ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Forget about wrestling with entertainment centers that can’t properly house your electronics, movies, and CDs by customizing one of your own. Make sure you work with a designer if you’re considering a built-in unit. It’s important to leave enough clearance for heat to dissipate so that your electronics won’t burn out prematurely. Freestanding units should have space behind them.

Consider these cabinet uses:

• Store your television in a custom-sized cabinet with compartments for your DVD, VCR, or stereo. Ask about your various door options to cover the television when not in use, which include sliding, tambour, and flipper/pocket.
• Install a slideout platform to set the television on to easily pull out and swivel for viewing.
• Don’t want to emphasize your television? Create a bookcase unit where cabinet panels slide to reveal the television.
• Drawer dividers with five-inch wide sections are perfect for storing CDs and DVDs.
• Install a row of stylish apothecary drawers in your unit for visual interest and to neatly store your remote controls.