TV Stand Design Ideas

Just as the style and prices of televisions has evolved over the years, so has that of TV stands. Here are some options to consider if you don't like the idea of dropping hundreds of dollars for a new stand.

Steel kits are gaining popularity as an alternative and can be purchased for about $100. they come in a variety of sizes, as well as being durable and fairly easy to assemble. They have separate areas for holding the TV, cable box and DVD player. This may not be necessary, though, for TV's that come equipped with a cable card slot.

These stands are sufficient for most standard types of TV's, as they hold up to 90kg (200lb) or more. They also provide more of a modern, stylish look for those who are looking for something unique. Some are available with glass shelves for the TV and other components. A safer, but more expensive alternative to glass is some type of Plexiglass or acrylic material. For something as heavy as a TV, this might be a better option.

If this isn't quite what you had in mind, you can find plans online to build your own wooden stand if you like. Below are plans for a great looking and affordable option you can do yourself.

First, you'll need two planks of cedar, 90cm x 60cm (3ft x 2ft) and 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. The nice thing about cedar is that the natural appearance requires no staining, although you can put some type of finish on it if you wish.

Cut a curved pattern, starting at the base, similar to that of a guitar. This design will add strength as well as create an attractive appearance. After cutting, sand the edges smooth.

A few inches from the top, make centimeter and a quarter (one half inch) grooves in the planks. These grooves are called dadoes, and you will need to make these wherever you want your shelves to be. You can use a gouging tool or a router to create these grooves.

Purchase wooden shelves to fit the width of your stand. If you're looking for contrast, you could go with metal or glass shelves. Insert the shelves into the dadoes that you made earlier. For extra support, screw in some small L-brackets under each corner of the shelf.

You could also make height adjustable shelves by drilling several holes for shelf support dowels. Finding the right sized dowel pins could prove difficult, though.

You'll probably want to build in a way to hide the wires of your equipment as well. You can do this by running a thin 10cm (4 inch) strip of wood down one or both sides. This way, you can run your wires along the back of the shelves and down behind these strips. Use U-shaped tacks to hold the wires in place to keep them out of sight.

You always have the option of purchasing a standard stand with your TV. Or you could use these tips above to give yourself something more unique and better suited for your specific tastes. Building your own is a fairly simple and affordable way to do this. It will also give you an added sense of accomplishment.

         

Interior Home Improvement and Remodeling Articles