The Perfect Budget TV Stand Comes From One Simple IKEA Hack

A DIY freestanding TV stand is an easy and affordable way to give your viewing experience a little flexibility, and like so many entertainment center hacks, you're only an IKEA trip away from making it happen. For this build, we're looking at a reimagined FRÖSJÖN, a shelf unit normally used as a toiletry holder in the bathroom. Instagram IKEA aficionado @miztermiller offers up another savvy creation by attaching a wood panel to the Frösjön with a few tube strap clamps, like these pipe straps from Amazon, and then mounting the TV to the panel's surface. All things considered, you can pull off the entire build for around $50.

Repurposing the FRÖSJÖN is a smart, cost-saving IKEA hack that also has more utility than the average freestanding TV stand. It's lightweight and easy to build, and the hidden shelving helps the aesthetic by keeping your boxes, consoles, and cables out of sight. Although you don't have much space underneath, the open area offers all kinds of possibilities for added storage. For instance, you can pick up a HYLLIS or BESTÅ bookshelf while you're at IKEA to nest under your TV for added media storage. You could also build a simple DIY bookshelf to perfectly fit the FRÖSJÖN frame or keep it open to decorate as you see fit.

To make this IKEA hack work, you'll build the FRÖSJÖN but leave out the shelf's highest bar, the top shelf platform, and that shelf's wire guard. The bar that normally holds the top shelf will be the brace for your wood mounting block. Cut a piece of wood (e.g., a 1x6 board) for a mounting surface a few inches wider than the shelf unit so there can be some overlap on either side. Attach it to the top bar on the front of the shelf with the tube clamps (two on the top crossbar and one on each side support).

The TV mounting bracket screws into the board. Keep the TV size in mind as you cut your board to ensure the field is large enough for the bracket. When choosing your bracket, consider the shelf's versatility. An inexpensive flat mount may be all you need. While tilt and full-motion mounts can reduce glare and make connections easier, this build already solves most of those problems. You can turn the FRÖSJÖN to remove glare, and the open backing facilitates hooking up accessories. Plus, a low-profile flat mount will reduce the likelihood of the stand tipping over from the TV's weight. If you use a full-motion mount (or have a large, heavy TV), add an anti-tip system to prevent the stand from falling on its face when the TV is extended. You can then mount your TV, run your wires along the supports, and start enjoying your latest DIY creation!