Please help me decide what would look good in this space. We are putting the tv above the ledge to the right of the window. I'm
Struggling with what to do below. Doors, drawers, cubbies for baskets and/or bookshelves. It's so hard!
My husband has come up with this plan so far:
Middle section will have two sets of doors (so 4 total), with two drawers underneath.
Sections to right and left will be book/display cases with cubbies for baskets (toys) underneath
Any insight is appreciated!!
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
Under the TV - where are you going to put cable boxes, speakers, DVD player, game systems? In those cabinets? My parents cabinets over heat really easily so they always have to leave the doors cracked open (totally annoying). So maybe look to do doors with the mesh inserts or something so heat can release or a remote signal can still get through.
The only other thing I would say is home decorating usually says to stay in odd number groups which you are doing well but its still very symmetrical.
pear / 1998 posts
It looks like the entire wall has exposure to above ground. Could you install an additional window to the right of where the tv is so there is some symmetry?
I like the layout - before you build I would recommend searching for basket/bins/containers you want to use so you make sure they fit.
I would also recommend converting the top open shelves to drawers. I know they can get cluttered, but I LOVE drawers.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
For the side shelves I'd maybe do drawers in the middle so you can just throw stuff in, and leave bottom and top as open. Top can be for decorative items that kids can't get to, and lower can be used with pull up bins for toys, etc.
I agree with the symmetry thing.. If you can't cut out another window, maybe add a mirror to the other side?
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I would actually not put the TV right next to the window, unless you're sure there won't be some weird glare when you're watching during the day.
But given what you've got, I'd probably actually center the doors under the window, and put the TV over one set of shelves. Then I'd put a mirror on the other side of the window. It probably isn't the best for all the components, but from a design perspective, it deals with the symmetry you've got going on.
Oh, and I'd do cabinets over open shelves, personal preference, but I like to be able to hide the clutter.
pear / 1881 posts
@T.H.O.U.: There is a little cutout for the stereo, DVD, etc below the TV (you can see a thin rectangle). My husband seems to think that it will be enough space. We were designing it for a future 60" TV that we eventually would buy, so that middle section is close to 5 feet long.
@TemperanceBrennan: That side of the house has dirt that raises up towards the right (front of the house), so we actually cannot put another window 
We built the house 2 years ago and now wishes the designer had never had the window here at all. It's causing all sorts of problems in designing our entertainment center. This is also the best wall as the opposite wall is perfect for a couch. I'm actually going to Target after lunch to look for baskets 
@snowjewelz: Thanks for the input! Yeah, we were thinking a mirror, vintage/old window frame or artwork/picture. We will definitely need something to offset the window. We were going to build the bottom pieces first and then decide if we need more up top. we are not in any rush to complete the basement, but had time this week, so are trying to get some accomplished.
@looch: There shouldn't be a glare and I was planning on buying a bamboo shade for the window. There isn't room on the left side of the window for anything, unfortunately.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@snowjewelz: @TemperanceBrennan: Agree with some drawers! Even if you have to put the drawers at the bottom and cubes above that or something.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@NorthStar: oh darn it! Is it possible to "frame out" a mirror in the same finish as the window? I'd try to treat it just like a window, complete with a window treatment, but that's just my preference, lol.
pear / 1881 posts
@T.H.O.U.: There are 2 massive drawers in the middle section under the 2 sets of doors. Correction to what I said above, the little cutout is for a stereo soundbar and the DVD, stereo, etc will be in the cabinets, but my husband is planning in a ventilation system (good thing he is an enginner )
@looch: lol - I'm such a visual person that I think that I need to see what it looks like after the bottom pieces are built and in place.
pear / 1881 posts
@looch: I know, right?! lol. but, we won't do that since we just built our house. I told my husband to just put some wood over the window and call it a day
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