This project was built and designed by Alex from Bevelish Creations. It’s a sleek, modern TV console featuring black-stained slatted sliding doors, soft-close drawers, and a walnut base—combining function, innovation, and high-end design.
With detailed planning, smart hardware choices, and precise joinery, this piece is both eye-catching and practical. For woodworkers looking to challenge their skills or try their hand at contemporary furniture, this project offers plenty of learning opportunities.
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Planning and 3D Modeling
The project starts with digital planning using Shapr3D, a 3D modeling app that runs on iPad, Windows, and Mac. This allows Alex to design, revise, and finalize measurements directly in the shop without bouncing between paper and screen.
Cutting diagrams and plans are created from the model, making the layout of each panel and component clear and efficient. This digital-first approach improves accuracy and reduces waste.
Breaking Down Materials
The main cabinet is built from quality plywood, with walnut used for trim and the base. Large plywood sheets are broken down using a track saw, which provides clean, accurate cuts and easy handling in a small shop.
Miters are cut on panel edges before breaking them down further, helping align pieces during glue-up. Dados are routed for shelves and partitions, while a table saw brings each panel to its final dimension.
Joinery and Assembly
To assemble the mitered carcass, Alex uses a Domino joiner, inserting floating tenons to keep the corners aligned and strong. For those without a Domino, he suggests using the tape method, which also holds pieces securely for glue-up.
Clamping is done carefully to maintain square corners and flush surfaces. The result is a crisp, clean box ready for trim and interior features.
Adding Walnut Trim
Walnut trim is added to frame the cabinet and cover the plywood edges. Each trim piece is cut slightly long, then dialed in after the carcass is complete for a perfect fit.
The front edges of the trim are dadoed to create a subtle lip that helps frame the sliding doors. Matching miters on the corners give the case a seamless, polished appearance.
Sliding Door Hardware Solution
The standout design element is the sliding slatted doors. Instead of deep grooves, which aren’t feasible with this cabinet’s thickness, Alex uses slide pins that ride in shallow tracks at the top and bottom.
This hardware from Rockler allows for easy, smooth movement while maintaining the cabinet’s thin profile. It’s a clever fix that preserves the structure and keeps the visual lines clean.
Building the Slatted Doors
Each door is made from white ash. Slats are cut to a consistent thickness and width, then fitted into rails using evenly spaced dados. The ends of each slat are notched and beveled to fit securely into place.
Alex lays out the dados using a box joint-style setup at the table saw, making sure each space is identical. Once glued and assembled, the doors are strong, lightweight, and slide easily across the cabinet face.
Finishing and Hardware
The slatted doors are finished with Rubio Monocoat in black, which enhances the grain while delivering rich color and protection. The black contrasts well with the natural walnut and gives the console a bold, modern look.
To maintain the clean aesthetic, the slide pins are also painted black to blend into the backs of the doors. This attention to detail helps keep the focus on the form and function of the design.
Drawer Construction and Install
Three drawers are built using white ash with plywood bottoms, fitted with Blum undermount soft-close slides. The hardware is high-end, providing smooth action and full-extension access.
Drawer fronts are made from walnut and feature recessed finger pulls routed into the top edge. This avoids the need for external handles and keeps the front of the cabinet sleek and uninterrupted.
Double-sided tape and shims help align the drawer fronts before screwing them into place. This technique ensures even gaps and a symmetrical look across the drawer section.
Walnut Base with Tapered Legs
The base is built from solid quarter-sawn walnut. Legs are tapered on two sides using a tapering jig, adding visual lightness to the overall structure.
All base pieces are joined with Domino tenons for strength and speed. A small groove is routed around the top of the base for visual separation from the cabinet, and figure-eight clips are used to attach the cabinet securely but flexibly.
Final Assembly
With all parts finished and stained, the cabinet is mounted to the base and the sliding doors are dropped into place. The result is a sharp, contemporary console that balances aesthetics and function.
Adjustable doors, soft-close drawers, and solid joinery make this a showpiece project with practical daily use. It’s built to last and made to impress.
Learn more about this project here: https://www.bevelishcreations.com/plans/slatted-door-modern-media-console/.