When I first started planning our living room, the biggest headache by far was figuring out a spot for the TV that didn’t look, well, like a giant black rectangle just plopped in the middle of everything. That relentless search for style led me down the rabbit hole of 14+ IKEA TV wall unit ideas, and I realized it’s not just about hiding cords—it’s about making that TV wall feel finished, cozy, and unmistakably yours. After some trial, error, and a few frustrated afternoons with an Allen wrench, I’ve rounded up ideas that fit every space, mood, and budget.
1. Floating Besta Brilliance
Styling Tip:
If you love the look of a sleek, streamlined living room, try mounting IKEA Besta cabinets in a floating row beneath your wall-mounted TV. It keeps storage off the floor, adds visual breathing room, and prevents clutter from creeping in.
Picture this:
A matte white Besta unit floats against a taupe wall, perfectly aligned under a 55-inch TV. A vase of fresh eucalyptus sits at one end, with a stack of linen-bound books in the center and a single, rounded ceramic lamp at the other side. The floor below is bare wood, creating airy negative space.
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Why It Works:
Floating furniture draws the eye upward, making compact rooms feel bigger and giving off a modern, gallery-style vibe.
Color Palette:
Matte white, soft taupe, natural wood, deep green
2. Gallery Wall Kallax Contrast
Styling Tip:
Turn the humble Kallax shelving into a shadow-box style statement by placing it horizontally under the TV and using the cubes to display art, vases, or records. Mix open cubes with closed bins for both show and stash.
Picture this:
A black 4-cube Kallax shelf lies horizontally, with two cubes filled with monochrome art books and the others with white fabric boxes. Framed black-and-white prints are hung salon-style above the TV to create a gallery wall effect.
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Swap This With That:
Swap out black Kallax for walnut-stained for a more mid-century look, or opt for woven baskets instead of cubes for a touch of boho.
Color Palette:
Black, white, charcoal gray, walnut
3. Pax Wardrobe Wall
Styling Tip:
If you’re drowning in gear, flank your TV with a pair of full-height Pax wardrobes. Use the central space for media and dress the wardrobes with tall plants or artwork to break up the “wall of doors” look.
Picture this:
A white wall with two tall matte white Pax wardrobes on each side of a mid-width TV. Slim leafy plants in neutral pots stand beside each wardrobe. Above the TV, a framed neutral-toned abstract print centers the set.
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Why It Works:
This setup creates instant symmetry while giving you a ton of hidden storage.
4. Rustic Besta with Wood Top
Styling Tip:
Combine affordability with warmth by topping white Besta cabinets with a custom wood slab. The contrast between crisp white and natural wood instantly elevates the look.
Picture this:
Three white Besta units align beneath a wall-mounted TV, with a chunky, honey-toned wood slab running across the length as a countertop. A woven basket and a matte black bowl sit atop one side, and a beige knit throw is draped inside an open cubby.
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Budget-Friendly Tip:
Look for surplus wood slabs or get a hardware store to cut plywood to size and stain it yourself.
Color Palette:
White, honeyed wood, taupe, black, beige
5. Cozy Corner with Hemnes
Styling Tip:
Got an awkward nook? Tuck a slim IKEA Hemnes sideboard beneath the TV, then layer in soft textiles and a compact accent chair for a snug movie-watching corner.
Picture this:
A white Hemnes sideboard sits against a creamy wall under a 43-inch TV. On the sideboard: a taupe ceramic table lamp and a little cement planter with trailing greenery. A small boucle fabric club chair faces the TV with a knit charcoal pillow.
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Personal Note:
My college apartment had a Hemnes in the corner and, with just a plant and cozy chair, it became everyone’s favorite reading spot.
6. Wall-to-Wall Billy Built-In
Styling Tip:
Create a custom look on a rental budget by lining up Billy bookcases across the wall, leaving a space in the center for the TV. Style the shelves with books, folded throws, and a few favorite decorative pieces.
Picture this:
Four white Billy bookcases lined edge-to-edge along a pale gray wall, space left between the two center shelves for a mounted TV. Shelves are half-filled with color-sorted books, a sculptural white vase, and soft folded light blue throws.
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Styling Mistake to Avoid:
Don’t overfill every shelf; leave some open for breathing room and balance.
7. Ultra-Minimalist EKET Stack
Styling Tip:
If you’re after simple, try stacking two or three EKET cubes asymmetrically under a wall-mounted TV. Use one for tech storage, another for a single striking decor piece.
Picture this:
Two pale gray EKET cubes are stacked in offset alignment, tucked beneath a large TV on a white wall. One holds a single glossy teal vase, the other houses a remote tray.
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Why It Works:
Asymmetrical cubes add visual interest and keep surfaces uncluttered.
Color Palette:
Pale gray, glossy teal, white
8. Boho Besta Rattan Remix
Styling Tip:
Update Besta cabinet doors with stick-on rattan overlays for a laidback, natural look. Use brass or leather pulls for an extra touch.
Picture this:
Besta TV unit with rattan-inlayed doors sits flush under a medium TV on a sage wall. A cluster of dried pampas grass stands in a tall terracotta vase nearby. Cabinet pulls are matte brass.
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Budget-Friendly Tip:
DIY rattan panels using peel-and-stick sheets from craft stores for a cost-effective glow-up.
9. Framed TV within Havsta Hutch
Styling Tip:
Use the Havsta hutch to create a beautifully framed look around your TV, almost like it’s part of a built-in cottage library. Paint the interior back dark for added depth.
Picture this:
A light gray Havsta hutch surrounds a TV, the interior painted a deeper slate blue. On the shelves: two squat ceramic jars and a stack of pale wood photo frames.
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Color Palette:
Light gray, slate blue, natural wood, white
10. Symmetrical Storage with Metod
Styling Tip:
Create clean lines by using Metod kitchen cabinets as low, seamless TV benches. Add a pair of matching wall cabinets above for extra storage.
Picture this:
Three white Metod cabinets span the wall below the TV, topped with a pale ash countertop. Two matching Metod wall cabinets are installed vertically on either side above, doors closed. Benchtop is bare except for a single leafy plant in a white pot.
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11. Moody Black Eket Wall Grid
Styling Tip:
If you want drama, go for black Eket cubes arranged in a staggered vertical grid. Display only your most-loved objects so nothing looks cluttered.
Picture this:
A column of four matte black Eket cubes runs vertically to one side of the TV, each spaced slightly apart. Each cubby features either a gray concrete candle, a silver metal geometric sculpture, or is left empty for contrast.
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Color Palette:
Matte black, gray, silver
12. Narrow Living Room LACK Ledge
Styling Tip:
For skinny rooms, float a single LACK wall shelf under the TV for the remote, a stack of magazines, and the occasional cup of tea.
Picture this:
A slim white LACK shelf is mounted just below a small TV, nothing underneath besides light gray carpet. On the shelf: two stacked glossy coffee table books and a mug with a delicate gold rim.
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Seasonal Styling Idea:
Swap the mug for a pine-scented candle or add mini gourds for autumn.
13. Besta Bench with Wall Cabinets
Styling Tip:
Maximize storage by running a long Besta bench under the TV, but add slim Besta wall cabinets mounted above the screen for hidden clutter control.
Picture this:
A matte beige Besta bench sits long under the TV, with two matching slim cabinets lined up above the TV at ceiling height. The bench top has a single navy velvet cushion and a clear glass tray with decorative stones.
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Why It Works:
This “lower plus upper” combo keeps electronics tamed and surfaces clear.
14. Industrial Vibes with Forbattra Metal
Styling Tip:
Swap standard Besta or Metod legs for IKEA’s black powder-coated metal Forbattra legs, and style with dark décor elements for a slightly industrial edge.
Picture this:
A charcoal Besta TV stand sits on black Forbattra metal legs, neat against a white brick wall. On top, there’s a chunky smoky glass vase and a matte back photo frame. The floor around is bare concrete.
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Swap This With That:
Trade metal for brass legs and add a pop of color with bright art if you want it less industrial.
15. Playful Pop of Color with Besta Fronts
Styling Tip:
Change the standard Besta look by picking colorful doors. A bold green or blue can turn your TV wall into a cheerful anchor, especially in neutral rooms.
Picture this:
A Besta media unit with forest green lacquered doors sits below a centered TV, set against a white wall. There’s a clear acrylic tray with three hardcover books on top, plus a potted snake plant in a terra-cotta pot.
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Styling Mistake to Avoid:
Stick to one accent color for doors. Too many shades can look busy.
Color Palette:
Forest green, white, terracotta, clear acrylic, gold (book foiling)
FAQ
How do I hide TV cords with IKEA wall units?
Most IKEA TV benches and wall units have built-in cord management. For extra polish, use adhesive cord covers painted to match your wall.
Can IKEA TV units hold large flat screens?
Yes, as long as you check the product’s maximum weight and width. Most hold popular TV sizes up to 70 inches.
Can I customize IKEA TV units for my style?
Absolutely. Change the legs, add hardware, try peel-and-stick wallpaper, or swap door styles—it’s all fair game.
How do I make an IKEA TV wall unit look high-end?
Use symmetry, add custom tops, upgrade handles, and keep shelves tidy. Personal touches make all the difference.
Conclusion
There’s a reason so many of us keep coming back to IKEA again and again for TV wall units—they really do make it possible to get a polished, personal vibe even when you’re short on time or space. Whether you’re craving the softness of texture, the order of symmetrical storage, or just a cozy corner to unwind, these ideas make everyday living feel a little more pulled together. Try out a few, throw in something you love, and don’t stress about getting it perfect the first time—your home’s story is in the details you add along the way.
