Turn a Kitchen Cabinet Into a Flat-Screen TV Cover

Disguise a flat-screen TV as a decorative focal point with a kitchen wall cabinet, basic wood trim and mirrors.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_cover-shot-open_h

Even the most hard-core television watchers want to be able to hide their screen when the TV is not in use. Instead of a bulky entertainment center, repurpose a kitchen cabinet into TV storage. Corkboard on the inside of each door provides a place to easily display kids' artwork, inspirational quotes or favorite prints.

Materials Needed:

  • flat-panel TV
  • flat-panel TV bracket
  • heavy-duty screws
  • heavy-duty drywall anchors
  • drill
  • 1/4" drill bit
  • 1" wood screws
  • shallow-depth upper kitchen wall cabinet
  • 1X2" wood trim
  • wood glue
  • mirror mastic
  • precut mirror
  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • reciprocating saw
  • 2” paddle bit
  • nail gun and brads
  • roll of cork
  • retractable blade
  • spray adhesive
  • stud finder

Choose the Proper Cabinet

Shallow upper kitchen wall cabinets come in standard sizes ranging from 12” to 48”. Based on the size of your flat-panel TV, search salvage yards, home improvement stores and big-box retailers for shallow upper kitchen wall cabinets wide and tall enough to accommodate a flat-panel TV with at least 2” of clearance all the way around the interior for proper ventilation.

Tip: Rustic, weathered cabinets can be commonly found at salvage yards and offer a much more textural, individual look than new cabinets.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_s1-choosing-the-proper-cabinet_h

Remove Shelves

In order for the cabinet to accommodate a flat-panel TV, shelves will need to be fully removed. Newer cabinets with adjustable brackets simply need to be angled up by hand and pulled out. Older cabinets with fixed shelves may need to be removed with a drill or cut out with a reciprocating saw.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_s2-remove-shelves_h

Attach Trim

To give the cabinet fronts the look and feel of a salvaged window, have 8' strips of 1X2" wood trim cut to size at a home improvement store, creating symmetrical panes along the front. Position in place, then secure using nail gun and brads or with a drill and 1" wood screws.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_s3-attach-trim_h

Attach Mirror

Pick up ready-made mirrors and have them cut to size at a local glass-cutting shop. Add mirror mastic in several spots along the face of the door fronts. Insert mirrors between attached strips of 1X2" wood trim.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_s4-attach-mirror_h

Measure and Mark Cork

Use measuring tape to determine proper measurements of cabinet door interior. Referring to these measurements, unfurl roll of cork, then mark to size with pencil.

Cut Cork to Size

On a flat, level surface, cut cork to size using retractable blade.

BPF_original_tv-cover-diy_s6-cut-cork-to-size_h

Spray and Attach Cork

In a well-ventilated area, unfurl cork along a flat, level surface, then apply spray adhesive with can held approximately 8” from the surface, moving back and forth in a slow, controlled manner. Next, place cork in position along the interior of cabinet door.

Install Mounting Bracket and TV

Hold the cabinet up to the wall along the area where the TV will be mounted. Use a stud finder to locate stud. Center the cabinet on the stud so that the mounting bracket will have a structural surface on which to be mounted. Use measuring tape to determine center point of cabinet back panel, then use drill and 1/4” drill bit to create a pilot hole through back panel and into stud.

Place heavy-duty anchors into pilot holes, securing them in place with hammer. Line up pre-drilled holes of mounting bracket with holes of anchors, then secure to wall with heavy-duty screws using screwdriver. Next, attach flat-panel TV to mounting bracket using screws and screwdriver.

Tip: To keep wires from cluttering the interior of the cabinet, use a drill and 2” paddle bit to add a hole along the back through which to drop wires behind drywall or secure to a corner.

Finished Product

Once the project is complete, enjoy the clean lines of the cabinet's exterior, or flip it open when you're ready to watch television or admire your child's artwork.

Next Up

How to Tell the Difference Between a Sofa and Couch + 3 Things to Consider Before You Buy

At the end of the day, we all love to relax on our favorite piece of furniture and scroll on our phones or catch up on our shows, but do you want a couch or a sofa? Does it matter?

Drew Barrymore Just Launched the Most Beautiful Living Room Collection — And It's All Under $1,000

The new Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Living Room Collection at Walmart features coffee tables, side tables, chairs and more, with many pieces costing less than $300.

This Sofa-in-a-Box Will Change the Way You Buy Furniture

With more than 500 style configurations to choose from, Allform is an online furniture brand that lets you build your own custom modular sofa from scratch. Keep reading to find out why we're obsessed with these sofas. (Hint: They're toddler- and pet-friendly.)

12 Stylish Sleeper Sofas for Every Budget in 2024

In need of extra sleeping space for guests but don't have a guest room? Rest easy with these top-rated pullout couches.

What's Hot About Your Fireplace?

Discover your options for adding instant warmth and style to your living room design.

Short on Space? Turn a Closet Into a Homework Station

Need a dedicated space for online learning or to encourage homework focus? Follow these easy steps to turn a standard closet into a roomy, well-organized workstation with kids needs in mind.

6 Tips for a Cozy Fireplace

Your burning questions: answered. Get ready for fireplace season with these tips from HGTV Magazine.

The Best Desks for Every Style and Budget

Find the right tabletop for every need, from homework stations to ergonomic computer desks.

Is Tony P HGTV’s Most Avid Gen Z Fan?

While most kids were watching cartoons, young Anthony opted for House Hunters with his mom and grandmother.

How to Build Banquette Seating With Built-in Storage

Optimize seating and storage with an L-shaped bench that will turn any corner into a cozy destination.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.