This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a clean, modern wall-mounted entertainment center that provides smart storage while enhancing the look of any living room or media space.
Floating furniture offers both functional and visual benefits—it opens up floor space and creates a streamlined look without bulky cabinetry. Sam’s project uses plywood to create a sleek, custom-fit shelf system perfect for today’s tech setups.
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Purpose and Design Highlights
The goal of this project is to build a floating unit that keeps cords hidden and electronics organized. With open sides and recessed shelves, the design feels light while still offering plenty of storage space.
Sam uses ¾-inch plywood for the build, which provides strength without excessive weight. The design can be adjusted for different wall widths or equipment setups, making it highly adaptable.
Cutting Down the Plywood
The build starts with cutting the plywood into panels for the top, bottom, and sides of the entertainment center. Each piece is measured carefully to keep lines square and dimensions consistent across the build.
Sam cuts the main frame first, focusing on clean edges and a strong layout. The ends are left open to keep airflow around devices and reduce visual bulk.
Creating Dados and Shelf Structure
To support the interior shelving, dados are cut into the side panels. This technique adds strength and helps with alignment during glue-up, ensuring everything fits snugly and square.
Sam assembles the basic box frame once the shelves are in place, taking time to dry-fit each part before final assembly. Edge banding is added around exposed plywood edges for a polished, furniture-grade finish.
Planning Around Electrical Outlets
One standout tip in this build is how Sam plans for wall outlets and studs behind the unit. He tapes butcher paper to the wall to trace the exact positions, then transfers those marks to the back panel of the entertainment center.
This step helps ensure that electrical access points aren’t accidentally covered and that the mounting hardware hits the studs directly. It’s a clever, low-tech trick that saves time and prevents errors during installation.
Sanding and Protective Finish
Before mounting, the entire unit is sanded smooth. Sam applies a coat of polyurethane to seal the wood, followed by a light wax buff to give the surface a soft sheen and a bit of added durability.
This finish protects the shelf from wear, dust, and moisture—ideal for high-traffic areas where electronics are frequently handled.
Mounting the Unit to the Wall
Installation is straightforward but precise. Using a level, Sam lines up the unit and secures it through the back panel directly into wall studs using long screws.
The result is a floating entertainment center that looks like part of the architecture, with no visible brackets or supports. It’s strong enough to hold media equipment while maintaining a minimal profile.
Practical and Stylish Addition
This project is a great way to add custom style to a living room, office, or bedroom. It’s also relatively quick to complete and only requires basic tools and materials, making it a good candidate for weekend builds.
For woodworkers looking to sell pieces locally, floating furniture is a category that continues to trend. The combination of clean lines, storage, and floor space savings is highly appealing to buyers.
Customization Ideas
This design is easy to customize by changing the overall length or adjusting the number of shelves. You could also paint or stain the finish to match different room styles or furniture.
Some builders might choose to add cable management holes or LED strip lighting to enhance the unit’s appearance and functionality. These additions can boost the value if you’re making units for resale.