Built in Shelves on Media Wall?

2 years ago

Hello All,

We are remodeling our media wall area and I could use some help on deciding what to do. There is an existing niche where the tv goes on the back wall and we will have custom built in cabinets below. We would like to have recessed shelving on both sides of tv opening, but on the left side we are limited to a 5" depth because of the cabinetry behind that wall. On the right side I could go much deeper, but not sure if that would be odd to have that mismatch. The opening will be 6" tall and 2'2" wide. Each wall is 4' 6" wide and we have 10' ceilings. We were hoping to have shelves similar to the inspiration photo. But, now I am concerned that 5" is too shallow to warrant making these shelves. I also don't know if we should have 4 shelves or 3 shelves. Would appreciate input from this forum. Thank you!

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Comments (13)

kandrewspa
2 years ago
If you have something to put on 5" shelves, then go ahead. If not, just put up a piece of art (or two, stacked) there.
PRO
Carole Vaudable Interior Design
2 years ago
Hi Janet,

Let's go to your why. Why do you want to build shelves—for aesthetics or for function? If you're building shelves for aesthetics, it's best to avoid placing anything open around a TV, as it could distract from the busy wall and end up collecting dust. If it's because you need more storage, I would suggest classifying your objects based on what fits in each opening and putting a door on it; otherwise, it's an open closet. If you need more professional advice, feel free to join my design group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315475950673525/
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PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
2 years ago
With a wall that large, I would have selected a larger TV screen.

Everyone wants a great viewing experience. Select a very much larger TV screen

IMO the design is more complicated than it needs to be.

This cabinet below is from Wayfair and is 8 ft long.
elcieg
2 years ago
No to the shelves.
Janet Andreopoulos
Original Author
2 years ago
elcieg - too late! My husband has his heart set on them and there's no stopping it!
Janet Andreopoulos
Original Author
2 years ago
The difference is that we have a large recessed niche where the tv will be above built in cabinets.
elcieg
2 years ago
Unless you have some wonderful objects or a collection and the niches are lighted, the shelves and stuff on them are dust catchers. How about mirrors?
Janet Andreopoulos
Original Author
2 years ago
The niches will have backlighting. I guess this will be an excuse to go shopping. I agree with you about dust catching in Arizona, but I have lost this battle!
Boxerpal
2 years ago
I love my builts ins. And you will love yours too. I think keeping them the same depth is the best plan.

Putting lighting inside is great. Since yours are shallow ( not super deep) You may not want to layers things but rather have each item stand alone.

Here are some images to explain what I mean

Marina Bay Drive · More Info

California Chic · More Info

Victorian Reimagined in Color · More Info

Class Romantic Ranch · More Info
Janet Andreopoulos
Original Author
2 years ago
Boxerpal - thank you so much. I appreciate the input and the photos too :)
wdccruise
2 years ago
"The opening will be 6" tall and 2'2" wide. Each wall is 4' 6" wide and we have 10' ceilings."

Huh?

What are the dimensions of the TV niche?

What is the total width of the wall?
Janet Andreopoulos
Original Author
2 years ago
wdccruise The total width of the wall is 15' 11" the opening niche for the tv is 6' 11". The walls where the shelves will be located are 4' 6 " wide each. Hope that makes sense!
wdccruise
2 years ago
- At 6'-1" the TV niche is wide enough for even a large, 75" (diagonal) TV whose width would be about 66".
- But the TV size should be calculated based on the viewing distance and the height of the cabinet on which it sits should result in the center of the TV screen equal to the height of the seated viewer's eye.
- Don't forget to consider how a soundbar would fit and include outlets at proper locations.
- Five-inch deep shelves don't seem very useful to me. Perhaps you could hang artwork on the five-inch-deep side and books on the deeper side. Or make both sides five inches deep and hang artwork on both sides. You could even include LED lighting to illuminate the art. IMO.