DIY: TV cabinet / wall element made of MDF, by Floor

For a while, the idea had been simmering and brewing. Then I looked at the TV cabinet, a homemade creation of Ikea cabinets with a top, once cute, but now an eyesore. I looked and looked and looked, but no matter how long and intently I stared at the cabinet, the cabinets remained the same. And then suddenly, it was there, the Idea with a capital I, thanks to an advertisement in a home magazine. Our long living room needed a piece of furniture that emphasized its length, one that didn't let the big black monster above it overshadow it too much, one that became the eye-catcher of the house: calm and elegant, sturdy and robust. It should blend in with the wall and provide a showcase for beautiful accessories, but also a functional way to hide plugs and cabinets that now detract from the overall picture. Unique and not too complicated, because I have to be able to make it myself. Low-budget but with a high impact!

The plan

The next step was to put the idea I had in my head on paper so that it could be realized. The first drawings came out fine because I had a clear picture in mind. But then came the less fun but essential part: the measurements. Let this not be my strongest suit. But still, with a lot of calculation and puzzling, I managed to make a suitable calculation. First for the first part of the furniture, because as you can see on the sketch, the project will continue...

The making of..

Now that the measurements were on paper, I could start ordering from TOSIZE.it. An easy tool on the website helps you choose exactly the right material and sizes. And very nice, you can see through the example immediately if what you entered is correct, including mitered edges! I chose mitered edges because I wanted to see as few seams as possible on the furniture. Within two weeks, I had all the necessary materials at home and could start right away!

View all our sheet materials

And when I say 'start right away', I really mean start right away, because patience is not my strongest suit. I only had to cut the spruce beams to size, so after a quick check of all the measurements, I started measuring and cutting. Then I could start building the inner frame, a precise job, because if it became crooked, the plates wouldn't fit well on the frame. And it's also nice if the element is sturdy because this will be an ideal sitting spot for the kids besides being a beautiful showcase. The element consists of two parts that I attached to each other. After both inner frames were attached to each other, the MDF plates could be attached to them. A party, because it fit perfectly, and apart from the two middle seams, there was no seam visible thanks to the mitered edges. I filled all screw holes and middle seams with wood filler and sanded them smooth so they are no longer visible.

For good adhesion, I pre-treated the furniture with primer and then painted it in the same shade as the wall (Worthy Clay by Flexa). To make the element fit well against the wall, I removed the skirting boards next to and behind the element. The last step is to seal the element, so there are no seams visible between the wall and the element, and it really becomes part of the wall. I haven't done this yet because we're still going to renovate. In addition, the furniture will be expanded in the future.

How to

1. Determine the dimensions of the element. I have used a length of 360 cm, a height, and depth of 35 cm.
2. Order the MDF plates at TOSIZE.it. If you want a seamless element like me, have the plates mitered (top to bottom). I didn't use plates on the back and left side of the element because they come against the wall.
3. Calculate the dimensions of the beams of the inner frame and cut everything to size. Take into account the mitered edges of the plates so that your frame fits within the mitered edges of the plates. You make two frames, which you will attach together later.
4. Drill the screw holes in the frame. Screw the frame together. Use a square and spirit level so your frame is square and straight. When the first frame is finished, make another one.
5. Screw the two frames together with large screws.
6. Screw the MDF plates onto the frames. Screw the screws slightly deeper into the plate.
7. Fill the screw holes and middle seams with wood filler and sand them flat.
8. Treat the element with primer.
9. Remove the skirting boards next to and behind the element.
10. Place the element against the wall, make sure, for example, that the TV cables are well in the furniture, and seal it. Paint the sealant joints
11. Paint the element in the same color as your wall. For a concrete look effect: paint with a block brush and make X movements with the brush to spread the paint.
12. When everything is finished, the most fun part comes: STYLE IT!

Before & after!