How to Make a Buffet Into an Entertainment Center

Converting a buffet into an entertainment center adds not only a functional piece of furniture but also an eye-catching conversation starter or focal point to your living or family room. Because buffets come in many different styles, there are several different approaches you can take. For a simpler buffet that is not topped with a hutch and has cabinets or drawers, the project requires access holes for cords to your electronics and the possibility of removing a few cabinet doors or drawers to open up the piece.

Instructions

1

Open the doors of the buffet and take internal measurements. Measure width, depth and height of each cabinet and also the height between and shelves inside the cabinet doors. Write down the measurements on a piece of paper, making sure to label each measurement with the correct location on the buffet.

2

Measure your electronics that will go into the buffet. Write down these measurements as well.

3

Compare the measurements of your electronics and the interior space of each cabinet or compartment. Decide which electronics go into each of the cabinets.

4

Remove or move any shelves within the cabinets that need to be removed or moved due to the size of your electronics. Some shelves might be set on pegs within the buffet, others might be set with dowels or by other means. You might need a saw if the shelves do not come out easy.

5

Use a jigsaw or hole saw to create 1- to 2 1/2-inch holes in the back of your cabinets for cord access. If you will be placing electronics on shelves within the cabinets, you will need to cut a hole near each of the shelves for the cords. You can also cut holes into the interior of the buffet so that cords will gather inside the buffet. For this method, cut the holes on the interior by each shelf. Place one hole in the back of the buffet for a surge protector's cord to plug into the wall.

6

Use the hole saw to create a small hole in the top of the buffet for the cords to connect to the television. This step is optional if you don't wish to damage the outer appearance of your buffet. If not doing this option, make sure all cords and connectors reach from the electronics, through the holes and up to the television.

7

Place your electronics into the cabinets and follow all manufacturer's instructions regarding plugging in and hooking up to your television.

8

Remove any drawers of your buffet if you so choose. The space where a drawer is might hold a cable or dish receiver box, DVD player or other thin electronic device. This is optional, as drawers can become hiding places for manuals, remotes or other objects.

9

Place remotes and accessories in drawers or on cabinet shelves if your buffet is so equipped.