Built-in Entertainment Center
As we were designing our home I wanted to create a functional, but elegant built-in entertainment center in my great room.
I have a pet peeve of decorating around TVs. So rather than the TV being the main focal point of the room I wanted to create a space that incorporated a TV. I needed a built-in custom entertainment center.
This room is one of the main areas in our home. It is one we gather in as a family and also when we have guests over. I wanted this space to be beautiful and elegant.
Also I wanted to be able to incorporate some design features that fit our own style and personality. It was a fun DIY project for me and I got to learn some new skills. I love the way this room came together. Check out my process below.
Entertainment Center Design
When I was doing a rough sketch of my design plan I wanted to make sure I incorporated my specific needs for this living space. First I wanted to shiplap the entire wall.
Then I wanted to incorporate great visual interest around the TV so I wanted some display shelves or open shelving of some sort. I also needed to make sure to add some additional storage. And lastly I wanted to incorporate some lighting which would make the great room the perfect place to gather as a family and watch TV or just hang out.
Supplies for a Built-in Entertainment Center
- 2x4's
- Framing nailer or drill
- Sheetrock
- Mud and tape
- Shiplap - you can shiplap the whole thing
- Crown molding
- Base molding
- Floating shelves - custom made by shelfology
- White oak cabinets
- Pendant lights for above the benches
- Pine for tops of benches
- Paint
- Decorations
How to Build a Built-in Drywall Entertainment Center
I built the entire unit of built-ins myself with the exception of the sheetrock, mud and tape! It was my first experience framing. I thought it was a good way to save money because I didn't want to pay the framer extra to build these.
Plus, I had this idea in my head so I decided a great way to get exactly what I want was to just do it myself.
This is a pretty basic framing job. I just needed
- 4 walls that were 10 feet tall by 24 inches wide for the floating shelves
- 2 boxes for the benches
- 2 boxes for the drop down above the benches
- 2 bases for the shelves
Measurements for My Built-in Entertainment Center
- The ceilings in our house are 10 feet tall and this wall is 19 feet 10 inches long.
- Benches on either side are 35" wide x 19" deep x 18" tall. The drop down on the top is 18".
- Both shelving units are 28" wide x 24" deep
- The TV opening is 83" wide.
Custom Built Benches for Storage
An important element when I was working on my design ideas was extra storage space. On either side of the shelves are benches with storage below. I really wanted to maximize the storage space and this will be perfect to store blankets.
Shiplap and Moldings
After the sheetrock was hung we added the shiplap and then all of the moldings. The shiplap adds great texture to this wall. Our painter then painted everything and got it ready so we could hang our floating custom shelves.
Built-In Floating Shelves
They are the Aksel white oak floating shelves from Shelfology. I had mine custom made and they are absolutely beautiful. They are solid white oak with the coolest hanging bracket in the back. These will make a great display space around the TV.
Decorating the display areas was very enjoyable for me. I wanted to keep the decorations on the shelves simple but fun.
Floating Cabinets for My Built-in Entertainment Center
The husband needed a large flat screen TV in this space and I wanted it to be pretty. Since this is an entertainment center I knew I needed some TV cabinets for cable management, hide the DVD player, cable box, video components and to provide storage spaces with cabinet doors. I had seen a floating TV stand I really liked I used at my inspiration.
Foxwood cabinetry made these beautiful wood tone natural quarter-sawn white floating base cabinets for this space. It is the perfect modern look to off set the large TV. The floating stand compliments the shelves perfectly.
The wall mounted theater center was the perfect way to finish off the space with. To put a picture on our TV I use YouTube. There are channels that have TV art that will change the picture every 10 minutes for an hour.
This will work no matter the size of your TV. I use it when have have company over for a sleek look or if I need to take a picture.
Lighting
When designing a space lighting is always a fun element to incorporate. I added these fun black pendants from Progress lighting. I gave them their own switch as well.
They create the perfect mood lighting or reading nook to settle in with my favorite book! My ceiling fan is also from Progress.
How to Decorate a Built in Entertainment Center
Now for the decorating. This is my favorite part and the best way to show my own custom style in this room. I used some items I already had and then I added to it with items I found from Amazon and Target.
Blacks and grey's are a great way to compliment my other neutral coloring. I also like to bring in some wood items to warm up the space and tie it with wood cabinets. Finishing off the decor by adding some greenery is the perfect solution to get some pops of color and some soft textures in this space.
I love the way this wall turned out. I always enjoy adding custom pieces to make this an even more beautiful home.
Paint Colors and Sources
- Shiplap- Chalked by Benjamin Moore
- Walls- Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
- Flooring - ADM Vintage Beige
- Chairs - Article.com
- Rugs - Linked here
Shelf Decor For You
If you have shelves that need some extra decoration or just a new fresh look be sure to check below. I have all my favorite finds from Amazon and Target below. I hope this inspires you on your next DIY project.
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