Wall-Mounted Wonder: Creating a Custom Floating Console
Achieve a sleek, contemporary look with a space-saving wall-mounted entertainment center
Floating consoles create a streamlined, contemporary look that maximizes floor space while providing stylish storage. Unlike bulky entertainment centers, these wall-mounted units appear to float effortlessly, creating an airy, uncluttered feel in your living space. This weekend project combines form and function, offering a custom solution for organizing media components, gaming systems, and decorative items while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic.
What You'll Need
| 3/4" plywood or solid wood for top and sides |
| 1/4" plywood for backing (optional) |
| 2x4 lumber for wall cleats |
| Wood screws (various sizes) |
| Wood glue |
| Circular saw or table saw |
| Drill and bits |
| Level |
| Stud finder |
| Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit) |
| Wood filler |
| Finish (paint, stain, or polyurethane) |
| Cabinet hardware (optional) |
How To Build It
- Plan your design - Determine dimensions based on your TV size and wall space. Standard console depth is 12-16", with length typically extending 6-12" beyond the TV width on each side.
- Cut your pieces - Cut plywood for the top, bottom, sides, and any dividers or shelves according to your design. For a basic console, you'll need one top, one bottom, two sides, and a back panel.
- Sand all pieces - Sand all cut edges and surfaces smooth, starting with 120-grit sandpaper and finishing with 220-grit.
- Assemble the box - Apply wood glue to the joints and assemble the console box using corner clamps to maintain square angles. Secure with screws, countersinking to hide screw heads.
- Add internal dividers - If your design includes compartments, install dividers using glue and screws.
- Attach backing - If using a back panel, attach it to the rear of the console. Consider cutting holes for cables before attaching.
- Fill and sand - Fill all screw holes and joints with wood filler, allow to dry, then sand smooth for a seamless finish.
- Apply finish - Stain or paint your console according to your preference. Apply multiple coats of polyurethane if using stain for protection.
- Create the mounting system - Cut 2x4 lumber to create two cleats—one for the wall and one for the inside of the console. The cleats should be several inches shorter than the console width.
- Install the wall cleat - Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. Mount the wall cleat at your desired height, ensuring it's perfectly level and securely fastened to studs with 3" screws.
- Mount the console - Attach the second cleat inside the back of the console, then hang the console on the wall cleat. The two cleats should interlock to create a secure French cleat mounting system.
For a truly professional look, integrate cable management into your design by drilling strategic holes or creating a channel along the back for cords. Consider adding LED strip lighting to the underside of your console for a dramatic floating effect at night. If incorporating doors, use push-to-open hardware for a seamless front without visible handles. For an ultra-modern touch, create a two-tone finish by using contrasting colors or materials on the exterior and interior of open compartments. Finally, if your console will hold heavy items, reinforce the French cleat mounting with additional supports or brackets for peace of mind.
