keep reading for the IKEA product list, tips for assembling the cabinets, and IKEA media console styling ideas!
A special thank you to my Sheila from Three Times a Home who is the first person I saw use BESTA cabinets this way, and who kindly answered my questions. Thanks friend!
2023 Update
Painting IKEA Furniture
After enjoying our budget friendly IKEA media console for several years, I decided to paint it gray for a new look. Tap to see which primer, paint, and method I used!
This post may contain affiliate links.
Planning an IKEA BESTA Hack Modern Media Console
IKEA TV Stand Product List
These are the IKEA parts you will need to complete this modern media console:
- BESTA frame (2)
- BESTA support leg (2)
- NANNARP legs (2-pack) or other legs (4)*
- HANVIKEN door (4)
- BESTA soft closing/push-open hinges (2-pack) (4)*
- BESTA shelf (4)
*You will need four 2-packs for a total of eight parts.
Designer Look Brass Knobs
The exact antique brass knobs that I used are no longer available, but these Amazon knobs are very similar! More pretty options for cabinet knobs:
Total Cost of the IKEA Media Console in 2023
Related post: Painting IKEA Furniture for a High End Look
You are probably curious about the cost of this DIY IKEA TV stand. At the time we completed this project in late 2019, the total cost for all of the IKEA parts was $390. In 2023, the cost for all of the IKEA parts is $460.
For a price comparison, media consoles with a similar look from CB2, Pottery Barn, and West Elm are over $1000!
Width of the IKEA BESTA Media Console
For reference, both of the TVs you see in this post are 65 inches.
Another factor to consider is the width of a media console compared to the size of your TV. The media consoles from other stores (that I linked above) range from 72-80 inches wide, while our IKEA BESTA media console is 94.5 inches wide! It really grounds our open concept living room and balances the large TV.
Taking the generous size and comparatively low price into account, the IKEA TV stand fit our budget and space perfectly. I also like that if a door gets damaged or I want to replace the legs, I can simple purchase new parts rather than replacing the entire console.
IKEA Pickup Tips for an Easy Experience
For this project, we used IKEA’s Click and Collect service. The kiddos and I stayed in the car while my husband went inside and picked up our order, which only took about 10 minutes!
Alternatively, you can create a shopping list on the IKEA website to print out (or view on your phone) for use in the store. Simply select “Add to Shopping List” when viewing an item. Then, while viewing your list you may select your local store to confirm that items are in stock and see their location in the warehouse (aisle and bin number).
How to Assemble IKEA BESTA Cabinets for a Modern Media Console
Here is my encouragement: if I can do it, you can too!
How Long It Takes to Build
The BESTA cabinet directions were relatively easy to follow. My husband and I built the two frames and installed the legs in one evening. The pieces are a bit heavy so having two people is ideal. I then installed the doors myself the next day, so all in all I would say it took about four hours.
Two Separate BESTA Cabinets
It is important to note that this console is made of two separate cabinets. You could probably attach the units to one another if you wanted to, but we kept our separate so they are easier to move around.
Cutting Holes In the Backing for Cables
If you plan to use your BESTA units as a media console, you will need to cut small holes in the backing of the BESTA frames to allow wires to pass through.
First, think about where you will be placing your game systems or other devices that need to be plugged in. Then, carefully use a utility knife or drill to create holes in the backing.
Installing Hinges, Doors, and Knobs
I attached the hinges, doors, and knobs myself in one afternoon while my daughter napped. Some thoughts:
Hinges: You must choose whether the hinges will be soft-closing or push-to-open. Since I was planning to add knobs, I selected soft-closing.
Doors: The trickiest part is aligning the doors so that they hang straight. I read the directions, but also used trial and error 😉 You can also search YouTube for videos!
Knobs: You will need to drill holes slightly larger than the screws. The doors are easy to drill through.
How to Decorate a Modern Media Console IKEA BESTA Hack
Finally, the best part–styling! We have enjoyed this piece for over four years, so I have several iterations of decor to show you!
White IKEA Media Console with Coastal Modern Decor
First up, my original IKEA TV stand decor. I had so much fun styling our new modern media console after daydreaming about it for a long time! This was four years ago so most of the exact items are no longer available, but here are similar options:
White IKEA TV Stand with Cozy Minimalist Decor
Secondly, this look features matching table lamps and a 96 inch faux olive tree that is still available! Shop more exact and similar decor here:
Painted Gray IKEA Media Console with Cozy Cottage Decor
After a few years I decided to paint our IKEA media console. You will find the primer, paint, and method I used in that post! Shop this cozy cottage decor look here:
IKEA TV Stand with The Samsung Frame TV
Last year I finally saved up and invested in the 65 inch Samsung Frame TV. Check out my honest Frame TV review! Other decor is linked here:
IKEA BESTA Media Console with Holiday Decor
Related post: Chic and Classy Halloween Decor Ideas
Finally, here is our IKEA media console styled with fall and Christmas decor. Do you enjoy seasonal decorating?
Media Console IKEA BESTA Hack: Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope you found this IKEA BESTA hack inspiring and helpful! Feel free to leave a question below, or send me a direct message on Instagram. Please tag me if you create your own modern media console because I would love to see it!
Tap for more easy DIY projects!
Can you please provide the link for the big round brass vase with the greenery in it next to the TV? I see similar ones in the link but I love that specific one!
Hello Daisy! Thank you so much for the comment 🙂 Unfortunately that particular vase is no longer available, it was from Target a few years ago. I haven’t been able to find the same one elsewhere. So sorry!
This may sound like a dumb question but do you have to open the doors to use your cable box, Apple TV etc? I want this but wondering if I need glass doors for the remote controls?
Hi Kim! Not a dumb question at all! Our tv is “smart” so we just use that to watch Netflix, etc. We don’t have cable, but we do open the doors to use gaming systems so they don’t overheat!
Hi! I love what you did here! What are the dimensions of your final console?!
Thank you so much Heather! The IKEA console is 94.5 inches (it is actually two smaller cabinets pushed together). Hope that helps!
Love the idea for extra storage. I don’t think you mentioned it but are you able to add shelving to the console?
Hello Maria! Yes you can purchase shelves to use inside of the console, which I linked! They are adjustable in terms of height 🙂
What colour are your walls?
Hi Evelyn! They are Polar Bear by Behr!
Thank you so much for posting this! My husband and I just put ours together and it completely transformed our living room. Lots of storage for the kiddos toys too which is amazing! I was able to put one cabinet together while he did the other. So, like you said if I can do so can you 🙂
Amanda, I’m so glad you love the media console! The storage is amazing 🙂 Thank you for the sweet comment!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS IKEA HACK!!! I have been searching up and down for a tv console that didn’t cost a fortune. I love you and am placing my order right now! 🙂
Aw Danielle your comment made my day! I’m so glad my post was helpful and hope you love the console 😊
Hi! Do you know the height of this console?
Hi Sarah! The console is 29.25” tall including the legs!
Hi , love the look I have a Besta with the 4″ legs but it seems to look low. Am I able to put 8″ legs on my unit? TY
Hi Pam! You can definitely try out different legs on your BESTA cabinets. One place to look is Pretty Pegs! Be sure to secure the units to the wall for safety, especially with taller legs. Hope that helps!
Hi! is there any difference of your hack or just buying two of these? It seems like some of the individual pieces are out of stock but i love this look and want it to look like yours! 🙂
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-storage-combination-with-doors-white-hanviken-stubbarp-white-s79282186/
Hi Adison! Looking at the measurements, I think it would work out to be the same, except with different legs! So glad you love the look! 🙂
I have a subwoofer that I would like to hide by putting it in the cabinet, but it’s a hair too big in depth… do you think the backing can just be left off so that it’ll fit? The backing is usually for support, but I have an Ikea Kallax that is made of the same material, and it has no backing. Maybe I should call Ikea 🙂
Hello Erin! Sorry for the delay in response. I think in this case the backing is probably necessary for support, but I would check with IKEA! Did you end up putting the subwoofer inside?
Hi there, I was just wondering for the knobs, did you get *Solid brass with brushed bronze finish* or *Solid brass with hand-rubbed antique brass finish* I can’t tell from the picture which one you purchased.
Hi Jessica! I chose the antique brass!
Hello Caitlin,
I tried out your ikea console set up. And I had a few questions regarding the setup. Did you have a lot of pieces left over and was the final product a little wobbly? When we built besta unit it was wobbly and when we attached the doors they weren’t very aligned. Any tips or help you can give us would be very much appreciated..
Hello Jeraldin! Thanks for reaching out. It is possible that I had extra pieces, I built this a year ago so it has been a while, however ours is not wobbly. Did you install the backing which is a heavy board you nail on? That should help make it sturdy. As for the doors, you need to align them by adjusting the hinges. Search Youtube for “How to adjust Ikea Besta hinges” for helpful videos! Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi, what size TV do you have hanging over this? Thank you! (im debating between 3 doors or 4)
Hi Haley! This is a 65 inch!
Hi there! We love this hack! We actually just went out and bought everything for it! Ours has been tilting when opening the doors – did you mount yours to the wall to prevent the unit from tipping? If so, how did you secure it? The screws in the package didn’t have an anchor and since we have baseboards the screw provided doesn’t reach the wall? Just wondering if you had any issues with securing it? 🙂
Hello Lydia! Thank you so much for the comment and I’m sorry that you are having the issue with the console tipping!! 🙁 Ours is not secured to the wall (we like to be able to move it out to plug / unplug things) and it is still very sturdy. I’m not sure what would be causing this! Did you install all of the legs? There should be NANAARP legs in the front and back of each cabinet (8 NANAARP legs total) as well as two BESTA support legs. So altogether there are 10 legs. That is the only thing I can think of?
Mine tip too!! Very frustrating. Mine are on carpet, though, I wonder if that’s why. On each unit I used 4 legs and the supporting one…. Will tip when I open the door. Lydia, did you end up securing to wall??
Zoey, I am so sorry that you are experiencing this! Did you install the backing board and/or add the shelves inside? I think that should help balance the weight. Also, have you put anything inside of the cabinets? Mine have game systems and books inside, which helps keep them stable. But I would definitely recommend securing them to the wall if the unit continues tipping, especially with the carpet. Hope that helps!
What is the height of your console? I was looking on ikea for the dimensions of the cabinet and the legs separately, but they don’t list how tall the legs are. Thank you!!
Hi Mindy! Sorry for the delay. The console is 29.25” tall including the legs!
I really love the entire feel of your room. Any chance you remember where the throw over the back of your sofa is from? Such a great touch.
Hi Claire! Thank you so much! 🙂 The throw was from Homegoods, probably a year ago. This one is the same fabric and color, just no stripes: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ex8q3hcicsp Hope that helps!
Looks great!! A question, when attaching two units and looking from the top down does it look like two separate pieces? From the pictures it looks like one solid piece, on the part where the vase and accessories are is that the case? And if so what piece is there to make the seam of the two units disappear? Thanks so much!
Hi Ellen! I apologize for the delay here! We actually did not attach the units, and the seam is in fact visible from the top. It doesn’t bother me visually, and it makes it easier to access the cables behind if necessary 🙂
I’m wondering if you could tell me where you got the blue/white baskets next to the media console? Thanks!
Hi Peggy! The lidded baskets were a Homegoods find, but they are very similar to the small and medium baskets here: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/d2xpdvcicsp Hope that helps!
That was a great idea. It turned out really nice. I love the black and white rug that you have, Do you have a link to where you got it from? I didn’t see this black and white carpet in the shop my home links.
Thank you!
Vanessa
Thank you so much! Here is the link for the rug: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/djg56vcicsp Mine is Ivory in the 7’6×9’6
Love the look of the console! Where do you use the Besta support legs? Thanks.
Hi Lisa! The support legs go in the center of each cabinet on the bottom. The directions explain where to put them! Hope that helps.
Do you think this would still look good with those legs on the besta unit that has 3 cabinets instead of 4 like yours? Wondering if the legs would look odd.. I lovee this look but 4 cabinets would be way too big for the space we are moving into!
Hi Catherine! I have not seen the three cabinet option in person so hard to say, but I think you are right that the legs I used might not work. If you look at the inspiration pic above from The_CornellRanch on Instagram, Ashley used a different leg style for her 3 cabinet console, which may be a better option. Hope that helps!
What size tv is this?
Hi Ashley! It is 65″!
This living room is beautifully designed! What are the frame sizes that you used for the botanical artwork? And where is the artwork from?
Hello Hema, I’m so sorry for the delay here! The artwork is called Botanical I and Botanical II from juniperprintshop.com . I used a custom art size of 20×25, however I would recommend going for a standard size (perhaps 18×24) and using a cute poster frame like this one: https://rstyle.me/+oAqoZkdeYpC6TQ_XFgsbWQ Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Catherine Did make another hole for your knobs or did you use the hole already made on the door?
Hi Mel! I drilled holes for the knobs as there are no pre-drilled holes!
Best ikea find ever! Saw this and went out to buy it same day. We had order something else a little more traditional but it came and had defective parts, as well as being “cream” even though being listed as white. So decided to keep it simple and go with this. Thank you!!!!
I’m so glad you love it Tricia! 🙂
My floor is uneven from end to end. Ate these legs adjustable? I need to be able to adjust one end of unit higher than the other.
Hello Gen, I apologize for the delay! I do not think they legs we used are adjustable, but these ones are!
Hi Caitlin! What size doors did you get? I see two different options! Thanks! love the piece!
Thanks so much Lindsey! The doors are the HANVIKEN Door, 23 5/8 x 25 1/4″!
We want to put five of these next to each other but are worried about the doors hitting against the one next to it when we open them. Is there enough room to open the door or does it bump up against the one next to it?
The TV hanging over the console looks great, but do you think it would work to place a TV directly on the surface? Would there be balance issues?
Hi Sam! I apologize for the delay. In the past we did have our tv directly on a media console, not this one, but I think it would work. My only concern would be if kiddos or pets are running around, it would not be secured. That is one of the reasons we decided to mount ours!
Love this! My husband and I want to put two of the side-by-side but worried about the doors hitting against the one next to it when we open them. Is there enough room to open the door or does it bump up against the one next to it?
Also, how does the top of the cabinet look like one solid surface when it’s two cabinets put together? Thank you
Hello Lee! Thank you for your comment. The doors open just fine, except of course if you open the two middle doors all the way at the same time, then the knobs will hit one another. But this has not been an issue for us! You can definitely open the doors one at a time, no problem. As for the top, it doesn’t look like a solid surface–you can see that it is two cabinets. It is not really noticeable unless you are standing right next to it! Hope that helps 🙂
How high did you mount the tv from the console?
Thanks!
Hello Dawn! The bottom of the tv is 11.5 inches from the top on the media console!
I love this post! We are actually doing the same assembly currently but trying to figure out how you used the support legs and how did you Join the units?
Hi Meika! Each cabinet should have one support leg in the center. The instructions tell you where to install it! We actually did not join the units, it makes it easier to access cables behind when necessary.
Your room is beautiful and I love your style! I’m
hoping to create the same media counsel so thank you for the idea and links. Where did you get your couch? I love that too!
Thanks so much Stacy! Our sofa was from a local store about 10 years ago and I was never able to find it online. It was called the Tribeca sectional by Broyhill. We replaced our furniture last year, if you would like to see the new look! Article Sitka Sofa Review