A Man's 1950s-style Television Arrangement Is the Most Stylish Sight of the Day
Bill Morelan, an artist and author from Bilmor Studios, has shared his latest project - a handcrafted retro entertainment center that beautifully blends 1950s nostalgia with modern technology. The project, which took an estimated 200-300 hours to complete, has garnered over 174,000 reactions online.
Morelan's media console features a 50-inch flat screen, a record player, and a 36-inch soundbar, all housed in a classic mid-century cabinet. The finished project was built in a corner of Morelan's home without access to big machinery. He used a circular saw, drill, rope, and hand tools for the construction.
Morelan shared details about how he built the retro entertainment center, including the tools and materials used, on his blog. He also offers some valuable advice for those interested in building a similar project.
Design Inspiration and Structure
To create a retro-futuristic media console, start by drawing inspiration from mid-century modern design elements. Consider using angled side panels, splayed hairpin legs, and bold colors like turquoise, coral, mustard, or teal to evoke nostalgia.
Build a wooden frame with angled sides by cutting boards with a 20° angle on the edges, assembling them with wood glue and braces for a sturdy atomic-style silhouette reminiscent of 1950s furniture. Hairpin legs can be added for authenticity and an elegant vintage look.
Materials and Tools
Use plywood or wood boards cut to desired dimensions for the frame. Basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, hammer or brad-nail gun, sandpaper, wood glue, and clamps will be sufficient for the construction. Paint the assembled frame with retro colors using standard brushes or rollers.
Incorporate Vintage Parts
Repurpose vintage tech items as decorative features or functional elements. For example, floppy disks can be upcycled into ornamental faces or embellishments for your console doors, blending retro tech with classic woodwork. Vintage speakers, dials, or knobs from 1950s radios or TVs can also be integrated onto panels as design statements or functional controls if compatible.
Integrate Modern Technology
Build internal shelving or compartments to house modern electronics like flat-screen TVs, gaming consoles, sound bars, and streaming devices. Include cable management holes or channels discreetly behind or within the console for wiring neatness. Consider modular interior parts or IKEA cabinets to customize the internal storage while preserving the retro exterior look.
Final Touches
Finish painting with a glossy mid-century finish to enhance authenticity. Add modern hardware discreetly for functionality but maintain a vintage look in visible areas. Optionally, install ambient LED lighting to add a subtle futuristic glow inside or underneath the console to emphasize the retro-futuristic theme.
Morelan advises that it's essential to take your time and be patient when building a project like the retro entertainment center, as rushing can lead to mistakes. He also suggests that people interested in building a similar project should start by sketching out a design and gathering the necessary materials before beginning construction.
With this guide, you can create a unique media console that bridges nostalgic style and contemporary function, all achievable with basic woodworking tools and easily sourced vintage parts. Happy building!
[1] Morelan, B. (2022). Retro Entertainment Center Build. Bilmor Studios. Retrieved from https://bilmorstudios.com/retro-entertainment-center-build/
[2] IKEA. (n.d.). Kitchen Cabinets. IKEA. Retrieved from https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/kitchens/40302/
[3] Floppy Disk Art: Upcycling Old Technology. (2021, March 15). The Spruce Crafts. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/floppy-disk-art-4127677
[4] How to Build a Hairpin Leg Table. (2021, February 26). Ana White. Retrieved from https://www.ana-white.com/2014/01/hairpin-leg-table.html
[5] Cable Management for AV Equipment. (2020, August 14). CableOrganizer.com. Retrieved from https://www.cableorganizer.com/blog/cable-management-for-av-equipment/
This article was written by Kat Brancato, a writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in various publications, and she enjoys helping others learn how to slow down and simplify their lives.
Bill Morelan's latest home-and-garden project, the handcrafted retro entertainment center, demonstrates how to harmonize 1950s nostalgia with modern technology. To create a similar project, one might incorporate design elements such as angled side panels, vintage tech items, and retro colors, while using materials like plywood and tools like a drill, sandpaper, and wood glue. Furthermore, detailed advice from Morelan suggests starting with a sketch, gathering materials, and taking one's time during the build process to achieve a successful outcome.
