Materials: Ikea Besta frames, Ikea Framsta doors
Description: We wanted to replace our dated TV stand and open faced media towers with a new contemporary, sleek entertainment cabinet. Had to be modern yet functional. Key attributes were to be low to the ground, minimalist, big enough to hold the 56" HDTV, conceal all the components and speakers. We had to have doors that would allow sound and remote control signals to pass thru.
To center the AV Receiver and center channel speaker under the TV we needed an odd number of shelf alcoves. This led us to purchase two double unit Besta shelf frames and a single unit Besta shelf frame. The left and right speakers as well as other components fit nicely in the Besta shelves.
Key to this hack were the doors. We purchased 5 Framsta door kits in total. The center three doors were hacked to allow sound and IR remote control signals to pass. I cut out the centers of the doors using a jig saw and then wrapped the door frames in speaker cloth purchased at the local craft store. Using spray adhesive and a staple gun, the speaker cloth was stretched over the door frames and secured in place. I used the Framsta hinges included and mounted to the Besta shelf units.
We're really happy with the system. The simplistic, low sleek entertainment cabinet fits our style and budget - less than $350!!
~ Tim, Orlando, FL
I like the speaker mesh. A good idea to keep a clean look without having to leave the doors open!
ReplyDeleteLooks nice, I used the same cabinets with the frosted glass doors and it is no problem for the
ReplyDeleteremotes.
Hmm...I might try this out with my Bestå Burs Stand with the center 3 doors.
ReplyDeleteBesta Burs
I currently have the center channel just hanging out in the middle of tv stand. Plus, I have a PS3, HTPC, Router, Cable Modem, External Hard Drive & a receiver inside the three middle drawers. I tend to worry about over heating. A mesh front aside from allowing sound & IR to move freely would help with moving the heat out as well.
Now the only problem will be with the the doors themselves. They aren't framed like one from the article. And the front doors are extremely glossy. I think that I will just use the hinge mechanisms from the system I have and attach them to new door frames. That way if I ever want to revert back to the original look I have the option.
Any suggestions would be more than welcome.
Hi Ben, this is Tim and this is my hack. I was worried about heat as well esp for the receiver/amp. If you notice I left the back panels off center 3 cabinets. Actually I did this because I couldnt find my 1.5" hole drill bit to allow cables to pass thru. My original plan was to perforate the rear panel with slots or a pattern of holes. Unfortunately, once I bought the Besta cabinets I was too excited to get it built and try out the speaker cloth doors. Not having the rear panel ensures everything is cool. Also I was worried I'd see thru the cloth. The whole thing is close enough to the wall that little light gets back there.
ReplyDeleteWord of caution with cutting the doors. Buy extra jig saw blades or use a router. The particle board eats up jig saw blades. I went thru 2 per door!
Next hack with this is to connect the individual cabinets together. Different weights in each compartment leads to uneven settling in the carpet, so its hard to ensure the tops of the cabinets are perfectly even and flush. When I get around to this, I'll also remove the redundant feet.
Dope Blog!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to follow mine at tuxandtie.blogspot.com and on twitter at tuxandtie
a very cool thing, i really like the way it made space for TV alongwith providing storage space, great idea for living room or bedroom
ReplyDeleteI like the apostle mesh. A acceptable abstraction to accumulate a apple-pie attending after accepting to leave the doors open! the complete contemporary design is nice.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job.
ReplyDeleteIt's hacks like this one that makes this site great! I have been having the EXACT same issues with our tv/media setup and have been trying to figure out a way around the need for shelf space while still keeping it all concealed. The storage units they sell at Ikea are just a bit too big for my tastes. This solves the problem. Thanks so much for posting!
ReplyDeleteoh yeah, baby. Now that is a job done sexy.
ReplyDeletehi guys! great job!!
ReplyDeletewhich leg did you use? i cannot find on ikea' site...
Any idea how to make a similar design but with wheels so the TV (and speakers) can be turned 90 degress.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible for remotes to "get through" the speaker cloth?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's possible for the remotes to get through. The cloth doesn't block infrared light.
ReplyDeleteThis is like a homebrew UPPLEVA system. I like it.