Design

• The design of your built-in television shelves will largely depend on the available wall space in the room. A basic design strategy is to place the main TV shelf in the center of the wall and then frame it on either side with shelving for DVDs and other accessories. For smaller spaces, you may want to build one main shelf for the TV and another shelf directly above it for a reception box or DVD player. According to HouseAndHome.com (see Reference 1), also consider whether your built-in shelves will have doors (either wood or glass) for hiding the telelevision and/or other accessories when not in use. Making a sketch or rough blueprint before beginning construction will help you complete your project more smoothly.
  
  

Construction

• There are essentially two basic construction methods for built-in television shelves: carving out sections in an existing wall and then framing shelves, or building a faux wall in front of the existing wall with shelves already part of the structure. The first method is more difficult, messier, and poses a greater risk for accidents (you may accidentally cut into electrical wire). For these reasons, less-experienced do-it-yourselfers should stick with the second method.
  
  To build the faux wall, construct a frame out of 2-by-4s, the exact dimensions of which will depend on the depth of your television and the size of your underlying wall space. Leave spaces in the wall's frame for all of the shelves included in your design. Nail plywood panels over the frame, and your built-in television shelves will begin to take shape.
  
  

Finishing

• To give your built-in television shelves that professional-look, covering the plywood with plaster is the way to go. This will make your faux wall appear as though it is the actual wall. However, plastering can be difficult, and you may need actual professional help if you are inexperienced. According to hgtv.com (see Reference 2), adding a decorative molding or trim to the front of your built-in shelves is one way to add style without having to go through the trouble of plastering.