Horchow and Neiman's (owned by same company) carry media cabinets on their websites, but I think they are too small for your TV. Your best bet is to have something custom made.

Here is a link that might be useful: Horchow

Just looked, I've seen those too... are you talking about recessing it in the wall and having a painting covering it? I've seen them where it opens up like a hatchback or trunk, and it goes up pricewise from there.

Have you considered a base unit with lift TV?

Otherwise I'd say have a SIMPLE hutch built on top of what you have, especially if it's already something you like. I say *simple* -- like a cabinet with doors, period. Those things always seem to get so complicated looking with windows and different levels. I like my TV hutch to just look like a piece of furniture.

Since your console was custom made, I'd be very tempted to have tham make you a top piece to go with it. Something wide but shallow so you'd still have some countertop space on the base unit. And rather than squishing in storage space on the sides (if it doesn't fit well), I'd raise the TV a bit and have some DVD racks below the TV.

Just my two cents, but I think the screen covers I've seen look 'contrived'. A hutch top would have a real sense of purpose.

My vote is to have a hutch made to finish the furniture piece. Make sure they brace the hutch to the console.

We had a three-piece unit for a projection screen TV when our projection TV died suddenly due to being mishandled by movers. This left us with an expensive piece of furniture designed for a type of TV they don't make anymore. When we bought our DLP, we had a custom cabinet maker design a base to blend with the existing unit. If you look too closely, you can tell the two pieces don't go together, but it solved the dilemna and gave us a very nice piece of furniture.

I prefer to have the TV encased in furniture rather than hidden behind a screen of some sort.

Here's ours before console was added:

after console was added (please excuse the toys everywhere):

sarschlos, LOVE your red fireplace!

allision: Thanks for the horchow link. I'll check it out. I did just want to show my DH some of the clever ideas that members had done. I'm hoping to keep the cabinet and just have a more integrated look for the TV.

sweeby: Thanks for the two cents. Most likely we'll go that route--esp. as Dh already feels the height is just right. That way if it's bolted to the back we could always take it off later if the TV size changes.

sarasclos_remodler: Very nice example. Thank you. I know what you mean about how these ent. centers get outdated when the technology changes. That was why we were sticking with just the base console, but now where it is I do want it encased in furniture, though the sides will need to be slimmer.

bigdoglover: I do like those lifts. I wonder do they have much storage?

does anyone make a rolltop for flat screens? When viewing, rolls up, over and down the back of the tv-leaving the console top undisturbed for items in place.

Just this morning I was watching Decorating Challenge, and a woman had her tv wall mounted, but also wanted it covered. An artist was hired to paint a picture on a regular roller shade, and it was mounted on the inside of a large frame. It was raised and lowered by remote control.

I thought it was one of the most original ideas I had ever seen for covering a tv. Personally, I keep mine in an armoire. ;o)

I was answering the last part of your OP then forgot to address the first part - long day!

Your base is so nice though, I would have a top/hutch made. Something simple. Maybe have a few extra shelves made that could go where the TV would be for later on if you decide not to use it for the TV - could be used for books, etc.

Allison: Thank you for the advice to go with a hutch top. Your opinion means a lot. We were matching the style as close as we could to the adjacent kitchen.

Valinsv, A little off subject, I meant to ask you what your floor is? Species, brand, width, color? It looks so toasty, I love the color.

My vote would be to leave it just as it is. It doesn't need a surround or a cover. It is what it is.

You have a lovely kitchen and I love the woodwork, but I wouldn't add any more wood to the area unless the piece were really necessary.

I think it looks nice the way it is but if you're looking for more storage I'd probably have the same company make a hutch for it. Looking at pics like yours makes me wish I would've bought a slightly bigger TV and put it on a console, bigger just wouldn't fit in our stand. I do love the big wood entertainment stands.

I can't visualize the wall mount with the screen...

I love your kitchen!

bigdoglover: The floors are 3" planks, 3/4" thick rift & quartersawn oak with a natural oil based stain (stain finish). The R&Q cut produces more of a straight grain with flecks. We love the look.

graywings: I see your point also about all the wood, but it does need something as the side view is completely visable from the kitchen.
{{!gwi}}

I'm going to try to balance out all the wood look for a larger rug in the FR and a few more upholstered chairs. Usually the kitchen table is covered with a table cloth, but I had removed it for that picture.

shesharee: I think the current trend is going towards what we have now. It certainly gives much more flexibility with the TV to not completely encase in furniture. I see the big honkin' ent. centers being dumped on CL all the time.

Right now I'm trying to track down the paperwork for the console with the specs on it. Hopefully DH can find it.