The living room is the central hub of your home where you relax, entertain, and make memories. A built-in entertainment center can transform this space, turning a plain wall into a functional and stunning focal point.
By seamlessly integrating storage, display, and media together, a built-in unit elevates your living room from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why choose a built-in entertainment center?
Opting for a built-in entertainment center provides a custom, high-end look that freestanding media consoles simply can’t match. Here’s why it’s a superior choice:
- Custom Appeal: Built-ins are designed to look like a natural part of your home’s architecture. They flow with the lines of the room, creating a cohesive and polished aesthetic.
- Maximized Space: These units make the most of your available wall space, from floor to ceiling. This is especially beneficial for maximizing storage and function without encroaching on the room’s footprint.
- Eliminates Clutter: With designated spots for your TV, sound system, gaming consoles, and media, a built-in system offers sophisticated solutions for hiding unsightly wires and clutter, resulting in a clean, organized appearance.
Two built-in dark display cabinets are balanced on either side of the fireplace. Glass doors showcase curated decor displays which softens the bold cabinetry.
Custom Cabinets are the Best Built-in Solution
Designing fully custom cabinets for your built-in entertainment center is the best choice. Why?
- A Perfect Fit: Custom cabinets are measured and built to the exact specifications of your space, accommodating any architectural quirks like sloped ceilings or awkward corners.
- Tailored to Your Needs: Do you have a large record collection, a specific-sized television, or cherished heirlooms to display? Customization allows you to design compartments, drawers, and shelves that perfectly suit your lifestyle and storage requirements
- Added Home Value: A well-designed and professionally installed built-in is a significant upgrade that adds tangible value to your home.
Open Shelves vs. Cabinets: Striking the Right Balance
One of the key design decisions you’ll make is the choice between open shelving and closed cabinets.
White and wood is a popular combination and looks great in open living rooms. This built-in entertainment center has it all, floating shelves, a bench seat, and plenty of storage.
Open Shelving
Ideal for creating an airy, light feel. They provide the perfect platform to display books, photos, art, and decor, allowing you to inject personality into the design. They make items easily accessible but require mindful styling to avoid a cluttered look.
This entertainment unit creates a dramatic focal point with its arched display cabinets, moody gray-blue finish, and glowing interior lighting.
Closed Cabinets
Cabinets hide electronics, wires, movies, and other items you don’t want on permanent display. They offer a clean, streamlined look and protect your belongings from dust.
For most projects, a hybrid approach works best. Combining open shelves for display with closed cabinets for practical storage gives you the perfect balance.
This asymmetrical light wood built-in feels warm and inviting, blending open shelving with closed cabinets. The mix of storage and display keeps the design simple, practical, and bright.
Choosing Your Material: Painted vs. Stained Wood
The material and finish you choose will define the character of your entertainment center.
- Painted Wood: A painted finish offers a crisp, clean look and endless versatility. A classic white or off-white can brighten a room and feel timeless, while a bold navy blue or deep charcoal can create a dramatic, modern statement. Painted finishes, often applied to stable woods like maple or HDF, provide a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Stained Wood: For a look that emphasizes natural warmth and texture, stained wood is an excellent choice. Woods like oak, walnut, or maple showcase beautiful grain patterns that add depth and organic character to a room. From a light, natural finish to a rich, dark stain, this option offers a timeless appeal that celebrates the inherent beauty of the material.
How to Choose the Right Colours and Lighting for Open-Concept Living Spaces
Open-concept living spaces have become increasingly popular in modern home design. By eliminating walls and barriers, these spaces merge the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one cohesive environment.
However, this design approach also presents unique challenges, particularly in choosing the right colours and lighting to create a balanced, functional, and visually appealing space.
