Conceal Your TV

Today’s flat panels are beautiful to look at whether turned on or off, but there are times when you just want to conceal—not reveal—your TV. Blending your big screen into a room environment doesn’t have to be a design dilemma; in fact, it’s easier than ever with these options.

Vutec’s ArtScreen-R Series—a motorized masking system for TVs from 42 to 65 inches—transforms your flat panel into an element of art. Not only can you choose the picture, frame, and liner for a classy coverup, but you can also eliminate glare and reflection with swivel and tilt functions. A robotic arm extends the flat panel 12 inches from the wall, letting you swivel left to right (from 20 degrees to 28 degrees) and tilt (25 degrees upward and 7 degrees down). Set the TV the way you like and program two memory locations. This option is available for flat-panel TVs 40 inches and up. Prices start at $6,500. (vutec.com)

Perfect for apartments where you want to maximize space or large environments where you want to turn one room into two is Contempo Wall’s Bronson freestanding swiveling centerpiece (shown here with Leafy Green and Colonial Red colored glass and a Java Matte case). It features a rotating, thin-panel mounting system with surrounding ambient light fixture. A big bonus is all the storage. The center panel houses your flat panel, while a component shelf and utility drawers beneath stow stuff like a Blu-ray player or video game console. The panel’s opposite side is free to decorate as you like. Choose from a variety of finishes—from ash to lemon tree or wenge—for both the case and front. Prices start at $4,229. (contempowall.com)

Go with a TV-lift option if you don’t want to hang your flat panel on the wall. The Phoenix model PS3 from Diamond Case Designs, about $3,399 for standard size, houses your TV up to 46 inches and also hides a soundbar or center-channel speaker. A larger unit is available for up to a 55-inch set. The storage cabinet can be situated next to the TV either to the right or left behind a wood door or one with smoked glass. The unit is constructed of either birch or oak with a range of fashionable finishes—including light distressed. (diamondcase.com)

Another option is Media Décor’s newest furniture piece—just 3 inches deep—which conceals, encases, and surface-mounts your ultra-thin TV. The Edge, a hand-finished solid wood case custom made to your flat panel’s exact dimensions, has both a custom universal TV mount and a Leon soundbar. It hides clunky cables and the sides of the TV for a smooth, stylish effect. For art, go with a Giclee print or a photograph of your own. Prices start at $4,600. (mediadecor.com)

COMMENTS
Steve Jones's picture

We have just completed a home cinema room and have used some similar ideas to the Contempowall in our bespoke setup. What I really love is the simple swivel mechanism, although, as you say, it needs a fair bit of installation depth for a reasonable size screen. Now, if someone could combine the Contempowall idea with a sliding 'shutter' like the Vutec we may have something that would fit in most rooms.

Steve Jones

http://www.tv-soundbar.com

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