I've been wanting to replace our junk catcher under our TV with a fake mantle thing to hide our stereo stuff. Problem is, the ones I like at furniture and home improvement stores are about $400. So, I built my own.
Cabinet is 3/4 MDF. Top is Oak veneered 3/4" MDF. I cut a bevel in the top at 40 degrees (with a circular saw!!) All the open holes (except the center- obviously) will get doors. The doors will be oak veneered MDF again. Top long door will open downwards to expose the PS3 and DVD/ home theatre system. Side cubbies are sized for DVD's Bottom cubby on both sides is taller for vases, or whatever. The cabinet is 14.5" deep and the top is 16" deep. I'll be adding millwork to both sides and the front side doors. Goal is to get the side doors to look like pillars. Top door will get more millwork around the edges and maybe the family name in the middle.
Eventually I'll put an electric fireplace insert in the center box.
This is the first time I've ever built anything remotely like this and I'm pretty happy with what I got done today. Especially using my limited selection of tools.
You'll see the screws in the side of the panels, those are going to get filled and painted over. Cabinet will go black- visible oak surfaces will get stained (maybe light cherry?) and poly'd. I may paint the interior shelves fire engine red for kicks.
I'll post up as I get the doors assembled. I'll probably get them on and hinged tomorrow, but may not do the millwork right away.
I still need to cut holes in the hardboard for the cords and such.
Wachya think?
attached pictures of the mostly complete cabinet (you can see the top door on top... cut to size, but no hinges yet) and the old table it's replacing. Oh, and it's a lot taller than the old table, it will sit 3" lower than the TV.
Cabinet is 3/4 MDF. Top is Oak veneered 3/4" MDF. I cut a bevel in the top at 40 degrees (with a circular saw!!) All the open holes (except the center- obviously) will get doors. The doors will be oak veneered MDF again. Top long door will open downwards to expose the PS3 and DVD/ home theatre system. Side cubbies are sized for DVD's Bottom cubby on both sides is taller for vases, or whatever. The cabinet is 14.5" deep and the top is 16" deep. I'll be adding millwork to both sides and the front side doors. Goal is to get the side doors to look like pillars. Top door will get more millwork around the edges and maybe the family name in the middle.
Eventually I'll put an electric fireplace insert in the center box.
This is the first time I've ever built anything remotely like this and I'm pretty happy with what I got done today. Especially using my limited selection of tools.
You'll see the screws in the side of the panels, those are going to get filled and painted over. Cabinet will go black- visible oak surfaces will get stained (maybe light cherry?) and poly'd. I may paint the interior shelves fire engine red for kicks.
I'll post up as I get the doors assembled. I'll probably get them on and hinged tomorrow, but may not do the millwork right away.
I still need to cut holes in the hardboard for the cords and such.
Wachya think?
attached pictures of the mostly complete cabinet (you can see the top door on top... cut to size, but no hinges yet) and the old table it's replacing. Oh, and it's a lot taller than the old table, it will sit 3" lower than the TV.


