Most living rooms suffer from the same problem: boring, expensive media centers that look like everyone else’s furniture. These ikea media center hacks & ideas transform basic pieces into custom entertainment stations that actually fit your space and style.
The secret lies in combining different IKEA units in unexpected ways. Smart modifications can hide cables, add extra storage, and create built-in looks that rival custom carpentry.
Your entertainment setup deserves better than generic solutions.
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Accentuate Your Living Room With Sage Green Besta Cabinets
The sage green Besta units create a surprisingly calming backdrop that makes this media center feel more like furniture than storage. Those open shelving sections flanking the TV break up what could’ve been a heavy wall, giving you spots to display books and plants without the whole thing feeling cluttered.
@nospacelikehome.uk painted the Besta frames in a muted sage that pairs beautifully with the charcoal alcove behind the television. You could swap the green for terracotta or navy depending on your walls, and the handleless doors keep everything looking sleek.
The floating effect adds just enough visual breathing room to prevent the unit from dominating the space.
Layer Vertical Slats Around Your Screen for Drama
Those vertical wooden slats aren’t just decorative, they completely transform how your TV sits in the room. The warm timber strips create a recessed frame effect that makes the screen feel intentional rather than stuck on a wall, and the LED strip lighting behind adds a soft glow that’s perfect for evening viewing.
This Ikea Besta setup from @theflatpackmanni pairs pale gray cabinet fronts with natural wood tones for a balanced, modern look. The slatted panel wraps around the TV niche, and you could replicate this with timber battens from any hardware store, spaced evenly and mounted to a backing board.
Try painting the slats in a darker stain or even black for a moodier vibe that still keeps that textured, architectural feel.
Add Custom Molding to Ikea Billy Bookcases
Those plain Billy bookcases get a total glow-up when you attach decorative molding to the cabinet doors. The trim work transforms basic flat panels into something that looks way more expensive and custom-built.
This white wall unit by @thisblackgateshome shows how adding simple rectangular molding creates a classic, elevated look that fits right into any living room. You can paint everything the same color for a seamless built-in effect, or try contrasting trim for more visual interest.
The open shelving around the TV keeps things balanced while those molding-enhanced cabinets below hide all your clutter in style.
Arrange Plywood Panels for a Scandi Media Unit
This low-profile unit brings warmth through natural plywood that wraps around a basic Besta frame. The exposed edge detailing on the sides creates visual interest while the pale wood grain keeps everything feeling light and airy.
You can see how @sdmwilliams transformed standard cabinets into something custom with those clean plywood fronts. The minimalist hardware-free design lets the wood do all the talking, which works perfectly in spaces where you want storage without visual clutter.
Try experimenting with different plywood thicknesses or even adding a clear matte finish to protect the surface while maintaining that raw, organic look.
Energize Your Space With Built-In Alcove Storage
Built-in alcove units transform awkward wall spaces into stunning media centers that feel custom without the hefty builder fees. This soft sage-green setup from @suffolkdoorsandwindows wraps around the fireplace with lower cabinets and open shelving, creating symmetry that makes the whole room breathe easier.
The raw oak mantel adds warmth against the cool painted finish, while those simple cabinet doors keep clutter hidden below. You could recreate this look by mounting basic wall units on either side of your TV, then adding floating shelves above for a similar effect.
The herringbone floor and neutral rug let the cabinetry become the room’s quiet hero.
Add Floral Wallpaper Behind Open Shelving Units
White cabinets form the base of this storage wall, but the floral wallpaper backing the shelves is what makes it sing. The soft beige and cream pattern adds depth without overwhelming the space, letting your decorative pieces stand out against something way more interesting than plain white.
The symmetrical shelving around the TV creates balance while the wallpaper unifies everything into one cohesive look. @townhouse_on_the_green chose a subtle pattern that works with both the modern pendant light and traditional decor pieces.
You could swap in bolder prints or geometric designs depending on your style.
Crisp White Built-Ins Inspire Coastal Living Room Style
This wall-to-wall entertainment unit transforms an ordinary space into something that feels custom and intentional. The clean white cabinetry frames the television perfectly while open shelving on either side provides spots for blue and white ceramics, coral sculptures, and woven baskets that bring in coastal charm.
The genius here is how @dreah.home styled every shelf with purpose but without overcrowding. Chrome hardware on the lower cabinets adds a subtle polish, while the symmetrical design keeps everything balanced and calming to look at.
Those flanking vertical shelves are perfect for rotating seasonal decor throughout the year.
Infuse Your Space With Blush Pink Floating Shelves
The soft blush pink shelf hovering above this Ikea Besta unit creates an unexpected focal point that balances the natural oak below. Paired with mint green walls, the pastel palette feels refreshing without being overly sweet, and @the_gaygordons styled it with sculptural pieces that add personality.
The floating shelf trick works because it draws the eye upward and gives you extra display space for decorative objects. You could easily replicate this with a simple painted shelf bracket or even a DIY wooden ledge in whatever color suits your room best.
The oak Besta cabinets ground the look while keeping everything streamlined and clutter-free.
Charcoal Billy Bookcases Brighten Your Fireplace Wall
This charcoal-painted Ikea Billy transformation creates a stunning focal point around a wood-burning stove. The deep gray tone works beautifully with the warm wood accents and herringbone flooring, making the whole setup feel cozy yet sophisticated.
The built-in look comes from adding custom paneling around the fireplace opening and flanking the stove with open shelving for books and décor. Firewood storage tucked into the lower cabinets keeps everything practical, and you could easily mount your TV above the mantel shelf like @fixupjaynesharp shows here.
The whole thing proves that Billy bookcases can handle way more than just books when you get creative with paint and placement.
Add Geometric Wallpaper to Plain Cabinet Doors
Sometimes the simplest upgrades create the biggest impact, and this white console proves it perfectly. The geometric wallpaper applied to the cabinet doors transforms a basic piece into something that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
The subtle gold hexagon pattern adds just enough visual interest without overwhelming your space, and @the.bray.lj.build shows how clean lines can feel modern yet approachable. You could swap in different wallpaper patterns, think chevrons, marble prints, or even bold florals, to match whatever vibe you’re going for.
The black legs keep everything grounded while that patterned front steals the show.
Built-In Alcove Shelving Brightens Your Media Display
This Ikea Kallax gets a major upgrade with a custom-built alcove surround that completely transforms it into a built-in entertainment center. The soft gray paint wraps around the TV, creating a recessed niche that feels intentional and expensive, while the upper shelf displays family photos in ornate frames alongside fresh greenery.
Woven baskets slide into the lower cubes for hidden storage that keeps the whole setup looking tidy, and the white finish on the unit itself contrasts beautifully with those natural textures. @aaninteriorsltd added flanking alcoves with interior lighting that make the entire wall feel like custom millwork.
You could paint the alcove any shade to match your room’s personality.
Showcase Built-In Storage With Light Wood Open Shelves
Those light wood floating shelves totally transform this white media center into something special. The natural wood adds warmth against the crisp white cabinetry and vertical paneling, creating a custom look that feels both modern and inviting.
While this isn’t Ikea, you can absolutely recreate it using Besta and Billy units with some simple modifications. Add wood shelves in oak or birch, install shaker-style cabinet doors, and finish with black pulls for that same polished result that @eyeforpretty nailed here.
The combination of closed storage below and open display space creates the perfect balance for hiding clutter while showing off your favorite pieces.
Curate a Neutral Media Center with Sculptural Accents
This beige media console shows how simple updates transform storage into a gallery-worthy display. The smooth cabinet doors get framed by a warm wood trim that adds depth without overwhelming the space.
Black sculptural vases and stacked white books create visual interest on top, while a small framed photo adds a personal touch. @arteccustomwood styled this setup to feel curated yet approachable, proving that neutral tones don’t mean boring.
Try swapping out hardware or adding trim pieces to existing cabinets for an instant refresh that feels custom-made.
Layer Natural Bamboo Texture Behind Your Wall Mounted Screen
That bamboo slat wall treatment transforms the Ikea Besta into something way more dramatic than your standard media center. The natural texture creates this whole accent wall moment that makes the TV feel intentional instead of just stuck there on the wall.
The white Besta cabinets below provide clean storage while that light wood shelf bridges the gap between modern and organic. You could swap bamboo for other materials like reclaimed wood planks or even painted slats, and @_mrs.jessicah92 shows how the vertical lines draw your eye upward to make the space feel taller.
The whole setup proves that adding one textured element behind your screen changes everything about how the room feels.
Accentuate Your Space With Herringbone Cabinet Fronts
Those herringbone-patterned cabinet doors completely transform what could’ve been basic storage into something worth staring at. The warm oak veneer with its zigzag grain catches light differently throughout the day, adding texture without overwhelming the clean white walls.
This wall-mounted setup from @thejettynorthbuild keeps everything sleek and floating, which makes the room feel bigger than it actually is. The handleless design means no hardware interrupting those gorgeous wood patterns, just smooth fronts that blend function with serious style.
You could swap in different veneer finishes like walnut or even painted panels if you want a bolder look.
Arrange Your Floating Black Besta Around A Fireplace
Floating a sleek black IKEA Besta beside a linear fireplace creates this stunning asymmetrical layout. The wall-mounted unit keeps the floor clear while offering plenty of hidden storage behind those matte black cabinet fronts.
The genius here is how @byhilalorhan balanced the fireplace and media console without making them compete for attention. Pampas grass in a textured vase adds just enough softness to offset all that clean-lined minimalism.
You could easily swap the black for white Besta units or add interior lighting for a different vibe entirely.
Textured Cabinet Fronts Energize Minimalist Media Storage
The white ribbed texture on these floating cabinets transforms a simple media console into something that catches light in all the right ways. Those vertical grooves add depth without overwhelming the clean lines, and the wall-mounted setup keeps everything feeling open and airy.
You can achieve this look with adhesive textured panels or even thin wood slats applied directly to cabinet doors. @rucomfy shows how pairing the textured fronts with matching wall panels creates a cohesive backdrop that makes your TV appear to float.
Try mixing matte white paint with the texture for a monochromatic scheme that feels sophisticated yet approachable.
Brighten Your Space With VJ Panel Detailing
The Ikea Platsa system gets a serious upgrade with vertical VJ paneling that transforms plain cabinet fronts into something far more sophisticated. Those brass circular pulls add just the right amount of warmth against the crisp white finish, creating a custom look that doesn’t scream flat-pack furniture.
This clever modification from The Interiors Addict shows how adding timber paneling to cabinet doors creates texture and depth. The floating design leaves space underneath for those woven baskets, which is practical for storing remotes and cables while keeping everything looking tidy.
You could easily swap the brass handles for black or even leather pulls to match different room styles.
Infuse Natural Texture With Cane Webbing Panel Inserts
The white cabinet gets a serious upgrade with cane webbing inserts that add warmth without overwhelming the clean lines. This @styledby.sue transformation turns a basic media console into something that feels custom and considered, with the natural beige panels creating visual interest behind the doors.
You can achieve this look by cutting cane webbing sheets to fit your cabinet door panels and securing them from behind with adhesive or small trim pieces. The texture contrasts beautifully against smooth white surfaces while keeping electronics hidden but allowing remote signals to pass through easily.
Try mixing in different weave patterns or even rattan for a slightly bolder effect.
Highlight Floating White Cabinets for Clean Media Storage
Wall-mounted white cabinets create an illusion of more floor space while keeping everything tucked away neatly. The floating design from @insideourhomeno.50 pairs beautifully with that mounted flat-screen, making the whole setup feel intentional and airy.
The sleek white finish reflects natural light, brightening up the room without adding visual weight. Styling the top with minimal decor like a curved vase and dried florals keeps things balanced without cluttering the space.
This setup works perfectly in smaller living rooms where every inch matters and you want that streamlined, modern vibe.
Layer Warm Textures With Circular Hardware Details
Those circular brass pulls create such a soft contrast against the crisp white cabinet doors, breaking up what could feel like a sterile setup. The floating console itself keeps things feeling open and airy, while the warmth from the wood floors and woven basket planter adds that lived-in comfort everyone craves.
The genius here from @katrinas_instagram is how the hardware becomes a design moment without screaming for attention. You could swap in leather pulls or even wooden knobs depending on your vibe, but these rounded brass pieces feel timeless and a little unexpected against the minimal cabinet fronts.
A simple detail like hardware transforms the whole look from basic to intentional.
Mid-Century Walnut Finishes Inspire Timeless Media Storage
The IKEA Stockholm media bench brings that vintage walnut vibe without the vintage price tag. Its warm wood tones and tapered legs pair beautifully with sage green walls, creating a cozy yet sophisticated backdrop for your TV setup.
Those clean lines and horizontal grain patterns give off serious retro charm, and @fromcity2suburb styled it perfectly with colorful accents and geometric art. You could swap the hardware for brass pulls or add interior LED strips for extra flair.
The low profile keeps sight lines open while offering plenty of hidden storage behind those sleek cabinet doors.
Add Seasonal Greenery to Your Billy Media Setup
Fresh evergreen garland draped across the top of your Ikea Billy media center brings instant holiday warmth without overwhelming the space. The soft glow from black metal lanterns tucked among the greenery creates a cozy vibe that feels both seasonal and sophisticated.
This setup from @grace.athome shows how simple natural elements can transform a basic white media console into something special. The built-in shelving on the left provides extra styling opportunities with ceramics and woven baskets that complement the neutral palette.
Swap the greenery for different seasonal touches throughout the year to keep your media center feeling fresh.
Anchor Your Living Room With Dark Wood Paneling
This Ikea Besta setup pairs creamy beige cabinetry with rich, dark walnut-toned wood panels that frame the TV like a piece of art. The floating design creates clean lines while the recessed alcove on the left holds sculptural vases and books, adding depth without cluttering the space.
The contrast between the warm neutrals and deep wood tones makes this media center feel both modern and inviting, perfect for spaces that need grounding. You could swap the wood panels for lighter oak or even painted MDF if you prefer something brighter, and @styleandsugar shows how under-cabinet lighting would add extra drama.
The overhead cabinets keep everything streamlined while giving you tons of hidden storage for all those cables and remotes.
Arrange Vertical Wood Slats Behind Your TV Wall
Those vertical wood slats create a stunning backdrop that transforms a plain wall into something architectural. The warm wood tones contrast beautifully against crisp white storage below, making the TV feel like it’s floating within a custom frame rather than just mounted on drywall.
The slats appear to be thin wood strips, maybe walnut or stained pine, installed with even spacing that creates visual rhythm across the entire wall. @ourhome_themartins paired this with simple white cabinets underneath for a clean, modern look that lets the wood feature really stand out.
You could easily adjust the slat width or spacing to fit your own wall dimensions and personal style preferences.
Charcoal Ivar Cabinets Anchor a Moody Media Wall
The Ikea Ivar system gets a total transformation here with charcoal gray paint and brass hardware that elevates the whole setup. @georgestownonmymind paired these cabinets with a dark floral wallpaper that creates such a dramatic backdrop for the TV.
The painted cabinet doors now look built-in and custom, especially with those sleek vertical brass pulls adding that extra polish. Panel molding applied to the flat Ivar doors brings in architectural detail that makes the piece feel way more expensive than it actually is.
You could swap in different hardware finishes like black or brushed nickel depending on your room’s vibe.
Polish Your Wall With Dusty Rose Built-In Storage
This dusty rose built-in unit wraps around the television with a warmth that feels intentional, not accidental. The shaker-style cabinet doors below hide clutter while brass hardware adds just enough shine without being too much.
Flanking sconces create ambient lighting that softens the whole vibe, and those open shelves on either side let you showcase decorative pieces that actually mean something to you. @lifewithbecx styled this with seasonal touches like wreaths and white pumpkins that rotate throughout the year.
You could swap the rose tone for sage green or navy if your walls need a different mood entirely.
Built-In Billy Bookcases Inspire a Full Wall Media Setup
This wall-spanning Billy bookcase transformation proves that smart planning creates serious impact. The white units stretch from floor to ceiling, with a central TV alcove backed by dramatic black paneling that makes the screen practically disappear when off.
Open cubbies below hold woven baskets for hidden storage, while vertical shelving on the right displays sculptural pieces and books without feeling cluttered. @our_persimmon_hatfield_plot132 added cabinet doors to the lower sections, giving this hack a custom built-in feel that conceals everyday chaos.
The black accent wall within white cabinetry creates depth that standard setups rarely achieve.
Accentuate Your Besta With Floral Wallpaper Backing
The Ikea Besta gets a gorgeous upgrade when you line the back of open shelving with soft floral wallpaper. This simple addition transforms plain white cubes into something that feels collected and intentional, giving your media center personality without overwhelming the space.
The muted botanical print here works beautifully against white shelves, creating depth while keeping things calm. @townhouse_on_the_green styled it with framed art, candles, and natural textures that complement the wallpaper’s gentle tones.
You could swap in any peel-and-stick pattern that matches your vibe, from geometric to textured grasscloth.
Brighten Your Space With Scalloped Edge Details
The scalloped edge detail on this IKEA Besta unit adds an unexpected softness that transforms the whole media center. Instead of straight lines, those gentle waves create a playful contrast against the warm oak veneer, making the piece feel more custom and less predictable.
This modification works beautifully because it breaks up the blocky shape without overwhelming the space, and @mishkashoe styled it with sculptural candlesticks and dried florals that echo that organic vibe. The walnut-toned wood paired with creamy walls and exposed beams creates a cozy, lived-in feel that still looks polished.
You could recreate this by adding decorative trim or molding to your existing Besta doors for that same dimensional effect.
Curate a Refined Look With Textured Cabinet Fronts
The vertical ribbed texture on this wall-mounted cabinet transforms a simple storage piece into something that feels custom and expensive. It’s a genius way to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming your space, and the warm brown tone brings an earthy sophistication that pairs beautifully with abstract art.
This approach from @huisjeinhetpark works whether you’re using adhesive paneling over existing cabinets or installing pre-textured doors. The clean lines keep everything feeling modern while the grooves catch light in interesting ways throughout the day.
Style the top with sculptural pieces and greenery to balance the horizontal expanse of the unit.
Layer White Paneling Behind Your Besta Units
This setup from @mysimplysimple shows how vertical shiplap creates texture without overwhelming the space. The white paneling stretches behind the TV and open shelving, making those natural oak Besta cabinets pop even more against the grooved backdrop.
Those lower cabinets run the full length of the wall, giving you tons of hidden storage while keeping everything looking super clean. The mix of closed oak fronts and open white shelves breaks up what could’ve been a heavy, boxy look.
You could easily swap the wood tones or add LED strips inside those upper cubbies for extra ambiance.
Showcase Geometric Frame Details on Clean White Cabinets
Those dark walnut frames on crisp white cabinet doors create an eye-catching pattern that turns basic storage into something special. The geometric squares break up the flat surface in a way that feels deliberate and sophisticated, while the rich wood countertop ties everything together beautifully.
This look from @livingstoncabinetry works with simple materials but delivers major impact. You could replicate this by attaching picture frame molding to cabinet fronts, staining them in a contrasting finish, then mounting them with wood glue and small finishing nails.
Try spacing the frames unevenly for a more organic feel, or use different wood tones for added dimension.
Arrange Dark Wood Cabinets With Floating Shelves
That dark wood grain finish gives these cabinets a seriously upscale look without the matching price tag. The combination of closed storage below and that floating shelf above creates a balanced display area where you can show off your favorite things while keeping clutter hidden.
The charcoal-toned wood pairs beautifully with the geometric white vase and soft pink florals in this setup from @interior_by_klaudia. You could swap in lighter wood tones or add LED strips underneath the shelf for evening ambiance.
The seamless wall-mounted design makes even a small living room feel spacious and intentional.
Add Textured Paneling for a Coastal Vibe
The vertical fluted panels on this IKEA Besta completely transform the basic cabinet into something that feels custom and coastal. @the_coastalflat applied white textured paneling across the front, creating those gorgeous grooves that catch light beautifully throughout the day.
Wall-mounting keeps everything feeling light and airy, while natural accents like the woven basket and dried palm bring in that beachy warmth. The crisp white against light wood floors makes the whole setup feel bigger than it actually is.
You could easily swap the paneling style or try a soft sage green for a different coastal mood.
Glossy White Besta Units Inspire Floating Media Storage
The sleek white Besta cabinets float along the wall, creating an airy feel that makes any living room look bigger. Their glossy finish catches light beautifully and keeps the space feeling clean without being too sterile.
This setup from @diy_home_living shows how wall-mounting creates storage without eating up floor space. The low-profile design lets you tuck away media equipment while the top becomes a styling surface for plants, art, and decorative pieces.
You could swap the glossy white doors for matte finishes or even add wooden fronts if you want warmth instead of this modern vibe.
Boost Your Space With Sage Green Billy Cabinets
The Ikea Billy bookcase gets a stunning transformation here with sage green paint that brings calm, earthy vibes to the whole room. @the_coopers_home added cabinet doors to create closed storage that hides away clutter while keeping the TV setup looking clean and intentional.
Panel molding on the back wall adds texture and depth, making the green cabinets pop even more against the warm neutral tones. The upper cabinets reach all the way to the ceiling, maximizing storage without sacrificing style.
Wicker baskets on top and a pendant light complete the cozy, cottage-inspired look that feels both practical and inviting.
Energize Your Space With Recessed Lighting Panels
Those glowing recessed panels behind the TV aren’t just decorative, they completely transform how a wall-mounted screen feels in the room. The warm LED strips tucked into shallow drywall cutouts create this soft halo effect that makes the whole media wall feel intentional instead of just slapped together.
The black Ikea Besta units float below in perfect contrast to the white wall, keeping all your remotes and gaming stuff hidden while the fireplace insert on the right adds actual warmth. @harrison.storyhomes nailed the balance between cozy and modern here, proving that a little ambient lighting goes a long way.
You could swap the warm glow for cool white strips if your space leans more minimalist than inviting.
Infuse Calm With Floating Shelf Art Displays
That white floating shelf above the media unit does something really smart by pulling your eye upward and breaking up all that white in the best way. The black and white framed prints paired with a dark vase and eucalyptus create this gallery moment that feels intentional without being fussy.
The sleek white cabinet below keeps everything streamlined while giving you tons of hidden storage for all those cords and remotes. Adding that woven basket planter with trailing greenery softens the whole setup, and @marita.villejalupiineja nails the balance between minimal and lived-in.
Try swapping art seasonally to keep the look feeling fresh without any major changes.
Layer Sage Green Cabinetry With Open Shelving Displays
This sage green built-in transforms an entire wall into functional storage and display space. The matte finish on the cabinet doors gives off a soft, calming vibe while the open shelving breaks up the solid blocks with breathing room for decorative pieces.
What makes this setup work is how @turner_no13_home balanced closed storage below with styled shelves above, keeping clutter hidden but personality visible. The vertical paneling adds texture to the backdrop, and those copper accents scattered throughout tie the whole look together without trying too hard.
You could recreate this with painted Besta units or Billy bookcases flanking a recessed TV nook.
Curate a Serene White Besta Display With Sculptural Accents
The IKEA Besta in glossy white becomes a floating gallery when you treat the surface like a canvas for collected objects. This setup from @interior.caaat pairs clean lines with organic shapes, a textured cream vase holding dark stems next to a sculptural white dish and warm wooden bowl.
The wall-mounted configuration keeps floor space open while the glossy cabinet fronts reflect natural light throughout the room. Layer books horizontally beneath decorative pieces to add height variation and create visual interest without cluttering the minimalist aesthetic.
A simple table lamp with a cream shade adds soft ambient lighting that makes the whole arrangement feel intentional and lived-in.
These ikea media center hacks & ideas prove that creativity beats expensive custom furniture every time. Simple modifications turn basic Swedish pieces into personalized entertainment centers that work exactly how you need them to.
The best part is how adaptable these solutions are as your needs change. You can always add more units, swap out components, or completely reconfigure your setup.
Sometimes the most satisfying projects are the ones that look way more complicated than they actually were.
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