Kathryn, I agree with the advice above. Once you build something on the back of these shelves, they will no longer be as versatile and you won't be able to configure them differently if you wish to.

The cord clean-up idea is excellent--there are all sorts of little clips and bobbins to control cords.

Also, if you hang something on the wall above the shelves, it could draw the eye to that spot. Good luck.

From a practical point of view if you plan to continue to use these for your stereo and TV (I don't see it in the photo here) closing the back would create a problem with accessing and making connections on the back of the unit. A problem I'm all too familiar with. I have one with a "cutout" back for access and "cord management" but even that is very awkward.

Where did you get the shelving units from?

"The cord clean-up idea is excellent--there are all sorts of little clips and bobbins to control cords."

I would try that route first. In addition, control the length of the cords to prevent too much slack. Zip ties, or twist ties, or velcro ties work well for that. Then find organized paths to route the cords.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I have definitely tried the usual cord-management techniques. I've got all kinds of adhesive clippy things sticking to the back of the unit, but the cords don't bend along all the right angles that well.

My plan is to put the Bose unit on top of the shelf (it's currently on a lower shelf and harder to access) and let all the cords drop behind the unit -- once it is sealed off somehow.

Laura - I purchased the shelves at Space in Chicago which is now out of business. I also saw them at a shop on Smith Street in Brooklyn, though. Sorry - can't remember the name of the place.

Jimkk - The TV is off to the side in this photo. I'm saving up for a plasma that would ultimately hang on the wall above the unit.

The problem might also (very simply) solve itself as you fill in the empty shelves.

If you want a funkier design, I'd suggest closing the back off with plywood - perhaps painted a diff color than your shelving unit, or painted to match.

To handle the cord management issue, cut out circles of various diameters for each section to make it look polka-dotted. The different holes would give you some flex to move components around.

Or if you don't like polka-dots, you could cut out squares/rectangles in a japanese-esque shoji pattern.

But the general idea is to give you several cut-outs for the electric gadgets and to make the ones you don't use look decorative.

There are snakey like tubes for purchase at Ikea made for hiding chords. Instead of having a group of wires all over the back of the units, you can have them all fed into this tube for a cleaner look. I have the tube along one of my walls and it houses over 7 different wires.

I think it would look great if you filled in the back and painted it an orange or red that coordinated with your chairs (can't tell which color they are). Since it's a small unit, it wouldn't look too overwhelming.

One of my favorite place to find wire manament items, grommets, and all sorts of things to clean up a desk is at Doug Mockett www.mockett.com

I like Fiona's idea. I thought of the same thing while I read through the comments and thought of colored plexi-glass.

BTW, Kathryn, if you need any advice on plasma TVs or LCD tvs you can email me. I used to be a regular contributer to the plasma/lcd forum at avsforum.com where I contributed to their original faq. That place is a daunting forum for the newbie so I can help distill a few years worth of knowledge for you in an easy to understand summary if you would like.

Also remember if you plan to get a plasma or LCD TV to hang on the wall you also have the problem of cords connecting to it unless you have holes cut in the wall! Something they never mention in all those lovely designer ads. When I upgrade my audio/video furniture I think I'll opt for something with doors on the front to hide the equipment and clutter and open back to access connections. Some have frosted glass or grill fronts so the remotes still work when closed.

I think painting the back wall would be the easiest solution as well, but thought I'd pass on a little do-it-yourself information.
Frosted plexi-glass is easy to make. All you need is a regular sheet of plexi (any thickness) found at any large hardware store or frame shop and a piece of sandpaper. Sand one side of the plex in a consisitent pattern (little circles are easiest) and clean with a damp cloth. It takes a little while, but works nicely. I'd wear a mask to avoid breathing the plastic dust you'll create.
If you buy a sheet of plex at the hardware store they can probably cut if for you on a table saw. Better, and cheaper, is to check and see if a local frame shop has any scraps or pieces that are scratched.

If you add plywood to the backs paint it the same color as the walls. I painted the backs of my kitchen cabinets the same color as the wall and they just disappeared. It kept the look open and made the room seem larger.