Horizontal Cabinets: Optimize Storage Space with Style

Horizontal Cabinet

When the sunroom transformation began, nobody could have predicted that a vintage boxspring would find its place on one wall, while a 59-inch flatscreen TV would occupy the opposite side. It was, after all, a designated ‘she-cave,’ and behemoth flatscreens were not part of the plan. Yet, here we are.

The cherished boxspring, a curbside treasure, embarked on an adventure, the details of which are found at the end of this narrative. On the other hand, the flatscreen TV was a hand-me-down, or rather, a ‘hand-me-up’ from the basement. A few malfunctioning pixels and a dead receiver had rendered it obsolete.

The guardians of the man-cave decided to transport this colossal black behemoth to the sunroom, replacing the vertical TV cabinet that had housed my trusty 25-year-old big-box TV (no judgments, please) and relegating it to the garage. This left the task of decorating around the imposing black presence, concealing unsightly wires, and regaining lost storage space. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as daunting as it seemed. The old cabinet only required four simple construction steps and a fresh coat of paint.

Step One: Embrace Curvy New Legs

The once-square and straight parson’s legs were effortlessly removed, thanks to their solid wood composition. This left a smooth base, easily concealable to match the opposite end. Four elegantly curved legs from the local home improvement store, along with installation plates, were affixed to one side, breathing new character into the cabinet. These curvy legs, with their graceful lines, not only added stability but also transformed the piece’s aesthetic entirely. They infused a touch of sophistication, making it clear that this cabinet was no longer just a functional storage unit but a statement piece in its own right.

This change highlighted the beauty of repurposing and how a simple alteration can have a profound impact on an item’s overall appearance. It’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resourcefulness in home improvement projects.

Step Two: Top it Off

Upon returning the cabinet to its place in the sunroom, it became apparent that the top needed closure. A 1/4-inch plywood piece was meticulously cut, sanded, and caulked into position.

Step Three: Craft a Faux Front

Similarly, another plywood segment was cut and adhered to the front, effectively sealing the holes from the former drawers. Remarkably, the blend of two stains nearly replicated the original color, especially after two coats of chalk paint concealed any traces of repair.

Step Four: Construct a False Bottom

Building the false bottom was a tad more challenging but still manageable. A frame was glued to the outer frame of the cabinet (as shown in picture one), followed by attaching a faux shiplap cut from 1/4-inch plywood (picture two). Strips helped secure the shiplap pieces where they lacked direct attachment points (picture 3). After staining and painting, the false bottom blended seamlessly with the rustic charm of the original wood. And that’s the essence of it—a mere four straightforward building steps and a final coat of delicious chalk paint breathed new life into this charming vintage cabinet.

If you find yourself with an old TV cabinet and wonder about its fate, consider turning it on its side or even dividing it, as I did with another one. The lower part became a stylish kitchen cabinet, as detailed in another makeover story. The possibilities for repurposing old TV cabinets are vast. I have 3 and 1/2 more units awaiting their transformation into something new.

As always, sharing these projects with you brings immense joy. I eagerly await your questions, thoughts, and ideas in the comments below. In the meantime, thank you for visiting, and from my home to yours, have a wonderfully joyful holiday season!”

To wrap up 

In conclusion, this unexpected journey from a sunroom refresh to the transformation of an old TV cabinet has taught us that creativity knows no bounds. What started as a dilemma in accommodating a massive flatscreen TV in a she-cave turned into a delightful renovation project. It serves as a testament to the power of imagination and resourcefulness.

  • The four building steps—curvy new legs, a flat top, a faux front, and a false bottom—showcased the beauty of simplicity and ingenuity. By embracing these techniques, we not only breathed new life into a beloved piece of furniture but also discovered the joy of repurposing and recycling;
  • The charm of this project lies not only in the final result but in the process itself. It’s a reminder that with a bit of effort, some woodworking skills, and a dash of paint, you can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary;
  • So, if you have an old TV cabinet gathering dust in your home, don’t see it as obsolete. Instead, view it as a canvas for your creativity, a potential source of storage, and a chance to infuse new life into your living space.

In sharing this project, we hope to inspire you to embark on your own creative endeavors, whether it’s a furniture makeover or any other form of artistic expression. Remember, the only limit is your imagination, and the results can be truly remarkable. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we wish you many more joyful and inspiring projects in the future!