Jazz up a home's entertainment center by building it in and covering it with sheetrock.
To add a level of customization to a home-theater entertainment center, build one against a free wall or into a corner and make it appear as if it is part of the wall by covering the framed and shelving areas with sheetrock. Whether you desire to hide speakers, create extra shelving or blocks of space to display art around your entertainment center, the only limits to what you can do are your imagination, your skill set, the free wall space and your wallet. Does this Spark an idea?
Nouveau Riche Art Entertainment Center
Using standard framing principles, create a wood frame wall about approximately 18 inches in front of an existing free wall. Align the space for a brand-new LCD or plasma television at the right height for viewing in the center of this structure, frame in cupboards underneath to hide stereo systems and other electrical entertainment components. Add built-in accent lighting in the spaces to the side of the television and above where you display exotic art pieces to make the entertainment center zing. Cover the inside of the spaces with sheetrock, add glass shelving for the open areas on either side of the television for artwork to sit upon. Place wood doors over the cupboard below the television. After sheetrock is properly treated, paint to match the room.
Two-Toned Entertainment Center
On the free wall in your family or living room where the television usually sits, design out a three-panel entertainment wall. Build out the frame with standard framing construction allowing three equal areas for shelving inside each of the panels. The frame won't entirely cover the wall, as it will be see-through to the back wall. The idea is to build the shelves in equal shapes for symmetry and balance. Use the middle area for the television, building in cupboards below to hide components and on either side place shelving to display art or wall hangings. Build-in accent light above, sheetrock the framed areas and paint it a different color from that of the back wall. Add wood or glass doors below the television to hide equipment. Ensure wiring outlets are included.
Abstract Rectangles
Design an entertainment wall around the television shape and build it up in a variety of rectangles in an abstract fashion below, above and to the sides of the television area. Even stand the rectangle shapes on end. Ensure balance and symmetry by offsetting the rectangles appropriately. Don't make it look as if it would tip over. Use the rectangular spaces to display books, sculptures or artwork. Built-in lighting adds a special effect, especially if you tilt some of the light upwards. This helps when watching the television and prevents eyestrain as well. Cover the framing with sheetrock, paint to match the walls or use a contrasting color as desired.
Three Arches
Create three separate, but joined areas, creating shelving within each section and at the top, create a customized arch over each shelving area. Put the television in the center shelf and components below hidden in an area with cupboards. Install speakers on either side of the system and frame around them to give them a built-in look or leave space around them for easy speaker change out. Cover the framed areas with sheetrock, including shelves, tape and texture as normal then paint when done. Include accent wiring and electrical outlets as needed or desired.
Tags: with sheetrock, free wall, either side, area television, areas with, areas with sheetrock, around them