How to update a built in entertainment center?

Misssy
by Misssy

We purchased a house with a strange built in entertainment center. It is a small living room with a fireplace but the built in is to the left side, set back about a foot and is built for the old tube type tv. We are ok with saving the bottom cabinets but want to tear out the top. What would be a good configuration for this?


  16 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 16, 2020

    Could you post a picture so we can see the layout and offer suggestions?

  • Gk Gk on Apr 16, 2020

    Can you just tear out the top cabinets and add a feature wall above the existing cabinet? Add some ship lap, some shelving, a mount for a flat screen TV? You can refinish or paint the bottom cabinet to be used for storage. It is hard to offer suggestions without seeing your space! Add a picture!

  • You would need to configure the shelves for your needs. Do you have a lot of books, knick-knacks, etc. The space for the old tv could be used to showcase something large in one of your collections.

  • Janice Janice on Apr 16, 2020

    You could remove the top section and then add a nice top to the bottom portion. Maybe redo the wall and add floating shelves or attach a flat screen TV. I took my built in entertainment center completely out and opened up the niche. area and it totally changed the look of the room; added a dresser and topped it with a large screen TV.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Apr 16, 2020

    Yes we would love a pictures. It is hard to understand the configuration without one. But going by your description you could rip out the top, keep the bottom cabinets, but reuse the top to add cabinets. That would give you a nice covered storage area. Or close it in, add a flatscreen tv...and access the back through another side panel that is not covered by the tv. Not sure if this would even work without seeing your area but just throwing out ideas.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Apr 16, 2020

    not sure if i understood this right, but we converted our entertainment center into a dining buffet here is the post https://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/storage-solutionsdiy-buffet-cabinet/

  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 16, 2020

    Maybe it could work to remove the entertainment center and make a cozy sitting place.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Apr 16, 2020

    I would leave the top shelf if you tear out the other on the left for stuff .you could even take out some shelf’s and add glass shelf’s in between

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 16, 2020

    If you have photos, you will get better recommendations. Based on your comments, I would think you can cut them from the bottom and remove.

  • Misssy Misssy on Apr 16, 2020

    Excuse the stuff just sitting in it....we know we are going to do something to it so after Christmas I never put the things back the way I had it. The sides have little shelves if you can't tell. To the right of the fireplace is the hallway. It is just an odd layout. I need help!

  • Misssy Misssy on Apr 16, 2020

    Why did my picture shrink?

  • Misssy Misssy on Apr 16, 2020

    It is a small living area and really not easy to arrange the furniture.


  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Apr 22, 2020

    Hi! Your picture is very helpful. I would gut the upper part, put bookshelves to replace the old cabinet. You might consider some nice wallpaper behind the shelves. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Cindy Chaney Cindy Chaney on Aug 07, 2020

    Yes, take off the top, use the bottom as a nice bar!