Ways to Set Up a Hidden Media Center in a Living Room

A living room should be designed for living, but not everyone wants to see electronic components including the television, stereo and game systems when these items are not in use. Some people prefer to keep it all hidden using various methods. The items are only exposed when in use, and they are behind closes panels and doors shortly thereafter. A hidden media center that looks like built-in cabinetry is the ideal solution.

Set Up a Built-In Hidden Media Center

My cousin has a beautiful living room with plush frieze carpeting, white and cream upholstered furniture and an architectural feature that provides a way to set up a hidden media center. It offers four openings that are just the right size for TV components as well as a space for the television and separate openings to hold auxiliary speakers. The built-in living room cabinet also includes upper and lower storage areas with drawers and doors. They are ideal for storing discs, remote controls, games and more. All can be hidden away by simply closing panels and doors.

How to Set Up the Furniture for TV Viewing and Conversation

She asked if I would help arrange her living room furniture using the best possible layout. She wanted it set up specifically for conversation, gaming and audio-visual entertainment. I was more than happy to assist. I suggested centering her ottoman in front of the television approximately six feet back. This was the perfect distance for gaming, and the ottoman was the ideal height for the kids to sit on while playing their games.

I set up her beige upholstered couch on the other side of the ottoman where it faces the media center. The area in front of the hidden media center was the most prized seating in the living room. I positioned the couch approximately eighteen inches from the ottoman to allow plenty of room for navigation. We also choose a large woven wicker tray with a flat wooden bottom for holding refreshments. The ottoman served triple duty as a coffee table, a seat and a place to prop tired feet.

Ways to Set Up and Combine Chairs of Varying Colors

Matching upholstered chairs were placed on both sides of the ottoman and the same distance back as the couch. Those choosing these chairs will also have a very good view of the media center since the chairs swivel. I suggested placing a beige throw pillow on the white chair and white woven throw on the beige chair. The accessories tied the two colors together beautifully. It was an ideal living room set up.

My cousin was very pleased with the hidden media center and the arrangement of her living room furniture. We spent many hours watching movies and thumbing through magazines while discussing our latest activities. Her living room with a hidden area for entertainment is the heart of her home. It has remained the place where everyone congregates after holiday meals, get-togethers and for audio-visual entertainment. When the electronics are hidden it looks like nothing more than a neatly arranged living room, and when they are exposed it is a place for pleasant diversions from everyday life.

Source: Personal and Professional Decorating and Design Experience