Not A Console, Not A Built-In: There's A More Affordable TV Stand Alternative

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Typically, when adding a TV to your living room, you might opt to place it on a console table, in a built-in, or mount it on the wall. However, these options can be costly, and not all of them are feasible in smaller spaces or renter-friendly. If you're searching for a more affordable and simple DIY solution for your TV setup, one homeowner had a clever idea. @karolinerelster_ on Instagram shared her process for transforming a simple metal clothing rack into a chic TV stand. Using a clothing rack like the EAGMAK heavy-duty clothing rack, the homeowner added wing nuts to cup hooks and screwed them into the back of the television where mounting equipment would be. Then the homeowner slotted the hooks onto the rail of the clothing rack. All that is left is to adjust the rail to the appropriate height for viewing, and the ensemble suspends the television, creating a mounted look.

The creator noted that the reason for this unique TV console swap is that, often, console tables can be quite expensive. Even affordable consoles can cost upwards of $100. @karolinerelster_ stated that their setup cost them under $100, making it a more affordable solution for those on a tight budget. And, if you're interested in small living room ideas to make your space seem bigger the clothing rack doesn't take up much square footage and has a slim appearance, which could be useful in tight or awkward spaces.

If you like the mounted look but have learned the downsides of wall mounting a TV, or if you're hoping to save some cash by trying an affordable swap, then the clothing rack trick can be an appealing idea. For renters who crave a wall-mounted TV, this can be a close approximation to the aesthetic but without the need to drill into drywall. Also, this DIY doesn't take too long to achieve, meaning you could flawlessly integrate a TV in your living room using this method in under an hour.

However, there are some reasons that a clothing rack may not make for an ideal TV stand replacement. While the creator replied to a comment saying they've had this setup for 2 years now, it's possible not all racks will be as sturdy. Depending on the weight limit, the clothing rack may not be able to support the weight of the TV. Additionally, not all clothing racks are stable, particularly those that are cheap or poorly built, meaning if the ensemble got bumped, the TV could be damaged. This also may not be a good setup in homes with small children or pets, where the clothing rack could get jostled. Some TVs may be wider than the clothing rack, making it difficult to mount. Further, not all televisions come equipped with mounting supports in the back. Visible wires could also pose a tripping hazard and may not be visually appealing.