How to Hack an IKEA Media Cabinet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a unique and affordable way to create a media cabinet that fits your style and needs? Look no further than the IKEA BESTÅ storage units. With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can hack these units into a stunning media cabinet that will be the envy of all your friends.

In this article, we'll take you through our own experience of hacking an IKEA media cabinet using the BESTÅ storage units. We'll share our tips and tricks for priming and painting the cabinets, as well as how to add some extra features like plug-in wall sconces and a hole for running wires.

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

Before you start assembling your BESTÅ storage units, make sure you have enough space to work on them. We recommend laying out all the pieces in a well-ventilated room or outside, as the primer we used (Zinsser Primer) can be messy and smelly.

Step 2: Prime Your Cabinets

To ensure that your media cabinet looks its best, it's essential to prime the cabinets first. We applied two coats of Zinsser Primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use a roller with a fine nap to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 3: Paint Your Cabinets

Once your primer is dry, you can start painting your cabinets. We used Sherwin-Wiliams 'Repose Gray' in semi-gloss, which gave our media cabinet a sleek and modern look. Use high-quality brushes like Purdy trim brushes to achieve a smooth finish.

Step 4: Add Some Extra Features

To give our media cabinet some extra functionality, we added plug-in wall sconces and a hole for running wires. We used the brackets and feet provided with the BESTÅ storage units to connect the two cabinets together, creating a sturdy and secure structure.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

The final step is to add some finishing touches to your media cabinet. We used quarter-round toe molding to create a seamless transition between the countertop and the wall, and some non-ornate baseboard to cover any gaps.

By following these simple steps, you can hack an IKEA media cabinet that looks like it was designed by a professional. So why not give it a try? With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can create a stunning media cabinet that will be the perfect addition to your home.

Ikea media cabinet