Bespoke Media Units That Hide Technology
Modern living rooms contain more technology than ever, yet the most successful interiors rarely look technological.
Televisions, sound systems, games consoles, routers, streaming boxes and cables all need somewhere to live.
A bespoke media unit allows those elements to function properly without allowing them to dominate the room.
Start With the Screen
The television determines much of the layout.
Its position should relate to seating height, viewing distance and natural light rather than simply occupying the largest available wall.
Once this is established, cabinetry can be designed around it.
Hide the Cables
Visible wiring is one of the fastest ways to undermine an otherwise carefully designed room.
With bespoke joinery, cable routes can be planned inside cabinetry and behind panels.
Power sockets and data connections can be positioned exactly where equipment requires them.
Ventilation Matters
Electronic equipment produces heat.
Putting AV equipment inside an attractive closed cabinet without ventilation can therefore create problems.
Ventilation slots, concealed openings or carefully positioned grilles can encourage airflow while remaining visually discreet.
Concealing the Television
Not every homeowner wants a large black screen to become the focal point of the living room.
Options include sliding panels, pocket doors and cabinetry that allows the television to disappear when it is not being used.
The mechanism should be considered at the beginning of the design because moving panels require clearances, tracks and access for future maintenance.
Combine Display and Concealed Storage
The strongest media walls balance open and closed elements.
Books, artwork and selected objects can occupy illuminated shelves, while remotes, cables, consoles and less attractive equipment remain behind doors.
This creates visual interest without clutter.
Make It Architectural
A bespoke media unit does not have to look like a piece of furniture placed against a wall.
It can extend from floor to ceiling, align with architectural features and incorporate panelling or shelving.
In this way, the media wall becomes part of the room.
FAQs
Can a television be completely hidden?
Yes. Depending on the available space, sliding or pocketing panels can conceal a television.
Can speakers be incorporated?
Yes, although acoustic performance, ventilation and manufacturer requirements need to be considered.
Can lighting be integrated?
Yes. LED lighting can be recessed into shelves and cabinetry during manufacture.
For a media unit that keeps technology accessible without allowing it to dominate your interior, speak to Cochrane Bespoke about a made-to-measure solution.
