Televisions have undergone
huge changes in the past few
years. Furniture that accommodates
these changes has followed. Now,
TV consoles come as an alternative
to traditional armoires, offering
additional drawer storage space as
well as a platform for a flat-screen
TV. Some include electrical components built into the case to help
with wire management for your TV,
cable box and other components.
Built to last
It’s amazing how dressing items
up makes them look better. But,
when you look a little closer, you
can often see many differences that
can help ensure you are getting the
best value for your money. Here are
a few details to consider.
Drawer construction. Drawers
should be made with solid wood or
unidirectional plywood drawer sides
and backs. Unidirectional plywood is
sawn or sliced lumber that has been
glued back together with the grain
running in the same direction.
All joints on the drawers should
be English dovetail or French dove-
tail construction. The bottoms of the
drawers should be glued on all sides
with corner blocks in each corner. Drawer slides should be made of hardwood. Paraffin waxes are used to help the drawers operate more smoothly.
Tension stops are used on the bottoms of the drawers to help keep them from
pulling out of the cases. Some drawers have “kicker” cleats added to the case
above the inside of the drawer so that when they are fully open the drawer’s
deflection downward is minimized.
Ball bearing glides are also used as an alternative to hardwood slides.
Ball bearing glides often allow you to open the drawer farther than hardwood
slides and perform better in harsher climates.
Case construction. Dustproof panels between each drawer add value
and strength to the case. Solid wood edges, especially where there is a profiled shape on the edge, increase performance.
Avoid exposed medium-density fiberboard or particleboard edges.
If glass is used, make sure it is tempered. If glass shelves are used, 3/8-inch
( 8 mm) thicknesses are preferred.
Look for levelers built into the case, usually underneath the feet. On
heavy cases, levelers may be adjusted from inside. Levelers are usually used
TIPS & TRICKS
Good-quality drawer construction is a
hallmark of heirloom furniture.
English dovetail joinery is strong and
results in a large-capacity drawer.
TIPS ON SPACE
IN THE LAST DECADE, furniture seems
to have put on some weight. The pieces
just get bigger and bigger. Many of the
collections offered today will not fit in
an average-size bedroom.
Measure your bedroom space before
shopping. Make a small sketch of your
bedroom and mark the location of
windows, doors, and phone and cable
connections. Knowing the size of your
bedroom and where doors, windows and
phone and cable connections are located
will help simplify your decision. A
