Given the right setting, a modern media console has the potential of becoming a focal point in the living room although it can easily blend in and stay subtle if so desired. Modern media storage stands are usually very simple and this allows them to be very versatile and adaptable. There are numerous existing designs that are worth displaying as more than just functional furniture and, if you prefer something different, there’s always the option to turn this into a DIY project.

Built using curved glass, the Screen console table has a sleek design created by Lievore Altherr Molina for modern and contemporary interiors. The console comes equipped with a CD/DVD holder.

The Folio media stand designed by Giuseppe Bavuso is a freestanding unit that hides most of its storage at the back while the front features a sleek, curved panel that doubles as a TV stand. Behind it there’s a series of small shelves/ storage compartments for DVDs and other small objects.

If you prefer something a bit more low profile, take a look at the NeXo cabinet. It has a simple and sophisticated design and comes with built-in speakers, a detail that increases the unit’s versatility, allowing it to suit living rooms and home theater’s alike.

Similarly, the Setis media cabinet is a combination of furniture and sound. It features dual stereo speakers with bluetooth connection and a multi-sync option. The console itself is made of white particleboard and has a glass divider for the lower shelf.

Some media cabinets impress with other interesting features. For example, the Cubus sideboard features a compartment in which the TV can be stored out of sight together with all the cables. This allows the unit to be used as a regular cabinet or console table the rest of the time.

In the case of the 360 TV cabinet by Ronda Design, the interesting addition is the stainless steel swivel top which allows it to expand its surface and to maximize its storage and display capabilities. The main unit has a matt lacquered finish and integrates two large drawers.

The Factory cabinet is a bit more traditional but can easily be included in the category of modern furniture. It has a low design and features a combination of wood and metal. The frame is wooden and the base is metallic.

Flexibility is an important element that defines the design of the Socrate media stand. The unit is composed of a series of metal bookcases and cabinets which can be combined to form a large module or used separately. Available in both wall-mounted and freestanding versions, the system can suit a variety of spaces and decors.

The inspiration for the Calibro console came from the design of an old ammunition chest in the Great Wars. Designed by Daniele Cristiano, this is a very versatile piece of furniture which can serve a variety of purposes. Use it as a media unit in the living room or as a bench for the entrance hallway. It can also be placed in the bedroom.

The simplicity of the Domino Up TV cabinet is complemented by its beautiful blue color, resulting in a harmonious combination of looks and function. The cabinet sits on a slim black platform which makes it look like the unit is floating or wall-mounted, assuming that the floor is dark as well.

Antonio Citterio designed a piece called Piuma which is part of a collection of four pieces that together form a simple and elegant collection. The media console is a low unit with three storage drawers and featuring a rich wooden finish.

The Future Rock media cabinet has a suggestive name and an even more suggestive design. Its sculptural form features an irregular pattern and uses a diversity of geometric shapes that together form a highly modern and eye-catching piece of furniture. The lacquered TV unit was designed by Vick Vanlian and is part of the Beyond Collection.

Designer Sebastian Desch launched in 2013 with the help of manufacturer Team 7 a home entertainment system called Cubus. The design is simple but very flexible and versatile, able to respond to a large variety of requirements and to suit a diversity of living spaces. The console is formed of four drawer modules.

Media consoles and TV cabinets usually include some sort of storage for additional equipment. The amount of storage and the manner in which it’s disposed and accessed differs from one piece to another. The Clapboard console, for example, features two sliding doors that reveal internal shelves.

The Clapboard Bourbon is highly similar in terms of design except for the fact that it’s wider and, at any point, there will be an open space somewhere. The sliding doors can hide or reveal the interior spaces according to the user’s desire.

A similar structure and design are featured by the HD media console by Blake Tovin which also offers multifunctional storage in an elegant package. The dark brown finish, paneled doors and flared legs all contribute to an overall stylish and attractive appearance.

The clean lines and the lack of hardware offer the Portland media console a modern and sleek look. The unit is made of oak wood with a waxed finish and a dark brown color which offers it a sober appearance.

Manufacturer Porada in collaboration with Tarcisio Colzani offers us a set ofelegant chests of drawers. They’re all part of the Riga collection and they feature solid canaletta walnut frames and two or four drawers, depending on the design and dimensions.

The design of the I-modulART console by Perangelo Sciuto ws adapted to stylishly conceal all the audio and video devices without impairing sound. All the wires and cables are hidden out of sight, leaving the unit simple, clean and beautiful, perfect for modern living rooms.

Pass-Word is a modular piece designed by Dante Bonuccelli for Molteni & C, able to accommodate a variety of modern multimedia devices. It can be used both as a wall-mounted unit and a floor-based console and can accommodate a TV, home theater, DVD reader, smartphone, tablet, digital modern, video game console and Hi-Fi sound equipment, all within a simple and sleek shell.

This modern media console from Assembly Home is compact and features a combination of brown and white finishes which contribute to its quirky appearance. It offers storage in the form of a closed door compartment, an open shelf and a drawer.

A lot of modern designs try to offer diversity when it comes to storage. Another good example is the Aura media unit designed by Enrique Delarmo for Treku in 2011. It offers storage in the form of a two-tone unit with clean lines and a raised steel base which gives it a lightweight appearance.

A sleek metal base is also the defining feature of the Prime console by Mark Daniel of Slate Design. The base is iron with a powder coated graphite finish. On top of it is a unit formed of two closed drawers and two open box shelves. The lack of visible hardware highlights the simplicity of the design.

Open shelves are practical and quite popular in modern design. This media console found on golden accents for a chic and sophisticated look but the overall design stays casual.

Aside from modularity and simplicity, a lot of modern pieces of furniture also focus on mobility. The Go-cart unit is a suggestive example. This is a piece of furniture able to serve both as a rolling TV stand and as a coffee table.

The Peekaboo console is very similar from this point of view. This is an acrylic piece with a minimalist design, smooth lines and curves and four castors that allow it to be moved around and used as a media console in the living room, a coffee table or an accessory for the hallway.

DIY ?

We mentioned you could also build a modern media console yourself. The possibilities in this case are also numerous. One includes using an Ikea Expedit unit in combination with wooden pallets. It’s a simple Ikea hack that can be customized in a variety of ways.

A different option is to build a DIY TV stand from scratch. So get some lumber and start planning the design. Sand it, stain it, drill holes, add hardware and feel free to improvise in any way you want. The important thing is to create a media unit that suits your home and your style.