Make your living room special with living room built ins with tv that are both useful and stylish. You’ll find everything from modern custom entertainment center ideas to clever TV hiding spots. Picture a Samsung Frame TV hidden in a bookshelf or a wall with a mantel and warm wood.
Whether you like rustic brick or clean marble, there’s something for everyone. Prices range from $1,500 for simple shelving to $20,000 for custom designs. Designers like Ariel Okin and Emily Del Bello show how to make TVs look like part of the fireplace or blend into black walls.
Each idea here combines beauty with function, making your TV a natural part of the room. Explore hidden panels, floating shelves, and gallery walls. Let these designs spark your next home improvement project.
Why Choose Built-Ins for Your Living Room?
Built-in storage systems are changing living rooms into both functional and stylish spaces. They are different from regular furniture because they are permanent and made just for you. They solve storage problems and make your room look better.
Space Efficiency and Functionality
Modern storage solutions like TV wall unit with storage use every inch of space. They turn unused areas, like alcoves or narrow walls, into useful spots.
- Custom shelves and drawers keep things tidy, making your room look cleaner.
- RTA cabinets are affordable and still offer great quality and customization.
- Integrated tech spaces hide cables and chargers, keeping your space neat.
Aesthetic Appeal
Built-ins make your room look better. They fit right into the wall, unlike regular furniture, and make your space look smooth. A designer says:
“A well-designed TV wall unit with storage makes a room look more sophisticated. It becomes a key feature, not just something useful.”
They can match any decor, from rustic to modern, making your room look great.
Customization Options
| Feature | Built-Ins | Freestanding Furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Space Adaptability | Optimized for unique room dimensions | Limited by standard sizes |
| Design Flexibility | Match any style (modern, rustic, industrial) | Restricted by pre-made designs |
| Storage Solutions | Integrated hidden compartments and tech zones | Add-ons often lack cohesion |
Built-ins can be made in many styles, from wood tones to LED lighting. Whether you want a TV wall unit with storage or hidden media centers, they show off your personal taste. They last a long time and fit perfectly, which also increases your home’s value.
Popular Styles of Built-Ins
Make your living room special with built-ins that fit your taste. You can choose from sleek modern designs to rugged industrial looks. These styles offer endless options for stylish living room cabinetry and built-in entertainment center design. Let’s look at four top picks to spark your creativity.
Modern Minimalism
This style is all about clean lines and hidden storage. Choose matte finishes and built-in entertainment center design with tempered glass doors. Sleek LED lighting on open shelving makes a stylish living room cabinetry highlight.
- Grid patterns and floating shelves for visual simplicity
- Monochromatic color schemes with metallic accents
- Integrated LED strips under shelves for subtle illumination
Rustic Charm
Reclaimed wood and stone add warmth. Mix rough-hewn beams with weathered barnwood for organic textures. Gallery lights above shelves add rustic flair.
Classic Elegance
Crown molding and paneled doors bring timeless elegance. Subtle hardware and intricate carvings add to traditional designs. High-contrast paint jobs, like navy on white, add dramatic flair.
Industrial Edge
Exposed metal brackets and unfinished wood planks create an urban vibe. Combine steel pipes with concrete for a raw look. Black-painted cabinetry adds industrial charm to bold spaces.
Whether you love modern simplicity or rustic coziness, built-ins are more than storage. They’re statement pieces. Check out Pinterest for real-life examples of each style.
Best Materials for Built-Ins
Choosing the right materials for your built-ins is key. They should last long and match your style. Let’s look at options that are both beautiful and durable.
Wood Options for Durability
Hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut are strong and timeless. Their natural patterns add warmth to built-in shelving for living room spaces. Softwoods like pine are lighter and cheaper but may dent more.
For contemporary built-in media cabinets, poplar is a good choice. It has a smooth finish and is affordable.
MDF vs. Plywood
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Perfect for sleek, smooth surfaces. It resists warping but avoid using it in wet areas.
- Plywood: Made of wood veneer layers, it’s warp-resistant and durable. Ideal for areas that get a lot of use, like TV cabinets.
Finishes that Enhance Aesthetics
Finishes can protect and enhance your built-ins. Consider:
- Stain for a natural wood look
- Paint with Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for a modern, durable finish
- Varnish to protect against scratches and spills
Pro tip: Use matte finishes with contemporary built-in media cabinets for a clean look.
Investing in quality materials like primed pine or hardwoods can increase your home’s value. On a budget? Choose MDF in dry areas and add durable finishes to keep your built-ins stylish and functional.
Integrating a TV into Built-Ins
Mixing a TV into your living room built-ins is all about style and usefulness. Prices for custom designs like built-in entertainment centers or media walls start at $1,500. The top-end options can cost up to $4,000. These integrated TV storage solutions make screens the main attraction without adding clutter. Whether you want something simple or a cozy look, planning is key.
Concealed TV Concepts
Keep your TV hidden with living room built ins with tv that have sliding panels or doors. You can choose from:
- Artwork covers that double as decor when the TV is off
- Raised platforms with motorized lifts for modern setups
- Custom-built oak shelving with hidden compartments
Open Shelving for Electronics
Open designs are perfect for tech enthusiasts. Use built-in TV cabinets with:
- Wire management systems behind shelves
- Wood or MDF shelving to match cabinetry
- Small vents for airflow in closed units
Mounting Options for a Clean Look
Here are some sleek mounting styles:
- Recessed mounts that tuck TVs into cabinetry
- Articulating arms for adjustable viewing angles
- Floating shelves paired with minimalist frames
Combine these ideas with built-in media wall with storage for DVDs, games, and remotes. Make sure to include ventilation gaps behind electronics to avoid overheating. Whether you prefer a white custom TV built-in or a rustic oak unit, the goal is to blend function with design.
Decor Ideas for Your Built-Ins
Turn your built-ins into eye-catching pieces with these creative ideas. Custom entertainment center ideas shine with careful styling. Contemporary built-in media cabinets become unique with personal touches. Begin by clearing shelves to showcase your style.
Stylish Lighting Solutions
Make your contemporary built-in media cabinets stand out with layered lighting. Use recessed LEDs or puck lights for under-shelf lighting. For a cozy feel, hang battery-operated string lights behind displays.
Steer clear of harsh overhead lights. Instead, choose dimmable sconces to control the mood.
Decorative Accessories
Blend function with flair with these tips:
- Stack thrifted books vertically for bold color pops.
- Add framed photos or abstract art to anchor focal points.
- Place metallic sculptures or ceramic vases in odd-number groupings.
- Incorporate woven baskets for hidden storage solutions.
Incorporating Plants and Greenery
Enhance your custom entertainment center ideas with greenery. Hang trailing pothos or place succulent clusters on open shelves. For easy care, use silk ferns in ceramic pots.
Pair plants with terracotta pots for a natural look near TV areas.
Creating a Focal Point with Built-Ins
Turn your living room into a unified space with built-ins at its center. Stylish living room cabinetry becomes a key feature when designed well. Here’s how to mix style with practicality:
Symmetry and Balance
Make sure the room feels balanced by arranging things right. Use mirrored layouts or staggered shelves to guide the eye. If your TV isn’t in the middle, try an off-center design with swivel chairs for comfort.
Floating shelves or vertical units can anchor the space without feeling too much. They keep the room balanced.
Color Coordination
Match your built-in entertainment center design with the walls using neutral colors, or stand out with bold colors. Dark wood adds drama, while light finishes brighten small rooms. Use the same color for walls and trim to tie everything together.
Pro tip: Add a textured accent wall behind the TV to catch the eye.
Personal Touches
Show off your personality with family photos, travel souvenirs, or art around the TV. Mix framed art with plants or geometric decor for depth. Built-ins are more than storage; they’re places to tell stories.
Add a rotating display of favorite books or collectibles to keep things interesting.
Built-Ins for Small Living Rooms
Small living rooms do great with smart built-ins. They mix style with practicality. Vertical shelves and TV wall units with storage turn tight spots into useful areas without being too full. Start by using vertical space to get the most out of every inch.
Optimizing Vertical Space
Go up with floor-to ceiling modern living room storage solutions to use every bit of space. Laura Brophy Interiors did this, pairing a TV wall unit with storage and patterned walls to hide mess. Make sure shelves can hold 20-40 pounds per foot—check HomeAdvisor’s guidelines to avoid too much weight. Tall units, like white painted ones from Mindy Gayer Design Co., make rooms look bigger while keeping books and decor.
Multi-Function Designs
- Fold-out workspaces: Add sliding desks under TV shelves for home areas.
- Hidden storage: Use cabinets like Liz Marie Blog’s frame TV setup to hide cables and remotes.
- Storage benches: Seat cushions with hidden compartments save floor space.
Light Colors to Open Up Space
Go for white or light gray finishes to make rooms seem bigger. White built-ins with glossy finishes (like the coffered ceiling from White Sands Design Build) reflect light, making rooms look larger. Add light-colored rugs and reflective surfaces like mirrored cabinet backs. Laura Brophy’s black-and-white TV walls show how contrast can make a room feel bigger while keeping storage.
Custom solutions from Frame TV and Mindy Gayer’s blue-painted walls show how color and material choices can change cramped spaces into stylish, useful places. Focus on vertical storage, multi-use items, and light colors for a living room that looks bigger than it is.
Budget-Friendly Built-In Alternatives
Make your living space better without spending too much. These ideas mix affordability with the unique look of built-in shelving for living rooms. We’ll look at ways to save money without losing style.
DIY Built-In Ideas
Start with unfinished stock cabinets from places like IKEA, Lowe’s, or Habitat Restore. They’re great for custom entertainment center ideas. For instance, four unfinished cabinets from Lowe’s cost $350, much less than hiring a contractor.
Just add 1×12 boards for shelves and some molding for a nice finish. A recent project finished in under 6 hours, using wall space for the back.
“Unfinished stock cabinets are a cost-effective alternative for building DIY built-in bookcases or entertainment centers.”
Upcycling Furniture for Built-Ins
Give old furniture a new life with these steps:
- Stack thrifted dressers vertically to mimic custom units
- Add trim or paint to unify mismatched pieces
- Attach brackets to secure free-standing shelves to walls
Retail Options for Cost-Effective Solutions
Check out these smart buys:
| Product | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA EKET Two-Door Cabinet | Modular storage units | $80 |
| IKET Cube Units | Solid/glass doors | $30–$40 |
| BESTÅ Shelves | Adjustable heights, modern lines | $60–$120 |
| KALLAX Storage Units | TV stands, open shelving | $30–$70 |
Use these items to make a custom entertainment center for under $1,000. Add affordable plywood shelving and basic molding for a quick upgrade.
Maximizing Storage with Built-Ins
Turn ordinary spaces into useful areas with smart storage ideas. Modern living room storage solutions, like built-ins, mix style with function. They work great with integrated TV storage solutions. Here’s how to use every inch wisely.
“The best storage disappears into the design while solving clutter.” – Interior Design Institute
Hidden Compartments
- Pull-out drawers under TVs hide remotes, cables, and game consoles
- False panel fronts disguise media centers or linen storage
- Rotating shelves in cabinetry reveal extra space when needed
Shelving Visibility and Accessibility
Shelves 12-14 inches deep make items easy to grab. Adjustable systems, like IKEA’s Havsta units, let you change heights for books, plants, and photos. Keep often-used items below eye level to avoid stretching.
Incorporating Cabinets and Drawers
Use closed cabinets for DVDs and seasonal items, and open shelves for decor. Scandinavian-style units, like the Blue Scandinavian built-in, offer clean lines and hidden storage. Slim shaker cabinets flank TVs, hiding AV equipment. Floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry adds warmth and uses vertical space well.
Custom designs can include under-stair nooks. Think pull-out drawers for board games or angled shelves for DVDs. These modern storage solutions keep clutter hidden while TVs stay the main attraction.
How to Design Your Built-Ins
Turning built-in entertainment center design ideas into real spaces starts with planning. It’s important to plan well so your TV wall unit fits perfectly. Here are the key steps to make your dream space come true.
Planning and Measurement
First, measure your wall and where your TV sits. Draw a detailed plan, including outlets, vents, and doors. Use 2x10s and 1×3 MDF trim for strong shelves. Fill gaps with DAP Premium Wood Filler and use a Kreg Jig for pocket holes.
Remember, add an extra HDMI cord for future needs. TV wall unit with storage designs look better with jigsaw cuts for flush cabinets.
Collaborating with Designers
“Communication is key—share your style preferences and budget upfront.”
Talk about materials with designers, like Benjamin Moore Advanced Paint for lasting finishes. Walls in Sherwin Williams Biscuit provide a nice background. Custom units are pricier, but stock cabinets can save money.
Make sure to agree on designs before starting to avoid any surprises.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
- DIY saves money, using tools like power strips for cord management.
- Professionals handle complex designs, like turning TV cavities into shelves.
- Big built-in entertainment center design projects often need pros for accuracy.
Flip pocket holes on upper shelves for a neat appearance. Always check if you can handle the project—complex electrical work might need a pro.
Maintenance Tips for Built-Ins
Keeping your stylish living room cabinetry and built-in shelves in top shape is easy. Just a little effort each week can save you a lot of money in the long run. A designer says:
“Preventive care extends the life of custom cabinetry by years.”
Regular Cleaning Techniques
- Wood: Wipe with a damp cloth and Method All-Purpose Cleaner weekly
- Glass shelves: Use Windex for streak-free shine
- Metal hardware: Polish with Mrs. Meyer’s microfiber cloth monthly
Repairing Common Issues
Fixing small problems quickly is key:
- Scratches: Sand lightly then touch-up with Benjamin Moore Lead Grey paint
- Loose hinges: Tighten screws with a Phillips head screwdriver
- Sagging shelves: Reinforce brackets with wood glue
Prolonging Lifespan
Here are some expert tips:
| Issue | Solution | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity damage | Use dehumidifier in damp rooms | $120/year |
| Overload | Follow weight limits (max 20 lbs per shelf) | Free |
| Color fading | Apply semi-gloss varnish every 2 years | $45 per gallon |
Using protective pads under vases can prevent scratches. Spending $150-$200 a year for inspections can save you up to $1680 on refinishing. With the right care, your investment will last for decades.
Real-Life Examples of Built-Ins with TVs
Real-world examples show how built-ins change living spaces. From cozy family rooms to sleek modern designs, they inspire us. See how custom entertainment center ideas and contemporary built-in media cabinets work in action.
Case Study: Family-Friendly Layouts
One family used a sliding bookshelf and hidden TV lift. They chose materials like MDF and polished wood for durability. Open shelving stores toys, and enclosed cabinets hide clutter.
This design is both kid-friendly and stylish. It uses a console table as a TV stand when needed.
Stylish Spaces: Inspiration from Designers
Designers show off contemporary built-in media cabinets with floating shelves and LED lighting. Coastal themes mix beadboard with sleek glass cabinets. Minimalist designs use black-and-white contrasts.
Custom-fit solutions like floor-to-ceiling shelving or enclosed TV units add sophistication. Even small spaces can look great with custom entertainment center ideas.
Reader Submissions: Transformations
Homeowners shared before-and-after photos of under-TV storage and off-center entertainment centers. One DIY project saved $2,000 by using plywood and sliding panels. It built a TV wall with storage under a 75-inch screen.
Another used a shallow cabinet with integrated LED lights. It turned a cramped room into a stylish hub. These stories show how modest budgets can lead to stunning results.
