The home entertainment center is often an underestimated and underappreciated corner of the house. It is, however, a critical area, as functional and pleasing as most home areas.
Contrary to what some people think, your entertainment center is more than just where the TV, speakers, and video players are. It is also the place where family and friends come together to enjoy a show and bond.
If you want a new way to set up your gadgets, why not try floating TV shelves for a great entertainment center? Here are tips on how to maximize this option.
Positioning Floating Shelves For An Entertainment Center
Floating shelves are the next best thing to those bulky entertainment cabinets that take up much space in the living room. A floating wood shelf is attached to the wall using out-of-sight brackets so that it appears to be "floating." This is because the support components are unseen.
When using floating shelves, positioning is an important consideration to maximize the space and ensure proper function and comfort when watching the TV. Keep in mind that the TV and entertainment system are the focal point in the room; thus, any shelving used must be installed for practical and decorative uses.
There are also other considerations, such as storage functions for the shelving, particularly for CDs, DVDs, books, etc.
Under TV
Ideally, floating shelves are installed 4 or 5 feet from the floor. However, this will depend on the height at which the TV was installed.
First, consider the function of the floating shelves under the TV and whether they will be used to store particular objects. Measure the height of the tallest object, then use it as the basis for the height at which the floating shelves will be placed. When installing the shelves, add a few inches as headroom for the objects. This will make them easier to place and remove and create a more spatially pleasing placement.
"First, consider the function of the floating shelves under the TV and whether they will be used to store particular objects."
Around TV
Another great option when using floating shelves is installing them around the TV. If there is enough space around the TV or if the TV is mounted above furniture, such as a cabinet, placing floating shelves around the monitor is a great way to make use of empty space.
This works well if there are several items that you want to display or want to make accessible.
You could also place multiple floating shelves on any area around the TV. For example, you could put two shelves to either side or above, or go for the eclectic style and use multiple shelves installed at staggered positions. Because you can decide on the placement of the shelves, the possibilities with this type of positioning are endless.
Above TV
The above TV position is a traditional approach meant to clear the space to the sides and leave a clean vertical line starting from the TV. This position creates good balance and uniformity. If you like a neat arrangement for your home entertainment center, installing the floating shelves above the TV is a good option.
In most cases, a symmetrical arrangement works best, especially in line with the TV. In this position, you can use the shelves to hold photo frames, small vases, small plants, souvenirs, and other items. At a higher position, floating shelves are best for storing objects that are not often used.
How To Decorate Floating Shelves Around TV - Some Ideas
Floating shelves for your home entertainment system offer many options and decorating ideas. Here are a few suggested tips:
Use Accents
If the shelves will be used to hold books or CDs, try to create some accents in the middle or to one side by adding a small vase, a succulent plant, an orchid, or a sparkly cut stone such as a geode. These accents work well when paired with uniformly-sized objects.
Stagger the Objects
Use different-sized objects with confidence. You can create depth by staggering pieces, such as placing one slightly in front of another object without covering it completely.
"Use different-sized objects with confidence. You can create depth by staggering pieces, such as placing one slightly in front of another object without covering it completely."
Work with Texture
Feel free to mix and match texture when using floating shelves for your home entertainment system. For example, you could place a smooth, rectangular frame next to a curved vase or a small piece of driftwood. The difference in the texture helps break down the monotony and create interest.
"Feel free to mix and match texture when using floating shelves for your home entertainment system. For example, you could place a smooth, rectangular frame next to a curved vase or a small piece of driftwood. The difference in the texture helps break down the monotony and create interest."
Watch the Weight
Make sure you know the maximum weight limit that your floating shelves can carry. Depending on the type of shelf you are using, it could hold as much as 30 pounds.
However, try not to maximize this limit. Check the product description to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Your home entertainment center can still look better and more functional with floating shelves. With a carefully thought-out layout, floating shelves can help balance objects with space and still look seamless with your TV and home entertainment system.
Floating shelves are pretty effective at doing away with the so-called "black box effect," wherein a flat-screen TV can appear like a hole in the wall. They are easy to install and are pretty affordable but capable of creating a significant impact on your living area.
