Our former ec was too overpowering for our family room. We ended up with a lift console, which I really like. It's nice to "send the tv to bed" when it's not being used, as I disliked seeing that big black box dominate my family room.
Lynn

"Even get a smaller one if I want to. What are my options? "

I think you already know. You sound like you do not watch much TV in the room and a smaller one would fit the bill for your needs.

The above post made me laugh! Yeah, can you tell I don't like that big tv?!

The tv on the easel is definitely interesting and different!

Lynn, your pop up tv really is a nice solution. It's nice that you can still put pictures up and then the tv just goes in front of it.

Thanks for sharing your pics.

Hubby built this shelf( the lower one)neither one is too high, as we view TV from our recliners, naturally looking up, not down, in our media room, for our newest TV,yes, we use both at times..upper Tv is 31" lower one is 42"

Our TV has been in the living room for years -- when we had the old TV, it was in an armoire, with doors that were always open! So I knew we weren't too interested in "hiding" the TV. When we got the flat-screen TV, I didn't want a traditional TV stand or cabinet. Actually, I hunted around for something more interesting, but in the end, got this very basic shelf from Pottery Barn that has worked out perfectly (and I think the price was under $200). What I like about it is that I can have a lot of other "stuff" on the shelves so it's not all about the TV.

We have just become owner of one of those big black rectangles. I too am searching for a good idea. I found this yesterday, and I'm wondering if I could make my own. I like the idea that it is dark and the TV blends in. I think I saw Candice Olson do a built in cabinet once with very dark wood and the TV just "went away", it wasn't a feature.

Anyway, this would allow me to mount it over a console table and yet it's not just the TV that's floating above it. I wonder if it has a cutout in the back of it, so you could put a swivel TV holder. That would be nice, so I could pull it out and see it while in the new kitchen.

{{!gwi}}

This was from Overstock, here's a link if you want to see it enlarged, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: TV Panel on Overstock

I posted a photo that isn't my house earlier; stupid me forgot I actually have one of my own, too -- it's since been replaced with a 37 in. flat screen, which is similarly sized.

Here is ours. We just love how this looks. (please ignore the missing baseboards we were mid-construction at time of photo).

Haley

I like that a lot, Haley. We were looking at buying an antique sideboard (or something made from reclaimed wood) for our TV before we ended up totally remodeling instead. Something like this:

Oh ya Segbrown that is totally beautiful. I can really see that being used for a TV stand.

This is in our kitchen/keeping room.

haley - that scrollwork is perfect for that spot! Where did you find it? How big is it in relation to your TV?

(I didn't even notice the missing baseboard - looks like my house!)

Haley,

Where did you get that sideboard? I'm only wondering because I have one that looks almost exactly like it. It is actually identical in structure, scrollwork and drawer pulls. The only difference is that it doesn't have those side drawers/doors. It has three deep drawers and one shallow drawer at the top. I'll take a picture and post it tonight.

My jaw just dropped when I saw your picture.

Sorry I thought I responded earlier but I guess the post didn't submit.

Ajsmama: I actually purchased this sideboard/buffet off of CL. I had to drive about 45 minutes to get it and my husband attached it to the top of my Mazda Protege (which I am sure was not legal! LOL) but I loved it so much, it was priced great and I really wanted it for the TV. It could use a refinish but I will get to it when life slows down (LOL). My TV is 42 inches across and the buffet is a bang on 60 inches.

Lowspark: I actually don't know much about it. I believe it to be Duncan Phyfe style but there are no markings on it. I believe it to be old but not antique. Do you know any info on your piece - would love to see it!

We are looking at flat screens now. I will be happy to get rid of our old behemouth media center. Many years ago I saw this in the Horchow catalogue. While the style of this particular one is not my own and the price is way out of my league I just love the concept. I could picture it above a sideboard/buffet like Haley's. By posting the tv on the wall you leave the entire top of the console for decoration. I know you have to thread the wires inside the sheetrock but I read somewhere about how easy it is to do.

I just gotta' believe that this can't be that difficult to make without spending over a grand to do so.

Here is a link that might be useful: Horchow tv wall cabinet

ajsmama and haley - I have a dining room set that is very similar. Only thing that appears to be slightly different are the pulls. Mine is a Drexel set named Travis Cout manufactured in the early 50's. All the info was stamped on the back and I just did a little research - nice to know a little background. Yours is beautiful, and I love what you are using it for. I love when furniture is "repurposed."

My brother built this cabinet for the tv in our family room. The tv is only 28".

Haley, here it is. It's not in great condition, it needs some work which I hope to be able to do someday. My parents immigrated to the US in 1959 and were given some furniture (among other things) to help them get started. I believe this piece was among that furniture. I know nothing about it except that it's been there all my life. I took it to my house when my mother passed away in 2000.

Very nice vintage sideboards everyone. I'm still looking for one that's the right size for a double-sink vanity.

But haley, I was asking about the iron scroll over the TV. That's just the right touch to make the TV look like "art" and not an appliance. Where did you find it and how big is it? I also have a 42" TV that will be mounted on the wall, windows to either side and a big blank space over the TV. Thanks

lynn_r_ct: I just wanted to let you know that I have seen those TV cabinets in stores. I've seen them with mirrored doors with mullions; slatted doors (look like shutters), and a couple of other versions. None of them were near the price of that Ballard one....so keep looking you can find it for less if you still are interested when you purchase a TV.

Ajsmama: So sorry about that! I purchased the iron work from a store called "HomeSense" which is a big home decorating store here in Canada. I am not sure but perhaps it is a division of US's Home Goods...not sure. It is 32 inches long.

Lowspark: What a beautiful piece and to have something with such a treasured family history. Can't put a price on having something like that. It could be just the photo but yours seems to have a burl to the wood unlike mine. It really is beautiful - thanks for showing us. You know that would be a great new thread for everyone to show their pieces of furniture or other treasures passed down through their families.