Your living room deserves better than a basic entertainment setup that screams “furniture store display.” These ikea media center hacks & ideas transform ordinary pieces into custom entertainment solutions that actually fit your space and style.
The beauty lies in IKEA’s modular approach, which lets you mix different units and add personal touches. Smart cable management, hidden storage compartments, and creative styling turn simple shelving into sophisticated media centers.
Ready to build something that looks intentional instead of thrown together?
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Add Backlit Wood Slats Around Your TV Screen
The vertical wood slats create a frame that transforms your Ikea Besta into something you’d see in a high-end hotel lobby. Tucking LED strips behind those slats gives off this warm amber glow that makes movie nights feel way more luxurious than they actually are.
The contrast between the pale grey cabinet doors and the honey-toned wood works surprisingly well here. You could swap the slats for darker walnut if your room leans moody, or even paint them to match your walls for a more subtle look, and @theflatpackmanni shows how clean the lines stay when you measure twice.
The whole setup sits flush against the wall without looking boxy or boring.
Brighten Your Space With Floral Wallpaper Backing
The Ikea Besta gets an unexpected lift when you line the back of open shelving with soft floral wallpaper. It transforms plain white cabinets into something that feels collected and personal, like the shelves have stories to tell.
This setup from @townhouse_on_the_green pairs the neutral blooms with cream Besta units, creating a cozy media wall that doesn’t scream “flat-pack furniture.” The TV sits right in the middle, flanked by styled shelves that feel balanced without being too matchy.
You could swap the pattern for bold geometric prints or even peel-and-stick grasscloth for a different vibe entirely.
Built-In Alcove Shelving Enlivens Minimal Media Walls
The sage green cabinetry flanking this fireplace transforms basic storage into a seamless media wall that hides clutter without feeling heavy. Those floating shelves on the right keep your favorite books or plants on display while lower cabinets tuck away remotes and gaming gear.
The natural wood mantel breaks up all that painted surface and adds warmth you can swap for any stain shade. This setup from @suffolkdoorsandwindows shows how painting IKEA units in one cohesive color creates that custom built-in look everyone wants.
Try adding picture frame molding to plain cabinet doors for extra detail without the carpenter fees.
Curate a Moody Home Theater With Built-In Storage
Dark walls and a wall-mounted projector screen turn this Ikea Besta setup into something straight out of a luxury cinema. The gray-toned cabinets run the full length of the wall, creating tons of hidden storage while the recessed alcove gives the screen a custom built-in look.
This design from @miss_decor_cheshire proves that Besta units work brilliantly for more than just TVs. The matte finish on those cabinet fronts contrasts beautifully against the moody charcoal backdrop, and speakers tucked into the side alcove keep everything streamlined.
You could swap in lighter wood tones or add LED strips under the cabinets for extra ambiance.
Infuse Drama With a Built-In Electric Fireplace Feature
The Ikea Besta gets a serious upgrade when you cut out a section for an electric fireplace insert, creating a focal point that feels custom-built. Pairing white cabinet fronts with the soft glow of blue and orange flames adds warmth without the hassle of traditional fireplaces.
@cmaelectrical shows how a simple modification turns basic storage into something truly special. The decorative stones inside the fireplace add texture, while the wall-mounted TV above completes the entertainment zone.
You can swap in different colored stones or adjust the flame settings to match your mood.
Refresh Your Living Room with Floating Black Besta Units
Suspending your Ikea Besta cabinets off the floor creates this sleek, weightless look that makes a room feel twice as spacious. The glossy black finish against crisp white walls gives you that modern gallery vibe, while the recessed LED lighting adds soft ambiance behind the TV wall.
This setup from @harrison.storyhomes shows how wall-mounting transforms basic storage into architectural drama. The integrated fireplace on the right balances the long horizontal line of cabinets, creating visual interest without cluttering the minimalist aesthetic.
You could swap the black for walnut veneer or even a custom painted finish to match your existing furniture.
Layer Natural Textures Around Your Besta Wall Unit
The IKEA Besta gets a serious upgrade when you combine white cabinets with warm wood-toned open shelving and a vertical slat panel behind the TV. This setup from @housetohomeuk shows how mixing smooth matte finishes with natural oak creates depth without feeling cluttered.
Woven baskets tucked into the lower shelves keep things tidy while adding that cozy, organic vibe. The vertical slats work as a textured backdrop that makes the screen feel like part of the design instead of just stuck on the wall.
You could swap the white doors for walnut or add brass handles to personalize it even more.
Spotlight Vertical Paneling That Transforms Basic Ikea Storage
Vertical white paneling wraps the Ikea Platsa cabinets in this setup, creating a custom built-in look that hides the flat-pack origins completely. The VJ panels add texture and depth to what would otherwise be plain surfaces, and those brass circular pulls provide just enough contrast without overwhelming the clean aesthetic.
Keeping things low to the ground opens up wall space for a mounted TV while those woven baskets underneath add practical storage that looks intentional. The Interiors Addict shows how simple panel adhesive and a bit of patience turns budget furniture into something you’d pay custom prices for.
The floating shelf above keeps decor minimal, letting the paneling do the talking.
Curate Built-In Shelving Around Your Wall-Mounted Display
Those flanking white shelves aren’t random additions, they’re Ikea Besta units modified with textured panel inserts that give the entire wall a custom millwork feel. The recessed niches cradle everything from sculptural vases to greenery, making your media center feel more like an art gallery than just a spot for your TV.
The textured backing in each cubby adds depth without overwhelming the clean lines, and @e2design_interiors shows how strategic styling turns storage into statement pieces. You can swap the inserts for wallpaper, wood slats, or even mirrors to match your vibe.
It’s a clever way to balance function with serious visual impact that feels intentional, not cluttered.
Spotlight Dusty Mauve Billy Cabinets With Brass Sconces
This Ikea Billy transformation uses a gorgeous dusty mauve paint to create a built-in look that feels totally custom. The addition of brass wall sconces on either side of the TV adds a warm glow that makes the whole setup feel like high-end millwork instead of flat-pack furniture.
The cabinet doors keep clutter hidden while open shelving on the sides gives you space to style decorative pieces like wreaths and books. @lifewithbecx nailed the balance between functional storage and display, proving that paint and lighting can completely elevate basic bookcases.
Swap the brass hardware for something sleeker if modern minimalism is more your vibe.
Brighten Your Living Room With Built In Display Shelves
The Ikea Kallax gets a serious upgrade when you frame it with custom-built shelving around your TV. This clever hack from @aaninteriorsltd uses pale gray paint to create that built-in look without the crazy construction costs.
Those woven baskets below hide all the remotes and cables while keeping everything accessible. The upper display shelf shows off family photos and decorative pieces, turning dead space into a personal gallery.
You could swap the gray for navy or even a soft sage to match your room’s vibe.
Built-In Shelving Enlivens a Custom Media Wall
This crisp white built-in isn’t technically Ikea, but you can totally recreate it using Besta units for the lower cabinets and Billy bookcases for those flanking shelves. The shiplap backing adds texture without overwhelming the space, and those light wood floating shelves bring warmth against all that white.
Black hardware on the shaker-style doors keeps things modern, while the open shelving gives you room to play with styling. @eyeforpretty nailed the balance between storage and display here, notice how the TV sits perfectly centered within its own alcove.
You could easily swap the wood tone or paint the backing a soft gray for a different vibe.
Refresh Your Media Console With Geometric Wallpaper Panels
White hexagon wallpaper transforms plain cabinet doors into something way more interesting than what you’d find in the store. The subtle geometric pattern adds depth without overwhelming your space, and the crisp lines give that modern edge everyone’s after.
This hack from @the.bray.lj.build uses adhesive wallpaper that you can easily apply and remove if you want to switch things up later. Try other patterns like herringbone, chevron, or even faux marble for a completely different vibe.
The black legs and light wood flooring create nice contrast that makes the white cabinet really pop.
Add Teal Cabinets for a Moody Wall Installation
This Ikea Besta setup wraps an entire wall in rich teal cabinets that feel both sophisticated and cozy. The open shelving on either side breaks up the solid doors, giving you spots to show off books, plants, and little treasures without making things feel cluttered.
The charcoal backing behind the TV adds depth, and those upper cabinets keep the look streamlined while hiding away all your less-pretty stuff. You could swap the teal for sage green or even a deep navy depending on your vibe, and @nospacelikehome.uk nailed the balance between storage and style here.
It’s proof that Besta units can look custom with the right paint and layout tweaks.
Arrange Sculptural Vases To Elevate Media Center Styling
Charcoal-black sculptural vases in varying heights bring an unexpected gallery feel to your media console. Pairing geometric shapes with dried pampas grass softens the modern edge while keeping things sophisticated.
This setup from @arteccustomwood shows how simple IKEA cabinets in beige tones become a proper display surface with the right accessories. Stack a couple decorative books beside a framed photo, then let those tall vases anchor the whole arrangement.
The warm wood trim against pale cabinet fronts creates a custom look that feels way more expensive than it actually is.
Infuse Sculptural Elegance With a Floating White Besta
The IKEA Besta in glossy white gets wall-mounted to create a sleek floating effect that opens up floor space beautifully. This setup from @interior.caaat pairs the clean cabinet fronts with carefully chosen sculptural pieces, a textured cream vase, a fluted ceramic bowl, and a wooden pedestal topped with a neutral lamp.
The white finish reflects natural light streaming through sheer curtains, making the whole arrangement feel airy and intentional. You could swap the glossy doors for matte ones or add push-to-open hardware for a handleless look that feels even more streamlined.
The key is keeping the surface styling minimal so the media center itself becomes part of the art.
Infuse Farmhouse Charm With Painted Billy Cabinets
This sage green transformation of Ikea Billy bookcases turns basic storage into something that feels custom and collected. The muted green paint paired with brushed nickel knobs gives off serious farmhouse vibes without trying too hard.
Stacking Billy units creates that built-in look, while open shelving up top keeps woven baskets within reach for hiding remotes and chargers. @the_coopers_home shows how a little paint and thoughtful styling makes these units blend right into a cozy living room.
Add a pendant light above for extra warmth and watch how the whole setup feels intentional instead of just practical.
Layer Retro Charm With Sage Walls and Walnut
The IKEA Stockholm media center practically glows against sage green walls, its walnut veneer bringing serious mid-century warmth to the room. @fromcity2suburb layers in yellow accent pieces and abstract art to punch up the vintage vibe without going overboard.
That low-profile silhouette keeps sightlines clean while the tapered legs let light flow underneath, making even a long console feel light. Flanking the TV with framed prints instead of floating shelves creates balance without adding visual clutter.
Swap hardware for brass pulls or add interior LED strips for a subtle glow-up that keeps the retro soul intact.
Boost Your Space With Floating Light Wood Cabinets
Light wood grain cabinets stretched wall-to-wall create an effortlessly clean look that feels both modern and warm. The floating design keeps everything off the floor, which makes your room feel bigger and easier to clean underneath.
This setup from @passive_build uses sleek handleless doors in a pale oak finish that complements the natural light beautifully. Pair it with a concrete-look accent wall behind the TV for an industrial edge that doesn’t feel cold.
The long horizontal lines draw your eye across the room, making even smaller spaces feel more open and inviting.
Spotlight Seasonal Greenery Across Your Media Console
A garland of fresh greenery transforms the Ikea Billy into something that feels custom and cozy. The white cabinetry below the TV provides clean lines while those lanterns add a warm glow that makes everything feel lived-in.
This setup from @grace.athome shows how adding natural elements softens the tech vibe without feeling overdone. You could swap the greenery for branches, dried florals, or even a string of fairy lights depending on the season.
The open shelving on the left balances out the closed storage, keeping things practical but still pretty.
Try next
Woven Cane Panels Inspire Textured Cabinet Transformations
White cabinets get a serious upgrade with natural cane webbing inserted into the door panels, creating a breezy, organic look that hides clutter while adding warmth. The textured contrast between smooth white frames and woven beige material turns a basic storage piece into something special, and you can customize the vibe by swapping in rattan or even decorative metal grilles.
This setup from @styledby.sue shows how simple modifications breathe life into standard units. Pair it with sculptural candle holders and a smoky vase filled with pampas grass to balance the clean lines with softer, earthy elements.
The result feels collected rather than matchy, inviting you to layer your own personality on top.
Polish Your Living Room With Dramatic Black Paneling
The black vertical paneling behind this Ikea Besta unit creates a striking backdrop that turns a simple media center into a statement piece. Pairing white glossy cabinets with textured black slats adds dimension without overwhelming the space, and the integrated LED strips along the top and bottom bring warmth.
The white picture frame around the TV ties everything together and makes the screen feel intentional rather than just mounted there. @nikishome18 shows how adding texture through wall treatments elevates the whole setup beyond basic storage.
You could swap the black for deep navy or charcoal depending on your vibe, keeping that same luxe feel with different moods.
Add Coastal Accents to White Built In Shelving
White cabinetry frames this TV wall with open shelving that practically begs for coastal treasures. The crisp paint creates a gallery effect where blue-and-white ceramics, coral sculptures, and woven baskets pop against the neutral backdrop, turning storage into a curated display.
This setup from @dreah.home shows how simple modifications, adding decorative hardware and styling open cubes, transform basic units into something custom. The side shelving balances the screen perfectly, giving you spots to rotate seasonal decor without cluttering the view.
Lower cabinets hide remotes and cables while keeping that clean, beach house vibe intact.
Arrange Plywood Panels for a Sleek Custom Look
This low-profile unit uses plywood sheets as door fronts, creating a seamless, custom appearance that hides whatever storage system sits underneath. The natural wood grain and visible edge laminations give it an artisan quality that feels way more expensive than it actually is.
The beauty here comes from @sdmwilliams keeping things simple with clean lines and that warm birch tone against crisp white walls. You could swap in darker stained plywood or even painted panels to match your own space, just measure twice before cutting those door fronts.
The layered edge detail on the plywood adds unexpected texture without any extra fuss.
Add Gold Hardware To Your Ikea Ivar Cabinets
Those brass pulls completely transform the Ikea Ivar cabinets from basic pine storage into something that looks custom-built. The charcoal gray paint gives the wood a sophisticated matte finish that pairs beautifully with the warm metallic accents.
What makes this setup from @georgestownonmymind really work is how the patterned wallpaper adds texture without competing with the clean lines. You could swap the gold for black hardware if you want something more modern, or even try leather pulls for a softer vibe.
The closed storage keeps everything hidden while still feeling intentional and polished.
Enliven Minimalist Spaces With Chevron Pattern Cabinets
The chevron-patterned wood fronts on these low-profile cabinets bring instant texture without overwhelming the clean lines. This setup from @thejettynorthbuild uses natural oak veneer panels attached to basic cabinet doors, creating a custom look that feels anything but flat.
The wall-mounted TV floats above the units, keeping everything streamlined and making floor cleaning surprisingly easy. You could swap in different wood tones or even paint the chevron sections for a bolder statement.
Handleless push-to-open mechanisms keep the facade completely smooth and modern.
Boost Visual Space With Floating White Cabinet Storage
Wall-mounted cabinets create an airy feel that makes any room look bigger than it actually is. The white finish on these sleek units reflects light beautifully, while the handleless design keeps things super clean and modern.
This setup from @insideourhomeno.50 shows how simple cabinets become statement pieces when they float. The space underneath stays open for vacuuming, and you can adjust the height to match your exact TV placement.
Add sculptural vases or wooden trays on top to soften the minimalist vibe without cluttering the look.
Arrange Billy Bookcases Around Your Fireplace for Built-In Charm
Those Ikea Billy bookcases get a serious upgrade when they’re painted charcoal gray and flanked around a fireplace surround. @fixupjaynesharp added custom trim work to the lower cabinets and created firewood storage that’s both practical and pretty.
The shelves hold books, small plants in terracotta pots, and woven baskets that break up the visual weight. A landscape painting above the mantel keeps eyes moving upward, while the herringbone wood floor adds warmth beneath all that moody paint.
You could swap the gray for navy or forest green if you want something less dramatic but equally cozy.
Layer Warm Candlelight Into Your Besta Media Setup
Flickering candles transform an IKEA Besta into something that feels way more inviting than just another screen wall. The oak-toned wood grain gives off natural warmth, while twin taper candles in sculptural holders soften the whole setup without trying too hard.
A soundbar tucks neatly beneath the mounted TV, keeping tech minimal so decorative moments like dried branches and ceramic bowls can breathe. @mishkashoe proves that adding a few organic elements turns storage into a curated display that actually looks lived-in.
Swap out the candles seasonally or switch the branches for eucalyptus when you need a refresh.
Spotlight Floating Shelves Above Your Wall Mounted TV
The blush pink floating shelf positioned above the television transforms what could be dead space into a curated display moment. This Ikea Besta setup from @the_gaygordons shows how a simple shelf addition balances the screen’s visual weight while adding personality through decorative objects in coordinating soft pink and sage green tones.
The natural oak cabinet below provides ample storage while keeping the overall look light and uncluttered against the mint green wall. Adding a matching pink ledge beneath the TV creates symmetry and frames the screen like artwork rather than letting it dominate the room.
Try pairing warm wood with cool pastels to soften technology’s hard edges in your own space.
Curate a Bamboo Accent Wall Behind Your Media Center
The bamboo slat backdrop transforms this Ikea Besta into something you’d see in a boutique hotel. Natural wood tones paired with crisp white cabinetry creates a contrast that’s warm but never cluttered, and the floating shelf below the TV adds practical storage without disrupting the clean lines.
This setup from @_mrs.jessicah92 shows how bamboo panels (available at most hardware stores) can be mounted directly to the wall behind your media center. The vertical slats draw eyes upward and make standard ceiling heights feel taller.
Add small planters and picture frames on the shelf to personalize the space without overwhelming it.
Floating White Besta Cabinets Inspire Airy Living Spaces
Wall-mounted IKEA Besta units in glossy white give this setup an almost weightless feel that really opens up the room. The cabinets stretch across the wall in a sleek, continuous line, offering tons of hidden storage while keeping the floor space totally clear underneath.
The high-gloss finish catches light beautifully and pairs perfectly with warm wood floors, creating a nice contrast that feels both modern and inviting. You could easily recreate this look by mounting multiple Besta cabinets side by side, and @diy_home_living shows how effective the floating arrangement really is.
Add some botanical art and pampas grass for that finished, gallery-style vibe.
Infuse Warmth With Textured Cabinet Fronts
Vertical grooves carved into cabinet fronts transform a basic media unit into something tactile and sculptural. The ribbed pattern on this warm brown console catches light differently throughout the day, creating subtle shadows that add depth to your living room without overwhelming it.
You can achieve this look by attaching thin wood slats or applying textured panels to existing IKEA cabinet doors, then finishing with a rich stain. @huisjeinhetpark shows how pairing the textured surface with abstract art and organic accessories creates a cohesive, gallery-like feel.
The neutral palette lets you experiment with colorful decor pieces while the ribbed texture remains a timeless focal point.
Curate Built-In Storage with Sage Green Paneling
This full-wall media center transforms basic cabinetry into something that looks custom and expensive, thanks to that vertical paneling backdrop in a soft sage green. The shaker-style cabinet doors below keep clutter hidden while open shelving on either side lets you display your favorite pieces without overwhelming the space.
@turner_no13_home nailed the balance between function and style by mixing closed and open storage. The warm wood tones of the candlesticks and natural dried florals play beautifully against those muted green tones, creating a lived-in feel that’s still polished.
You could swap the sage for a deep charcoal or even a creamy off-white depending on your vibe.
Floating Black Besta Cabinets Inspire Minimalist Living Room Design
Wall-mounted IKEA Besta cabinets in sleek black create a floating effect that makes your entire room feel bigger and more modern. The low-profile design keeps everything grounded while the glossy finish catches light in unexpected ways, adding depth without extra accessories.
This setup from @byhilalorhan pairs the media console with a built-in electric fireplace, proving you can combine warmth and storage in one wall. Try matte black hardware or leave the Besta push-to-open for that seamless, handle-free look.
The neutral palette with light wood floors and crisp white walls lets the black cabinetry become the statement piece without overwhelming the space.
Layer Wood Tones for a Sophisticated Media Wall
The Ikea Besta gets a serious upgrade when you mix dark walnut wood panels with creamy beige cabinets like @styleandsugar does here. The contrast creates depth without feeling heavy, and those open shelves on the left break up the solid fronts perfectly.
Adding wood paneling behind the TV transforms basic Besta units into custom millwork that looks way more expensive than it actually is. You can stain plywood to match any vibe, or even use peel-and-stick wood veneer if permanent installation isn’t your thing.
The floating effect with under-cabinet lighting makes the whole wall feel intentional and polished.
Tweak Your Built-In Shelving With Floral Wallpaper Backing
Adding wallpaper behind open shelving transforms plain IKEA cabinets into something that feels totally custom. The soft floral pattern here creates depth without overwhelming the white frames, and it makes every item on display feel more intentional than it actually is.
The secret is choosing a subtle print that complements your decor rather than competing with it. @townhouse_on_the_green nailed the balance with muted greens and creams that tie the whole wall together while letting personal treasures shine.
Peel-and-stick versions make this upgrade completely reversible if you rent or like switching things up seasonally.
Arrange Dark Wood Grain Cabinets for Dramatic Storage
The dark wood grain texture on these cabinets creates a striking backdrop that makes everything on top pop. This BESTÅ setup from @interior_by_klaudia uses a charcoal finish that hides fingerprints while adding serious sophistication to the space.
Those push-to-open doors keep the facade completely smooth, no handles interrupting the sleek lines. The floating mount lifts everything off the floor, which makes cleaning underneath way easier than you’d think.
Try pairing this moody finish with light accessories to create that perfect contrast everyone craves.
Brighten Your Space With Built-In Billy Bookcases
The Ikea Billy bookcase transforms into a stunning built-in media wall when you add cabinet doors and vertical storage around your TV. @thisblackgateshome painted everything crisp white and installed beadboard-style doors for that custom millwork look without the massive price tag.
Open shelving flanking the television provides perfect spots for sculptural pieces and books, while closed cabinets below hide all the messy electronics. The symmetrical layout creates a balanced focal point that anchors the entire room.
You could easily swap the white for navy, charcoal, or even a warm wood stain to match your existing furniture.
Boost Your Storage with Framed Cabinet Fronts
Those clean white cabinets get a serious upgrade when you add walnut picture frames to each door panel. The rich wood trim creates a custom, high-end look that completely transforms basic flat-front storage into something way more interesting.
A matching walnut countertop ties everything together and makes the whole unit feel cohesive, like built-in furniture instead of modular pieces. This approach from @livingstoncabinetry works with any frame style, so you could swap in brass, black metal, or even painted trim to match your vibe.
The frames attach with simple adhesive or small brackets, making this hack totally doable for anyone.
Layer Texture With Brass Hardware Details
White IKEA cabinets become something special when you add circular brass pulls to each door. The floating setup keeps everything minimal while those warm metallic accents create just enough visual interest against the crisp white finish.
This setup from @katrinas_instagram shows how simple hardware swaps transform basic storage into something that feels intentional. You could also try leather pulls or wooden knobs depending on what vibe you’re after in your space.
The beauty here is in restraint, letting the natural wood floors and woven basket underneath do the talking.
These ikea media center hacks & ideas prove that great design doesn’t require a custom furniture budget. Your entertainment area can look purposeful and polished with just some creativity and basic modifications.
The best part about working with IKEA pieces is their flexibility as your needs change. Add more storage, swap out components, or completely reconfigure the layout without starting from scratch.
Your living room just got a major upgrade without the major expense.
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