I don't see the need for the wood. This is preference for a lot of expense in a space we can not see: ) What will fill all the shelving?

If it were me,I’d akip all the upper shelving (unless you own a ton of books and need storage for them) and just do the lower closed storage

No wood wall and what is the plan for all that shelving? I find usually that type of shelving really has no purpose and then filled with stuff that needs no display. This is wahy I love Besta form Ikea you plan it for exactly what you need for you . Why such a dark wall in a bsement at all? these are just 2 ways to configure Besta there are 100s

Thank you all for the comments. I added a couple photos of our basement. The current TV on the wall will be replaced and lowered by a newer TV.

No the wood or wall paper or paint won't be distracting. It will quickly fade into the back ground. Do what you like. If you want it to look intentnional there ought to be another hit of that same wood somewhere in the room--like the back of a bar. Why are you wanting a version of TV watching that went out of favor a decade ago? The trend for sleeker, less is more, a simple media credenza below the TV is more than enough for most these days. Add to that this is a basement and will already feel FULL due to lack of windows that visually expand rooms. Building a large faux built in will only close in the room more. Spend the money on a nice large area rug. You need acoustic friendly in a room for TV watching.

You're about 30 years too late with that dated entertainment unit.

Come up with a better wall design. Don't waste your money having all those cabinets built. BE CREATIVE See designs below.

I agree no big unit, focus on a low and long console for component snd that is it. Also is that the best spot for the tv? The sectional looks super cramped and stuff in right there. Can you share more pictures of the space? Our rec room has one super dark blue wall. In my dreams there are giant movie posters behind it that represent each of our favourite movies but so far I have yet to do this task.

I would rotate your leather easy chair and pull it back a bit to easily watch TV.

Maybe pull the sectional back and use the niche for the easy chair to watch TV, and as a reading niche with the bookshelves there instead.

Here are more photos of our basement. We don’t plan on doing more till our children are older (2 and 7 months) but wanted a media wall to watch TV/movies.

Last few photos. Appreciate everyone’s input!

Sectional definitely needs to be pulled closer to tv, tv lowered a lot, this won’t block the aclove.

Come on man, that space could easily fit a 100" TV! ;-)

Spend more money on TV and sound, and less on cabinets!

I have a similar built-in, but it is in my main living space and I had specific items I have collected/inherited that I wanted to display. I would not spend the money for a built-in in a "playroom" that will gets lots of wear/tear in a few years when the kids start playing catch or Nerf wars indoors with their friends!

There’s a giant tv box in the photos @chispa!

But it's only an 83" ! LOL

I wouldn't want a monster TV in my main living area, but I would definitely "allow" my DH to get one for a basement TV area.

We just got an 83” in our rec room and it is plenty big

Is there a need to light the tv? My first thought is no. So, will advise to dispence with the pin lights directed at the tv.

Consideirng your kids are young, consider what you will need going forward for them. my kids are 10 and 12. Think about what will fill the space.....etc. I generally don't like that much formal symetry and structure, but there can be merits. As the kids age think about .....they will get into Video Games, so space for a gaming console. Think about making it easy to access the stuff you use all the time - that setup will have a console either next to the TV, or behind a cabinet.

-Maybe lower open shelving directly under the TV for some open storage.

-I personally DO like the wood paneling. I would consider some sort of LED lighting behind for ambiance.

- if I had all that shelving my family would probably find a way to completely fill it with lego sets vs books. So some sort of artistic display, but so symetrical may become tired. Try different size cubes and cubbies. Replace with other things you may like,

Maybe a combination of the two below....

The whole space is so large though, there is no reason to cram things around Tue tv area. There is a ton of space for storage in other parts of the space.

It may also help to think about the actual viewing experience, not just what the wall looks like. Your entertainment center shows lighting directly above the TV, which could create glare. Sound also behaves differently in larger open areas, especially with significant space behind the seating. It’s worth asking: will the lights be fully off during movies, or partially on? Would separate lighting zones make sense? Will the space behind the couch stay active while someone is watching? etc

In open basement rooms, having sound positioned around the seating area rather than concentrated in one spot can create a more immersive and comfortable experience. Even small adjustments in speaker placement and room acoustics can make a noticeable difference.

Investing first in the overall viewing experience, sound quality, comfort, and layout flexibility often pays off.

The decorative wall treatment can always evolve later once you understand how your family actually uses the space.

@Anton Tsarkouski Thank you for the suggestions. Lots to think about.

With 2 young children, i envision the space behind the couch to be active while the TV is on. Our recessed lights have 3 separate lighting zones, including one zone in the proposed TV area.

It's nice that you have so much space in order to create different "zones" in your finished basement. The finished basement in the house we had when my daughter was 2-5 was very functional. There was a large room to have tv viewing + another large playroom (connected with double doors) that had a similar built-in around a window - except all the shelves were behind doors in order to hide the toys/games.

I wouldn't ever add that many open shelves. I would rather have the closed storage + add some art instead of all of the shelving (unless you have a specific need for it).

I assume that you will need to store some A/V equipment in the cabinets below the TV (not just using the TV's internal speakers). If so, you need to think about how you will be able to use a remote with the solid doors (it can be accomplished) OR you could use some speaker fabric (comes in all different colors and will still hide the equipment) or rattan/mesh/other materials that allow for transmitting remotes through).

Plus, you also need to make sure that equipment will have enough air - you can't close the components in a closed cabinet without allow for air circulation (no one wants to have to open/close doors in order to use the equipment).

I'd take a look at some media wall designs before finalizing this project. Many people have used the Besta system that @Patricia Colwell Consulting has included in her comment. Personally, using the shiny white doors = too modern/sterile for me. Many people have used Besta units as the base for making their media walls - however, the result does not look like IKEA units were used to create them.

Besta units come in different sizes/depths + you can add interior shelves + use doors or drawers.

There wasn't one photo that showed the entire wall - so, I had to post two:

There are several companies that offer doors (some also offer side and top panels) for IKEA Besta units. For example:

There are also many DIY door updates that people have done using either doors from IKEA or by using plywood. Once the original Besta units are "upgraded" - no one will think that the wall was made with IKEA units. Plus, you can change the wall up later if you decide to by rearranging units + changing doors/drawer fronts.

I think keeping it lighter (vs. such a dark paint color) will be better in your basement.

There are more technical options available than most people realize. Audio equipment does not have to live directly in that cabinet. Speakers can be visible or discreet. Lighting can be coordinated with viewing modes. Even equipment placement and ventilation can be handled in ways that keep the room feeling clean and flexible. But those decisions work best when they follow a clear vision of how the basement will function. Once you define how the space is meant to be used like movie nights, kids playing behind the couch, entertaining, gaming, etc. the technical solutions become much easier to align with the design rather than compete with it.

Thank you for your comments.

We envision the TV area to be used the majority of the time with kids playing behind the couch and sometimes (once they're older) for movie nights.

We did another rendering removing the shelving on the side- going for a "less is more approach".

The lighting chosen was this:: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/everly-quinn-zaheda-dimmable-led-solid-brass-wall-mounted-sconce-with-alabaster-shade-w110352057.html?piid=716717243%2C718990504

My initial thoughts:

1. Is the wall "too simple" behind it? we simply chose a paint color to match the cabinets.

2. If we don't do wood slats to create a false wall- i suppose we can drop the cords behind the wall.

3. Should cabinetry go wall to wall?

4. What is the best way to store AV equipment (cable box and Roku/Apple TV) so that the remote works?

5. any other lighting needed or changes to the current lighting?

6. Paing the right side bump to be the same color?

Thank you all again!

Wireless IR (infra red) Repeater unit will allow you to store equipment behind cabinet doors OR in another room. If you use solid doors, you need to provide for adequate air flow in the back (and may need to add a little av fan).

Otherwise, you can store in a cabinet as long as you use speaker fabric/mesh/rattan or something similar on the inside panel of the doors.

Plain white speaker fabric someone used to DIY doors for Besta units:

Speaker fabric comes in all kinds of colors.

Wire mesh - there are many styles/materials:

If the decorative metal mesh/grilles allow too much visibility to what's stored inside the cabinet - you can add speaker fabric behind the metal mesh (e.g., black) that will hide the equipment).

Rattan - There are different styles + even the natural rattan can come in different neutral shades. Many people DIY with rattan:

Rattan can also be painted to match the door frames:

Hi there,

Here is an entertainment unit that was installed recently.

Things of interest;

the sound bar was custom built to match the TV.

the end cupboards have grills to allow the Subwoofers to be hidden.

Behind TV is a recess enclouser to hid the cables, and AV equipment.

i think your design would look better with an LED strip instead of the downlights.

The timber behind the TV might need to be a little lighter.

I think your initial design with the wood paneling looked great. I’d just ditch the lights over the tv so there wouldn’t be any glare.

I’d also ignore the comments about the design being outdated and to do something more modern. Do whatever you want, we don’t all live in houzz worthy homes and try to keep up with the latest trends. Everything leaves and comes back in style- let the space reflect your preferences.

I think the dark moody wall with all that shelf space provides tons of opportunity to change out what you display as your style changes and your kids age! Paint and decor is easy, but adding matching cabinetry later can be tricky. Good luck! Go with what you like- your house is yours!

I vote for the 2nd picture with the pannelling, however, DON'T spend a lot of money on this. Children don't need huge TV (maybe you do though). Seriously, save the money for adventures and college!

I like a long low media unit for your situation like Bev suggested. Then have a long wall of long low storage (bench seating height ideally) for kids play space in the area behind the sofa. The top height is great for sitting or laying out legos, etc.

I would completely ignore those who think your enternment center is outdated. What they like now they will think is passe in 5 years. This obsession with being up to the moment is insane-it doesn’t allow for individual differences in taste and what’s going to happen in a few years when current styles are said to be outdated? Do what you like and what is functional for you. I personally favor having the cabinet be all one color, preferably plain wood or lighter than the color you showed but that’s up tp you.