If you go to an electronics store these days, you are not going to be buying the same kind of television set that your parents bought back in the day. Televisions are now wider, taller, and more expansive in myriad ways than the TV sets of old. The new technology is great, but it can also be a burden because you have to invest in new TV stands. The entertainment centers that you grew up with just won't cut the mustard anymore. The new TV stands can be expensive. Sometimes they can add a fifth of the cost to a new television set. However you can find your way around the high cost with these tips.
For about one hundred dollars, you can invest in a steel TV stand kit that will mount your TV on the wall, even if it weighs up to two hundred pounds. These kits are do-it-yourself, but even beginners will be able to put them together in under an hour if they follow the instructions. These steel stands not only hold your TV set, but also your DVD player and cable box. They are typically very modern and stylish, and hold your lighter hardware like the cable box on shelves of clear glass. Make sure that your TV is supported by a stronger substance, however, if you would like it to stand on a clear surface as well. Acrylic or Plexiglas surfaces are ideal.
If you are a craftsman, or simply like a challenge and want to save some money, then think about constructing your own television stand out of materials you can buy at a hardware or home improvement store. This is not as hard as it might seem at first. You can purchase plans or download a project template for free online. Select one with a list of parts that are inexpensive. You have to like the design too and it needs to fit within your available wall space. A huge TV stand will not do you any good if you have no place to put it.
How do you decide what kind of wood to use? Cedar is an excellent wood to use because it has a natural finish, but other woods would work as well with an attractive stain. Take your living room or bedroom decorating techniques into account when you choose a wood. You want to pick something that will match the rest of the room where you are planning on housing your television. You do not want to have to be stuck remodeling your home around your TV stand. For your project you will need two cedar planks probably measuring 90 cm x 60 cm, with a thickness of 2.5 cm. You can choose a project plan that is as simple or as stylized as you want. Just be sure that the plan includes a way to hide your wires. Nothing destroys a good-looking entertainment center faster than unsightly wires. If you have a great plan and know what you are doing, you can make your new TV stand in a day or less with a good wood working kit and some craftsmanship.
