Technology is always changing and since most people have a flat screen tv at this point, an old entertainment center has really become obsolete. Here are some creative ways to use repurposed old tv cabinets.
When we built our house it never dawned on me that we were not adding enough closet or storage space. Can you ever really have enough storage?? We added all the usual closets in the appropriate rooms but as our family grew and our collection of “things” expanded, it soon became obvious that it was not going to be enough. Repurposed old TV cabinets would be the answer I was looking for.
Enter Craigslist. I’ve always loved a good repurposed furniture project (you can see our furniture makeover projects here) We’ve furnished much of our home with many pieces we have thrifted and then gave DIY makeovers.
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I was looking for a new project one day on Craigslist (back in the day) and saw a beautiful armoire that perfectly matched our dresser and bed. It was only $100. I wasn’t looking for an armoire but immediately thought it would be perfect in our room. I wouldn’t even have to do anything to it on the outside. Not one brush stroke!
Once we got it home, it was perfect in the space. (what a monster to get up the stairs, though. 🙂 ) I realized we could use more of these in different spaces in our home. What a great idea (and cheap) for adding storage!
The beauty is, you might see these armoires, some may call it a media console or entertainment center, on Facebook marketplace, a local thrift store or a flea market. You may even see one at a garage sale, yard sale or even on the side of the road. Some people have them for sale for next to nothing and some are just giving them away!
How we use old tv cabinets in our home for storage:
The one that started it all – originally I needed a place to put my printer. We added shelves on the inside and it worked out great. You can see that project here. We now use if for linens.
This one was the buy of the century! We found this armoire on Facebook marketplace for, wait for it, $100. It weighs 1000 lbs (or so it felt like) and we had to haul it out of someone’s basement but we knew it was perfect for our family room. (way to go sweat equity!!) The size and scale is perfect for the space.
In the bottom of the cabinet, we store our board games and craft supplies. On the top shelf in it as well as our printer. It’s kind of a makeshift home office. 🙂 The entire piece fit perfectly in the corner.
We have added brackets to add a shelf above the printer, I just didn’t get to it yet.
One of my favorite DIY projects is how we used this upcycled entertainment center into somewhat of a pantry in our kitchen. We found this armoire on Craigslist for $80, which is the same style armoire we purchased 25 years ago for an actual TV, LOL. Kevin built a shelf out of leftover wood in the barn. The back was already open for the tv wires so we didn’t have to modify it at all. There is plenty of room for the microwave and storing snacks. Plus, it’s fun to decorate the top of the cabinet.
It’s not pretty, but we now have more counter space.
I was even able to add cork board to the doors for a family calendar.
We used a smaller armoire we got on the salvation army in our closet. We built a base for it to hold 4 laundry baskets and the top holds towels. It made a big difference in how we organized the space when we built the master bedroom closet.
We also use an old tv console in our craft room for storage as well. It was super dark and I didn’t like the raw wood, so I painted it with white paint in a couple of coats to give it a fresh look. I used DIY chalk paint made with plaster of Paris. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do.
Finally (maybe) we use the original old TV cabinet in our office area for storing my decor accessories.
Other things you can do with a repurposed old tv cabinet:
A great way to update an old entertainment unit is to turn it into a coffee bar. You can simply remove the cabinet doors and add in shelves. Wallpaper makes the back really stand out.
One of my fellow blogging friends, Blesser House, created the most amazing reading nook with an old armoire. How perfect for a little girl. The inside of the cabinet is just gorgeous!
A few easy tips for how to update an old tv cabinet:
remove the inside electronic pieces
Add new knobs for a fresh look.
Add shelves for more storage
Give it a fresh coat of paint
Add wallpaper to the inside
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I love to repurpose old furniture. It’s a great way to upcycle or recycle and saves old pieces from going to the dump. So if you need some extra storage space, check your local thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace. You can give an old TV stand new purpose and make it become a functional piece of furniture with a little imagination.
These cabinets are everywhere. I saw some at the Salvation Army where an old bowl with a chip is 6.00 for 12.00. I guess no one wants them anymore. I also saw some for free on Next Door, etc. They are hard to move but if you can manage that, they can make a good pantry or craft storage space. I would like some ideas where these are modernized to fit in today’s home.
What fantastic ideas. I love seeing old, unwanted pieces refurbished and reprposed for more useful living. Don’t destroy, re-design! These are quite inspirational!
This is such a creative idea! Repurposing old TV cabinets into storage is both practical and stylish. Thanks for the inspiration!
These cabinets are everywhere. I saw some at the Salvation Army where an old bowl with a chip is 6.00 for 12.00. I guess no one wants them anymore. I also saw some for free on Next Door, etc. They are hard to move but if you can manage that, they can make a good pantry or craft storage space. I would like some ideas where these are modernized to fit in today’s home.
What fantastic ideas. I love seeing old, unwanted pieces refurbished and reprposed for more useful living. Don’t destroy, re-design! These are quite inspirational!