Software
Houzz Logo Print
ctychick_gw

DIY idea for concealing hanging flat screen?

15 years ago

This would be for my living room - semi-formal, a little more than occasional adult use, tv not regularly, but for when I host large family gatherings. I do Thanksgiving, and I want people to spread out in different rooms comfortably and still watch the game. Plus, my father-in-law ultimately has a golf match on at every family event (don't get me started on THAT one!). So... I want the tv gracefully hidden, but accessible for occasional use. Not interested in the static dvd "artwork" or the expensive services out there that create and install. Strictly DIY here.

Here's what I envision. Does this sound do-able?

I was thinking about hanging a very thin flat screen, and building a basic wood frame around it, just deep enough to contain the depth of the TV with bit of clearance. Then, I would attach a track to sides of the frame, on which a larger framed piece of artwork could slide down over it when not in use. I would have to somehow secure the frame in place in it's "up" position as well.

Any suggestions would be great, particularly on specific hardware to look for at Home Depot. For example, does a workable track system exist? I am thinking about something like what is used for drawers, but I know that's not exactly what I would need.

Thanks so much for indulging me! I would love to be able to pull this off!

Debbie

Comments (7)

  • 15 years ago

    Debbie I have no idea if such hardware exists, but I know Lowe's has a section in their hardware department with all sorts of gadgets used in the furniture industry. If no one knows of a such type of hardware here I'd check Lowe's. Good luck. It sounds like a neat idea.

  • 15 years ago

    A more simple version would be making the equivalent of a shadowbox frame (giving the depth you need) and then staple an interesting fabric to the front from the inside. It would leave it light enough to require no special hardware and could be put to cover the TV by simple gravity.

    I did a similar thing on our mantle because we utilize a projector for movies up there. Didn't want anything with heavy glass that made it hard to take it up and down. In my case I stapled a plain white fabric and painted a picture right on the fabric.

    Now that I wrote that, I guess you could buy a canvas painting and do the same thing by stapling it inside. Just don't cover it in glass. If you put a thin cleat on the top back inside of the frame, it would help to keep it in place and stop it from sliding off.

  • 15 years ago

    Could you mount decorative shutter on the area? Is it above your fireplace or is the tv just hanging on the wall?

    I have an insert (recessed) above my fp for my tv, but I havent' decided if that's where I really want to put the tv yet. I'm thinking if I do, that I too will want something over it so that I am not looking at the big black tv all the time.

  • 15 years ago

    I designed a cover for our flat screen over the great room fireplace. It's similar to what you're describing but is in two sections that slide out rather than up. Large metal drawer slides were used.

    My Internet modem is dead and I'm posting from my iPhone so I can't link a picture. But if you go to www.atticmag.com and search for Alabama Stone Cottage or the more recent Searching For Os de Mouton chairs you can see pictures.

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks for the input so far! I'm a little confused about the fabric suggestion. If you can clarify a bit, that would be great. I can't visualize what you are explaining, but it sounds interesting. Can you post a picture?

    As for shutters, I thought about that, but the TV will be hung above a buffet-style cabinet and will be the focal point of the room, so I really to incorporate an interesting piece of artwork there. I definitely don't want it to look like a cabinet in any way.

    I'm still open to input. I feel like I can pull off the "track" idea with a little more creative brainstorming and a trip to Lowes or Home Depot. I agree that Lowes is the better choice. Unfortunately Home Depot is more local for me and I often find myself educating the employees rather than the other way around.

  • 15 years ago

    I'm wondering if you could recess it into the wall? That's what I'm hoping to do when we get a flat screen for our master bedroom. That way you could hang any art right over it.

  • 15 years ago

    Is it over a piece of furniture?

    What about a small standing screen that sat on the furniture?
    I am thinking of those small Japanese style screens, but I made one out of canvas stretchers and fabric and hinged them together. I used mine to conceal an ugly heating unit.(you could probably get artists canvases and cover them with another fabric).