This Classic Furniture Piece Actually Works Perfectly as a TV Stand

Who said a TV stand can't have character?

Furniture shopping can be a blast, but who said a certain stellar piece can't be multifunctional? I love perusing some of my favorite furniture retailers, getting attached to pieces that I may (or may not) need, and finding unique uses for them in my home.

This is not a new practice for me—I've topped a chair with a stack of books to recreate a rustic side table and repurposed IKEA hacks galore. But recently, I tried moving my dresser out of my bedroom and into my living room, and I'll never look back.

Buckle up and take a seat, because my love of this design trick knows no bounds. Find out why a dresser actually makes an excellent TV stand—and designers think so, too.

Why Dressers Make Great TV Stands

Using a dresser as a TV stand isn’t exactly a new concept, but as we look for more and more ways to deliver personality, character, and panache to our homes, many of us (myself included) have been inspired to find new and creative ways to furnish our spaces.

Candace Plotz, the principal designer of Candace Plotz Design, says that a dresser can oftentimes add more interest to a space than a traditional TV stand.

“From an aesthetic standpoint, I always find a dresser to be more visually appealing than your typical media console,” she says. “It feels more elevated, curated, and custom.”

But it’s not all about looks. There’s a practical element to using a dresser instead of a TV stand that just can’t be denied.

“We love a good drawer for its usability and ability to organize the interior,” Plotz says.

Whether you use it for clothes storage in a bedroom, storing linens in a guest room, or even pulling out the top drawers for a blend of open and closed storage, the possibilities are endless.

How to Style a Dresser in Your Living Room

When taking this design strategy out of the bedroom into the wide world (i.e. the living room) there are certain considerations to keep in mind. Mainly, ensuring it doesn’t seem out of place in this communal space.

“In a living room, I would style a dresser with tons of pretty books, candles, and accessories,” Plotz says. “I love to create a gallery wall surrounding a wall-hung TV as it minimizes its appearance.”

Scale is also important, as your dresser needs to be large enough to hold up to its station. If it’s a focal point of the room, you’ll want to make sure has the personality and appearance to do so.

Additional flourishes like a voluminous tassel hanging from a central knob, a paint color or finish in an attention-seeking hue, or even beautiful details like clawed feet, turned legs, or fluted detailing can all give this piece its proper due. A dresser adds a certain rustic, farmhouse element to your living room.

Additional Tips for Styling a Dresser as a TV Stand

Styling a dresser as a TV stand can not only be a storage solution for bedrooms and living rooms, but truly anywhere in which you would use a media console.

In an office, it can just as easily create a pretty spot to highlight book collections and special décor items that you might prefer to have out of the hustle and bustle of the home’s main thoroughfare.

Tip

To keep the space feeling elevated, consider framing the TV to continue with the more refined styling.

While a dresser can sometimes morph into a TV stand after years of use, some of us might be on the hunt for a new-to-us piece that can pull off this double-duty role. In this particular instance, Plotz is a fan of online marketplace finds.

“Look for a vintage piece with patina and character,” she advises. “Otherwise, when purchasing new, look for unique details such as interesting hardware.”

Tackling Hanging Wires and Cords

While many of our electronics have gone wireless, there still might be a need to have access to outlets through the back of the media console—which is where using a dresser can get tricky.

If tossing the gaming systems, sound bar, and other electronics isn’t going to fly, you might have to bust out the power tools to create a discreet escape hole for cords.

It’s also important to keep in mind that electronics often need proper air ventilation to reduce the chance of overheating. In this case, you might benefit from removing the top layer of drawers and creating open shelves or cubbies for electronic equipment that will be used regularly.

Where Else to Take Your Dresser

Aside from acting as a TV stand, a dresser can be the perfect solution for many other areas and purposes throughout the home. It can be the perfect addition to a foyer; providing storage for hats and accessories. In a small space, it can accommodate household items such as excessive paper towels, or act as a linen closet for towels and bedding.

Let your new dresser TV stand inspire you to think of unexpected ways to use other furnishings, too. From a hutch-turned pantry to a china cabinet reimagined into an old-world bar, the possibilities are endless.

Read Next: 34 TV Wall Ideas That Are Both Functional and Stylish

Read the original article on The Spruce.