Dated entertainment stands, often bulky and designed for older televisions, frequently find themselves relegated to the garage or the curb․ However, with a little creativity and effort, these sturdy pieces can be transformed into beautiful, functional furniture․ DIYing your old entertainment stand is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to give a forgotten item a new lease on life, perfectly tailored to your home’s needs and style․
Table of contents
Planning Your Transformation
Before diving in, consider the stand’s material—is it solid wood or veneer? This impacts preparation and finishing․ Think about its new purpose: a stylish bookshelf, a practical storage cabinet, a bar cart, or even a refreshed media console with added functionality․ Sketch out your ideas, measure the available space, and visualize the end result․ How sturdy do you want new shelves to be? How deep? Do you care if the shelf color matches the rest of the piece?
Essential Tools & Materials
- Tools: Measuring tape, pencil, sander (or sandpaper), paintbrushes/rollers, drill, safety glasses, drop cloths․
- Materials: Wood filler, primer, paint or wood stain, polyurethane (for durability), new hardware (knobs, pulls), shelf pins/support pegs, wood for new shelves (if needed)․ Consider sourcing materials from reuse stores or Habitat Restores for affordability and sustainability․
Step-by-Step DIY Process
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the stand․ Remove all dust, grime, and any existing hardware․ If there are doors, shelves, or drawers, remove them․ Lightly sand all surfaces to create a good “tooth” for primer and paint to adhere․ For solid wood, you can sand more aggressively; for veneer, be gentle to avoid sanding through the thin layer․ Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth once dry․
Step 2: Adding Functionality (e․g․, Shelves)
Often, older entertainment stands lack flexible shelving․ Adding adjustable shelves can dramatically improve usability․ This involves drilling holes for shelf pins․ When drilling, remember to drill the holes not on the level where you want your shelf, but where the pin will go into the wood in order to support the shelf at the desired level․ Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your shelf pins․ For precise depth control and to avoid drilling through the sides, wrap masking tape around your drill bit to mark the correct drilling depth (the length of the pin)․ Measure twice, drill once! Ensure holes are level and evenly spaced on both sides for stable shelves․ You can then insert shelf pins/support pegs and place your new or existing shelves․
Step 3: Aesthetic Enhancement
Now comes the fun part: transforming the look․
- Paint/Stain: Apply a high-quality primer, especially if you’re changing the color significantly or covering a dark finish․ Once dry, apply 2-3 thin coats of your chosen paint or stain, allowing adequate drying time between coats․ Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper between coats for a smoother finish․
- Back Panel: Consider removing the flimsy back panel and replacing it with a new piece of plywood or MDF․ This can be painted, wallpapered, or covered with fabric for an accent․
- Hardware: Replace old, dated knobs and pulls with new ones that match your desired aesthetic․
Step 4: Assembly & Finishing Touches
Once all painted or stained pieces are dry and cured, reassemble the stand․ Install your new hardware and insert the shelves․ For added durability, especially if the surface will see heavy use, apply a coat or two of polyurethane or a clear topcoat․ Finally, style your revitalized stand with books, decorative items, or media equipment․ Enjoy your custom, upcycled piece!
