Scandinavian Modern TV Console – Specs/Constraints

The top specifications that I want my project to have are the following:

  1. I would like the project to achieve an aesthetic somewhat adjacent to Scandinavian modern. Because this is hard to define, I would like to separate this into two more specific goals:

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  a. The concrete overlay shall have a tone similar to that of slate.

[1] The overall proposed TV console design

 

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  b. The wooden elements shall be a visual match or near match to the maple bed frame in my room.

[2] The IKEA Mandal Bedframe

  1. The entire project should be visually square, (Likely ~0.25-0.5ā€ in most dimensions.)
  2. The integrated HDMI and power outlets (or power strip, haven’t decided yet) will be entirely functional.
    1. If outlets are not integrated, I will add some feature with unique/hidden functionality that is not available on the market.

[3] The proposed HDMI / 120v plug

  1. The drawers should be easy to use – can be closed with one hand with little resistance. Soft-close drawer slides will be used.
  2. The concrete overlay shall be durable and able to withstand everyday use/glasses being set on it without significant scratching, crumbling or other damage.

 

The top 5 constraints or potential barriers I foresee with the project are the following:

  1. Time – Senior design is eating into the time I have allotted for this project, and the end of the semester is rapidly approaching. The majority of my tools and time needs to be spent at my garage at home (~45 minutes away) which can make working on the project for a short time each day difficult.
  2. Money – I would like this project to be as cheap as possible, but it will likely end up costing more than I would like it to. I don’t have a set budget for this project, but could have some trouble keeping it reasonably priced due to the concrete overlay portion of the project.
  3. Concrete microtopping availability – The specific microtopping that is typically recommended for these types of projects is very specific and only available online. The shipping cost of these 60 lb bags would make the project prohibitively expensive, so I will reach out to a few local concrete suppliers to source a similar product. If this fails, I will be able to use a few similar products from the Home Depot. While they may not be the exact product I am looking for, they will almost certainly work for my application.Ā 
  4. Room to work – My garage/workshop is currently being occupied by my car, as we’re replacing the air ride system. This could prove to be an annoyance as I will likely have to fabricate the design inside the house somewhere.
  5. Skills – While I have some experience doing stucco work and pouring concrete slabs, I don’t have any experience using concrete microtopping. I have a few friends who work in the concrete industry that I will be contacting prior to this stage of the project.

Image sources:

[2] https://www.ikea.com/es/en/p/mandal-bed-frame-with-headboard-birch-white-s89094948/ [2] https://www.designplusgallery.com/product/ethan-allen-radius-six-drawer-dresser-original-price-2600/ [3] https://www.stocktonheritage.com/shop/minimalist-end-table-mid-century-modern-end-table-scandinavian-side-table-minimalist-nightstand

[3] https://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-Power-Outlet-Decora-Plate/dp/B00I14XHKC/ref=asc_df_B00I14XHKC?mcid=7dec13d91e843285bf0141c01a14dd2c&hvocijid=16289315953206420838-B00I14XHKC-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16289315953206420838&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9194567&hvtargid=pla-2281435177858&psc=1

 

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Clemens Pacher-Theinburg
    April 7, 2025 3:04 pm

    Really clean concept. I like how the Scandinavian modern aesthetic comes through in the material and shape choices. Will the concrete be mounted with bolts or how are you planning to connect the two together?

    • Hi Clemens,
      Thanks for your comment. The concrete topping was going to be an overlay- similar to a plaster. Unfortunately, I was not able to add this to my final product due to problems with adhesion and the thin texture of the concrete resurfacers at Home Depot.

  • Bryan Moreno Najera
    April 4, 2025 1:50 pm

    The TV console is looking really good in CAD. I really like how you are trying to use concrete microtopping, something you haven’t done before. I wonder if you could experiment with readily available concrete at Home Depot and try to achieve something similar to microtopping.

    • Hi Bryan,
      Home Depot does sell a few options that would be very similar to microtopping, and I ended up trying one of them. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get the mixture to achieve the look/texture I was wanting, and ended up having to paint the project in the end.

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