Ingenious TV Nook Idea

Yes, it has been 3 weeks since we moved and we are just now getting the TV figured out.  Until now, it sat on the piano bench in front of the fireplace.  Hey, we're taking it easy.  lol

Being married to an engineer has its perks, let me tell you.  We had this  TV nook area that was too small for our flat screen TV.  Here is the before picture:

In this photo, I have floral decor in the nook at the moment.

Our options included buying a swinging arm that would permanently attach deep inside the nook and allow our TV to be mounted and sit outside the nook.  Or we could have attached the TV to either side of the nook, also making an ugly and permanent mount for this rental.  Some of this hardware would definitely alter the walls and are not cheap:

Credit

If this were our permanent home, we'd make a different choice.  But what to do in a rental?

One night while watching TV, Andy jumped up and ran to the home improvement store.  He came back with some pieces of wood, one being a round table top (I believe).  I just stared at him - I'm the kind of girl who just can't picture things, so draw me a diagram or something!  lol

I think his idea was ingenious - he screwed the round table top into the nook and the table top extends out, the perfect amount for out TV to sit on.  And when we move, we just remove the screws and the table top and no one will know the difference.  NO marks to repair in the sheetrock!!  Check this out:

Now, at this point, I was worried the TV was going to fall right off, so hubby made sure it was secure.

See those tiny screws?

I'm so proud of my hubby!  I think it is perfect.  We will be painting the wood either white to match the shelf below or black to match the TV base.  What do you recommend?

Now, I have to show you this final picture.  I am in my "nest", where I spend most of the day reclined.  (See my feet?  lol)  My computer adjustable desk pulls right up to me (on the right) and with that TV so high, I feel like I am at a drive-in movie.  lol

We have our home theater chairs also in the living room, so basically 4 recliners, which is a good thing with the TV nook this high.  lol

We are also having to improvise with my "nest", as our former home had laminate flooring and this laptop desk moved easily.  Now on carpet, and my lack of ability to twist or pull with any strength, we had to rig something up to work.  So a large piece of plywood now sits under my chair - here is the gruesome photo I took without any staging (lol):

I can't get too upset - this IS my life nowadays.  It doesn't look this bad when I am in the chair, which is most all the time unless I have errands to run.  (Staying off my back and being reclined keeps my nerves in less pain, which allows me to "build up" stamina to live my life when I have things to do.)   Should I paint the plywood some cool colors to look like a cool rug?  Without the plywood, and my lack of strength and inability to twist to deal with it, the desk tips and my drink and other items hit the floor.  Not good.  The guys are tired of cleaning it up, since I can't get on the floor, to bend or lean down to clean it myself.  

This was much better disguised at the other house, as I was up against the wall and many of the small items were down out of sight:

See my chair and table in the far corner, with a blanket covering up the printer?

Imagine if this were your life.  OK, now go back to your annoying details and feel better about it!  lol  It could be worse, and I am truly thankful I can function as I can.

Anyone notice we went from gorgeous color to beige walls, beige chairs, beige carpet?  ARGHH.  I love and miss my color!!

 

P.S.  As our oldest has made an unexpected move back home, the sunroom now became what he calls his "fake" bedroom.  lol    Hopefully can come up with a better plan for his clothes than what we have currently.