My boyfriend and I just recently moved into our first place together. Unfortunately, along with my boyfriend, I also am now living with his "surround sound system" which is very unsightly. How can we best disguise? Any recommendations from others with similar experiences living with someone? -Camelia
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Camelia, first off, let me apologize for my fellow brother in tech love. He looks like he's got an impressive assortment of home theater and entertainment products that include a Wii, a Samsung LCD, a 3.1 surround sound system, a receiver, turntable and an assortment of miscellaneous items that are overflowing out of the tiny shelving solution like Dolly Parton out of a dime store dress. What you need to invest in is in a proper home entertainment cabinet, which will handsomely house his gear and give everything a proper place to reside within (the stack of cardboard boxes, though utilitarian, aren't going to win style points even with fellow A/V nerds).
What about something like this affordable Target Media Center, a customizable system which gives up to 4 slots for components, several drawers for media, and even a wall mounting option (you boyfriend's current small sized screen seems to be improperly positioned too high).
Want to pretty it up the whole setup a bit while complimenting the black finish? How about the TROLLSTA sideboard from IKEA? Just drill a few holes for wires/cables and for ventilation, and you've got a little bit of feminine aesthetic touch added to what is a hard edged tech setup.
And if you're on a tight budget, we can't but highly recommend tackling a DIY project. Scour flea markets, garage sales and second hand stores for vintage era stereo cabinets and you can create your own turntable, home theater system-friendly storage like we did last year (we even had space for our own vinyl collection).
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Seeing a turntable that isn't level and a pair of misaligned speakers makes me shudder (one of the hazards of being an audiophile geek). In addition to the suggestions listed here, I thought I'd mention the Wright Media Console from CB2. It's relatively affordable, and should accommodate all of his gear. I've been quite happy with it.
view DCE's profile
With the speakers off set like that and the TV that high on top of his receiver he knows about the same about his "surround sound" set up as he does about home decor.
:)
What a disaster.
view nafai23's profile
Camelia, I have the same problem. However, I'm the tech junkie! But my husband insists we leave his old stereo with huge speakers alongside my plasma tv. My brothers and daughter constantly say what an eye sore it is.
At least your problem could be solved as suggested just purchasing a media center. I can't hide nor move his stereo!
Also, try craigslist I've come across a few (pretty nice) media centers for not much money. Good luck!
view E.I.F.'s profile
Yikes.. the console in that bottom picture looks nice, but having that 360 wedged in there with all those records is a RRoD waiting to happen. The thing needs air around it so it doesn't overheat.
view chrisavery's profile
Looking at the picture; and seeing how it's the first time living together perhaps the $800 price tag of the complete Target Eclipse setup is a bit out of price range. Especially for something made out of fiberboard.
The IKEA solution is half the price; but still fiberboard. On the plus side there are lots of similar looking credenza's and shelving units for you to look at and find something that matches both of your tastes.
Personally I couldn't recommend browsing craigslist high enough. You'll likely find something cheaper than IKEA and of significantly higher quality.
Searching in the furniture category in your area for things like 'console' or 'radio' or 'credenza' or 'media' will turn up all sorts of fun things (including Ikea furniture).
view RJHD3's profile
I hate matchy-matchy media centers. They can cost you a lot of money, and while they may fit in your current location, they may not work at all if you move. Waste 'o money for us apartment dwellers.
Look for more inexpensive items of furniture you can repurpose, like a buffet. Browse IKEA's website or visit a store - check out their kitchen cabinetry, too. Try to find IKEA items used on Craigslist - that can be a big money saver. If nothing else, it can give you ideas - you can then search for similar items 'till you find something you and your budget can live with.
view sunspot42's profile
@sunspot42: great point. When I first moved out on my own I found an oversized nightstand at a Macy's furniture clearance store. It was used as a stereo 'cabinet', an end table, and most recently as a TV stand in a guest bedroom.
Finding great pieces you can grow with is the best way to go.
view RJHD3's profile