Mounted tv frame for less than $10

In my attempt to beautify the look of a television, not only did I conceal the cords in my previous post here, but I wanted to create a frame around the tv. This has been on my to do list for some time and I still have two televisions to tackle.

Start by measuring the length, width and depth of the biggest part of your tv. You'll want to find wood widths that combined will not stick out past the tv screen. Therefore, if my tv sticks out from the wall 3", I want to find wood that's 1/2" in depth and no more than 2.5" wide, which combined equals a 3" depth. Add about a 1/2" to your measurements, which leaves you with a 1/4" gap the whole perimeter of your tv, allowing for buttons to still be accessible if they're concealed on the side perimeter like mine.

Using a miter saw, create the base box with dimensions you took from your tv. Be sure your measuring from the inside of the wood, not the outside as the tv needs to fit on the inside. I used heavy duty nails to attach my pieces together.

Next, create the frame that you'll attach to the base. I chose to use the same wood that I used to create the base, but you could easily use a decorative molding instead. Remember to use a wood with a depth that will not stick out beyond the tv depth. Be sure your frame inside measurements are the same as the inside measurements of the base for a seamless look. If you're not a fan of the recessed base and want this to appear more like a box, create the frame first, then create a base with the frame outside measurements. If you'd like to see this version, let me know! Attach the base and frame together with nails. I used a nail gun. Build time was about 45 minutes.

Lastly, finish your tv frame with paint or stain and hang. I hung mine using 2 tiny "L" brackets attached to the top of the base and the wall. I determined the L bracket placement by the location of the studs in the wall.

I hope you have enjoyed this and until next time!