subject: See My Diy Mirror Tv In Action In This 33 Second Video [print this page] Traditional Home"s September issue has a great article, Setting the Scene"p. 106, on how to handle your big TV (or, more likely, your man s big TV).
Well I love TVs, especially flat-screen high definition TVs. We had seven as of the last time I counted. (I know, I know...women are supposed to HATE them...But I"m a geek).
My favorite is the 32" LCD on the lanai. But where is it, you ask?
In the mirror, of course!
Men love this TV. In 2005, I did one in my master bath with a 15" LCD, even before HGTV's Candice Olson.
See my DIY Mirror TV in action in this 33 second video (apologies, Favre fans):
On the lanai, it's the perfect solution for a big flat panel outside in the salty sea air (700 yards from the ocean). It also provides some security because when the TV's off, it looks like just a big mirror. Only downside - you can't watch it in bright daylight, but we use it for viewing in the evening anyway.
Here"s how I did it"
We added the fireplace wall after house was built
Builder had already installed electrical and cable outlets on the wall
Carpenter built a niche about 20" deep above the no-vent fireplace
There are holes in the niche's ceiling to disperse heat buildup
I added an MDF shelf in the niche above the TV that holds cable box
I painted the inside of the niche and the shelf black
Added 1x4 pine vertical supports inside the niche opening for the mirror to rest against
Had a 1/4" one-way mirror cut to just under the actual measurements of the niche opening
I attached super velcro to the supports and back of mirror
Mirror's weight is supported because it sits on floor of niche
I velcroed on a removeable "frame" of stained poly trim (Home Depot) to hide the edges
TV remote works thru the mirror
Audio from the TV speakers comes through the mirror perfectly
DH can take the mirror down when we need access to the TV or cable box
Cost: about $200, excluding building the fireplace wall and buying the mirror TV
Ready-made Mirror TVs sell for thousands
Now I have to get busy and finish off the fireplace and wall. Any ideas?
