Dresser as TV Stand: Quick Tips for a Stylish, Functional Upgrade

If you’ve got a sturdy dresser lying around, why not let it double as a TV stand? It’s a cheap, eco‑friendly hack that adds storage and looks great in any living room. In this guide, I’ll show you how to pick the right piece, hide the wires, and style the set‑up so it feels intentional, not improvised.

Pick the Right Dresser for Your TV

First, measure the width of your TV and add a couple of inches on each side. A dresser that’s a few inches wider than the screen gives the TV room to breathe and keeps the look balanced. Height matters too – the TV’s center should be at eye level when you’re seated, usually around 42‑48 inches from the floor. If the dresser is too tall, just pull the TV closer to the wall or add risers under the dresser legs.

Look for a dresser with a flat, sturdy top and deep enough drawers to hide gaming consoles, streaming boxes, or a soundbar. Solid wood or a strong MDF core works best; cheap particleboard might wobble under the weight of a large screen.

Hide the Cables and Keep Things Tidy

Messy cords are the biggest eyesore in a DIY TV stand. Most dressers have a back panel with a few holes – use those for cable management. If the back is solid, drill a single 1‑inch hole in the center and run all wires through it. A short cable raceway taped underneath the drawer fronts can also keep everything neat.

Group power cords, HDMI, and audio cables together with Velcro ties or zip ties. That way, you can unplug everything in one go when you need to move the dresser or clean the area.

For an extra touch, mount a small power strip on the inside of the back panel. Plug everything in, then snap the strip onto the back so it’s hidden from view.

Style the Dresser‑TV Combo

Now that the technical stuff is sorted, give the piece a style boost. Paint the dresser a neutral shade – matte white, charcoal, or a soft wood tone works well with most décor. If you love a bold look, go for a deep navy or a subtle teal; just keep the finish matte to avoid glare from the screen.

Swap out the original knobs with sleek metal pulls or brushed‑nickel handles for a modern vibe. Add a narrow decorative tray on top of the dresser to hold remote controls, a few magazines, or a small plant. This keeps the surface uncluttered while adding a personal touch.

If you’ve got a larger space, place a low-profile rug under the dresser to define the area. A rug with a subtle pattern can soften the hard lines of the wood and make the TV viewing zone feel cozier.

Finally, consider lighting. A small LED strip along the back edge of the dresser creates a gentle backlight that reduces eye strain and adds a cool ambience.

Turning a dresser into a TV stand is a win‑win: you get extra storage, cut down on buying a dedicated TV console, and give your room a unique, personalized look. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a functional, stylish set‑up without breaking the bank.