How to Design an Entertainment Center and Built Ins
When we decided to finish our basement, a major goal was to make it a man cave of sorts. We have two teen boys who love video games, and we all enjoy watching tv and movies. What belongs in a man cave more than a large screen tv? My husband already had his dream tv and speakers in mind. Even though electronics are his specialty and not mine, I was also excited about using it all in the end! First though, my main thought was what will go under and all around that large screen that would look great and be functional. Which leads to this part in the basement remodel, how to design an entertainment center and built ins.
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First take a look at what the basement looked like before. It was completely unfinished and just used for storage. Basically it was just a dumping ground and quite dungeon like! It was exciting to think we were going to create a whole floor of livable space.
Once we had walls, we were able to tape out the “tv” to try to see first what size screen to get. We decided we wanted a large row of cubbies and a closed cabinet underneath it. We also decided that since we wanted such a large unit, and that we had specific details in mind that we would design it ourselves. So after taping the tv screen, we also taped out what the cubbies would look like. That way we could also get the dimensions down.
I knew I wanted cubbies because my vision was to have storage bins that would go into each one. I wanted lots of storage and a place for closed bins to hide their contents.
Another factor that went into figuring out dimensions was the bins that would go into the cubbies. I actually had these particular bins in mind before we even designed it all! So we measured them and designed the perfect fit.
Tim was able to find a cad program online to map out these designs. Then we had something to give the builder to refer to. We decided to have someone else build and install them.
The large metal bins would go across the bottom on either side. The top row would hold smaller bins. The middle would be a closed cabinet to hold board games and some electronics (the rest of the electronics actually are in the furnace room). We measured to make sure board games and everything we need to put in there would fit well.
Now in the planning stage we also had to look at the size of the wall and where the couch would be. Then after the “tv” was centered we could measure out the “cubbies” to be underneath with the tv centered above. It ended up being almost the entire length of the wall. This is also why we went with designing our own built in unit. Finding a piece like this sold in stores to go under would be hard to find in this size. It needed something very large under it to anchor it, not just to be able to have extra storage. It creates balance for the whole room.
I think we successfully created a man cave in the end. Well, maybe a “pretty” man cave that Mom is allowed to go into too sometimes :). We love the look of our entertainment center and all of the cubbies. It is also such great storage! So many things have a place to go now and everything is so neatly hidden away. Can’t wait for the next movie night!
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18 Comments
Laura
Looks so good! I love the cubbies. I’m sure your whole family really enjoys this room! Great job!
Liz
Thank you! We really do!
Elise
Oh wow!!! We are getting ready to have major work done to our basement because of water issues! It’s partially finished but would love to have something like this! Just gorgeous!
Liz
Thanks so much! Good luck with your reno! You will be thrilled when it’s done.
Stephanie
This turned out beautiful! I’ve been wanting to add built ins to our living room for so long and love this concept!
Liz
Thank you! I highly recommend it!
Kim
Hi Liz! Could you please share where you got those plaid ottomans/poufs? Thanks!
Liz
Hi! I got them a few years ago at Target, Hearth and Hand, but it doesn’t look like they carry them anymore unfortunately!
Blaine
Hi Liz, great design! I’m curious where you had these built. Did you have a custom cabinet maker build these? Or did you order these from a cabinet manufacturer?
Thanks!
Liz
Thank you! We have a friend who is a contractor, and he built it for us from our design.
Jennifer Schuette
Hi Liz, can you tell me what color paint you used on the wall? I like it!
Liz
Thank you! It’s SW accessible beige
Pam Smith
Hi There. Love the room. I was just wondering where you got the ottoman cubes?
Liz
Thank you! They are Hearth and Hand from Target, but I got them several years ago. It looks like they’re no longer available, unfortunately!
Zachary Tomlinson
I got surprised that you could turn a dull basement into a space full of functionality! My uncle wants to use his basement as a place where he can play games for hours. I think we should consider your idea of remodeling the space into an entertainment center by hiring a contractor for his ideas!
Liz
So glad you like it, thank you!
Monika
I love how much light was brought in for the new design. The storage bins and shelves are a great idea! Seeing the before and after photos are very satisfying. I am getting ready to finish my basement and these are great ideas Thank you
Liz
So glad you liked it, thank you! Yes, I was thrilled with how much more light comes in. Such a difference! Good luck with your basement!