Skip to main content

How to DIY a floating entertainment center

It is now possible to build a multipurpose entertainment center. However, between the two types – standard and floating – floating entertainment centers are becoming increasingly more popular. Whether it’s because of their modern, minimalist vibe, or the practicality of having a furniture piece that doesn’t take up any floor space, more and more people are adding these simple pieces to their home decor. 

What is a floating entertainment center?

A floating entertainment center is essentially a console that can be wall-mounted and doesn’t take up any floor space — thereby earning the “floating” part of its name. There are many benefits of adding a floating entertainment center to your home:

Related Videos
  • Floating entertainment centers are space savers. They eliminate the hassle of finding the perfect place to fit a rather large piece of furniture because they can be easily attached to most any wall.
  • If you have children in your household, floating entertainment centers are thought to be safer than standard units because they are more out-of-reach of little hands and therefore less likely to be accidentally tipped over.
  • Floating entertainment centers are considered to be more stylish and modern than standard units. Lovers of minimalist style appreciate not only their looks, but also their space-saving practicality, particularly if space is at a premium in your home.

There are literally thousands of floating entertainment centers available at local shops and online retailers with styles to suit every taste, every budget, and every need. But for some, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of building something from scratch and seeing it put to good use each and every day. We’ll show you how to DIY a homemade entertainment center you can be proud of, even if you’ve never built anything before!

How to build an entertainment center  

So you’re not a carpenter. That doesn’t mean you can’t build a homemade entertainment center using a few simple supplies and far less time than you might think! We’ll show you how to do it, step by step. 

This minimalist design is so easy even a beginner can do it. Here’s what you need to get started:

  • 2 pieces of oak — 12 x 48 inches
  • 4 pieces of oak — 12 x 8 inches
  • 6 L brackets
  • Wood glue
  • Wood screws
  • Nails

Note: When choosing a work area, keep in mind that wood glue can be pretty messy.

Now, let’s get started:

  • Align the pieces by placing two 8-inch pieces on the ends and two 8-inch pieces in the middle; secure together with wood glue. Use something heavy (or clamps if you have them) to weigh everything down and hold in place. 
  • Once the glue has hardened, it’s time to install the brackets. You’ll want to make sure your piece is sturdy, so use a total of six brackets (that’s two per section). Be sure your screws are small enough to hold securely without piercing through the other side of the wood. 
  • Now it’s time to nail everything together. Using long wood nails, we recommend doing four on each side and two for each middle piece for a nice, strong hold. 
  • If you like the look of natural wood, you can install as is, or now would be the time to paint it if you desire! Always use a level and strong brackets when you mount anything on the wall to ensure it is absolutely straight and securely affixed. 

That’s it, you’re done. Do you see how easy it was to build an entertainment center? This one is perfect for holding DVDs, knick knacks, books, and photos, or as a console beneath your wall-mounted TV. And best of all? It won’t take up even a single inch of precious floor space!

Editors' Recommendations

Get that perfect Christmas tree aesthetic with these easy gift-wrapping hacks
How to wrap a gift: Make wrapping a breeze this year with these easy tricks
Person holding gifts wrapped in brown paper.

If you're anything like me, you love to give a gift but hate the thought of wrapping it. It takes time, patience, and can get tedious if you cut a piece too small or the gift is odd-shaped; never mind if you run out of tape (or patience). Gift wrapping can be made much easier if you have a couple of tricks up your sleeve to make it fun and easy. Luckily, the Redditors at the r/lifehacks subreddit agree, and posted this video with a few simple tips that will make wrapping presents easier.

Here are a few ways to deal with some of the gift-wrapping challenges we all face during the holiday season.

Read more
6 easy Christmas desserts everyone will think are from a high-end bakery
Forget the Christmas cookie. Here are some decadent desserts to ramp up your holiday meal
Chocolate lava cake with cranberries

You put so much care and attention into every last bit of Christmas. From the gift shopping to the wrapping and the decorating to the food -- no detail overlooked. Your Christmas desserts should be no exception. Not just the typical trays of homemade Christmas cookies, but the kind of elegant, beautiful Christmas desserts that wow you through the glass at your town’s finest bakery. But who has the budget left over for one of those pricey confections or the time to make a special trip into town on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

There’s no need to go into bakery debt! Today we've compiled six of the most elegant Christmas desserts around, each one an example of bakery-quality decadence and all surprisingly easy to make. Four are bake-at-home treats, two require no baking at all, and some you can even make ahead of time!

Read more
These Christmas table decorations are the perfect backdrop for your holiday meal
Take your Christmas table decorating up a notch with these fun ideas
Festive Christmas table setting

'Tis the season to send our tastebuds on an adventure. From turkeys and hams to unique side dishes and desserts made from recipes passed down throughout the generations, food certainly takes center stage this time of year. However, who says your tastebuds have to have all the fun on Dec. 25?
Christmas table decorations can provide a feast for the eyes (and make your family and Instagram followers swoon). While some may think of it as another item on their to-do list, you may love getting your creative juices flowing by curating a gorgeously arranged tablescape. Allow these ideas to serve as inspiration.

Centerpieces
Tell your turkey or roast to move over. Making room on your table for a centerpiece will draw attention to the table (rather than smartphones). You have plenty of options, from subtly beautiful assortments to statement pieces. Consider these ideas:

Read more