Creating a wooden TV console with a hidden media hub can add both functionality and a sleek, modern look to your living room. This project involves building a sturdy TV console with hidden compartments for your media devices, ensuring a clean, minimalist appearance while keeping your electronics neatly stored. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own wooden TV console with a hidden media hub.
Materials and Tools Required:
Materials:
- Plywood or solid hardwood (depending on the style you prefer)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Hinges (for doors or hidden compartments)
- Drawer slides (if you choose to include drawers)
- Wood finish or stain
- Sandpaper
- Paint or varnish (optional)
- Fabric or mesh (for venting the media hub compartment)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood clamps
- Router (optional for edges)
- Sanding block or electric sander
Step 1: Plan Your Design
The first step in creating a TV console is to design the overall structure. You can either sketch your design on paper or use design software for precision. Keep in mind the dimensions of your TV, the media devices you want to store (such as a cable box, game console, or DVD player), and the size of your room. Consider the following in your design:
- The size of the console should complement the TV and fit well with your living room space.
- Include a hidden media hub compartment with ample space for cables, receivers, or other electronics.
- Ensure there’s ventilation for any equipment that may need it.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood
Once you have your design, it’s time to cut the wood pieces. Measure and mark the dimensions for the sides, top, bottom, and shelves of the console. For a hidden media hub compartment, you can create a sliding or hinged door to keep electronics out of sight.
- Top and Bottom Pieces: These will be the length and width of the TV console.
- Side Panels: These should be the height of the console and the same depth as the top and bottom panels.
- Shelves: Depending on your design, you may want shelves for additional storage inside the console.
- Hidden Compartment Doors: Cut a door piece for the media hub compartment that will hide your electronics. This can be a simple panel or a more complex design, such as a drawer or sliding door.
Use a circular saw or table saw to make straight cuts along your measurements. Take extra care when cutting pieces for the hidden compartment to ensure it will be easy to access but also concealed.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Start assembling the basic frame of the TV console. Attach the side panels to the top and bottom pieces using wood glue and screws. Use wood clamps to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries, ensuring the frame is square.
For added strength, you can reinforce the frame with corner brackets or additional support pieces along the edges.
Step 4: Add Shelves and Hidden Compartment
If your design includes shelves inside the console, attach them using wood screws or shelf brackets. Make sure they are level and spaced according to your needs.
For the hidden media hub compartment, create a door or lid that blends seamlessly with the console. You can either install a hinged door or a sliding panel that covers the opening. If you are creating a hidden drawer, install the drawer slides and then attach the drawer front.
It’s important to keep the door mechanism smooth and functional, as it will be used frequently to access your media devices.
Step 5: Sand and Finish the Console
Once the basic structure of the console is assembled, it’s time to sand the edges and surfaces. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots, then finish with a finer grit to create a smooth, polished surface. Sanding is crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish, so take your time.
After sanding, apply a wood finish, stain, or paint to protect the wood and give the console the look you desire. If you’re using a stain, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time. A protective topcoat will help preserve the wood’s appearance and durability.
For a more natural look, you can use a clear wood finish to allow the grain to show through. If you want a modern or glossy appearance, consider a lacquer or polyurethane finish.
Step 6: Install the Hidden Media Hub Compartment
Now that your TV console frame is complete and finished, it’s time to install the hidden media hub. This step will depend on the type of access mechanism you’ve chosen. If you’re using a hinged door, install the hinges on one side of the hidden compartment door. Make sure it opens and closes easily.
For sliding doors, install the necessary tracks and ensure the door slides smoothly into place. If you’ve created a drawer compartment, install the drawer slides and check for proper alignment and smooth movement.
To enhance airflow inside the hidden compartment, you can add vent holes or fabric/mesh panels to the door. This will help prevent overheating of your media devices.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before you finish, check all compartments to ensure they are functional. Make sure cables can be neatly organized and stored in the hidden media hub area. If you included drawers or shelves, ensure they open and close smoothly.
Once you’re happy with the functionality and aesthetics of the console, you can finalize the finish by applying additional coats of varnish or protective sealant. This will protect the wood and make it easier to clean.
Step 8: Organize and Install Your Electronics
Now that your TV console is built, it’s time to organize your electronics. Place your TV on top of the console and arrange the media devices inside the hidden compartment. Use cable management tools such as clips, ties, or sleeves to keep cables organized and out of sight.
If necessary, you can add a power strip inside the console for easier access to plugs, and ensure all the devices are properly connected and functional.
Conclusion
Building a wooden TV console with a hidden media hub is a rewarding project that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your living space. With the right design and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and efficient piece of furniture that keeps your electronics hidden while still providing easy access. Whether you choose to incorporate drawers, shelves, or a concealed compartment, this project will help you maintain a tidy, organized entertainment area.
For more woodworking projects and detailed plans, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.