apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

That's a great rug.

I really like the West Elm one individually, but it might look like you are trying to match the coffee table once it is in the room. And the CB2 doesn't look nice in real life, at least not nice enough to compliment the table, rug and couch! If you have the time/energy, I would look for something vintage/repurposed or more unique, like the Dandelion (the one I voted for).

The IKEA piece is basic, attractive, fills a niche, does its job quiet and professionally, and is utterly inoffensive. The Dandelion console is too costly and though the motif is charming, I guarantee you'll get sick of it within a year. The other choices are attractive yet dull, though I would suggest the West Elm piece as second choice. On the other hand, why don't you look around auction houses, Ebay, et cetera, for a 1950s or 1960s dining-room buffet, something that is or resembles the work of Paul McCobb? I bought one a few days ago, something very much like my suggestion, for $200 at an auction, made of rosewood-stained walnut with wide and glamorous brass trim.

The first two pieces with the small drawers/cupboards would have the same visual problem the current piece has..not supportive of the large rectangle (tv). I like the West Elm with the white front..it has rectangles which are more compatible with the large tv. then the rectangles are separated by the small shelf, which is visually pleasing. The dark West Elm would have too many dark rectangles and look bottom heavy. With the dark tv rectangle on the top and the white rectangle on the bottom, your eye sees the cabinet first, not the tv, and isn't that preferable?

I think the room looks great! Where did you get those storage cubes on the left side of the picture?

I love the room. where did you get the coffee table??

Thanks and merry christmas!

I think the best ones for that room are either the Dandelion or the West Elm Storage Stand. As I see it, any of those two would fit really good in that room. Hope this helps!

Greets from Spain and Merry Christmas!

where's the table from?

If you're not married to a white media stand, we have (and love) the Station media console from Calligaris. You can get their stuff at Northern Home Furnishings on Lincoln Ave. next to the Western Ave. Brown Line stop or at European Furniture Warehouse on Grand Ave.

LOVE the coffee table.

The storage stand from West Elm has clean crisp lines and personality without being over the top or excessively pricey.

i just got the west elm piece with the white doors and i love it! though i got the larger model with the open shelving on the right. all of my video, cable, & game system components fit in it the cabinet easily -- plus with room for tapes, dvd's etc. i've had some issues with west elm furniture in the past, but this one is great.

I would suggest you continue shopping....even look for vintage stuff.

CB2 is too cheap looking...BoConcept is too space-age for your classic sofa.

West Elm is very "west-elmy" but goes best with that sofa
If you chose that style.....shop for the vintage version before you buy it....you may come up with much better!

IKEA.....it's IKEA...it always seems to work, that wouldn't be a bad choice.

The daisy is too trendy, too expensive, clashes with the floor and too "apartment therapy-ish" :)

You may also want to look at EQ3 which is between BoConcept and IKEA in both price and quality. It's pretty durable, made well, nice finish. I had the "replay" unit in red, it held up for over 3 years even with several moves and long stays in storage. I was able to sell it on Craigslist for for 1/2 what I paid.

jbg, i've seen those cubes at crate and barrel and...drumroll please... walmart!

BOcenpts: no.
CB2: no
Torsby: you're throwing away your money.
dandelion: you can get something way nicer for $1900.
west elm: fine if you don't mind having furniture like everyone else.

I say look for something vintage --- preferably from the happenin' 60s.

Thats a great rug! Where did you get it from?

I've been thinking about getting that same rug ... are you happy with it?
Is the white/ivory staying white?

I use the Aspvik unit from Ikea as a console... it's been really great. It's part of their office collection, looks super minimalist and chic and has been surprisingly sturdy

i would go with the ikea one for an unobtrusive look if I had to pick from these. Personally I would try and look for something red (maybe lacquer?). I think red looks amazing with pale blue and would add some punch to your room.

the rug is cb2 - i was JUST looking at it!

One thing you should definitely consider is the height of each piece. I put my new flat-panel TV on my credenza and it was too high to watch it comfortably from the couch (about 8 feet away). I ended up getting a vintage wooden library table (28 inches tall) for $60 on Craigslist with built-in shelves on the front and back. The front shelf holds DVDs and books. I hid all the cables and cords and the surge protector on the back shelf. The unworkable credenza was either 36 or 38 inches high, as a reference point. Look for something fairly close to the height of the stand you have your TV on now.

How about the Arctic sideboard from the Conran Shop?

http://www.conranusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=14065&cid=Storage&language=en-US

All,

Thank you so much for your input and great comments!!
Palindrome- absolutely agree on the height. I had looked at some credenzas and consoles but most are too tall for proper flat screen viewing.

I agree with everyone's comments on the CB2 media stand- it's out of the running. And I agree the Bo Concept one is a bit space age-y. I have been trying to go with white lacquer bc the wood may be difficult to match. The coffee table is english walnut, which is apparently lighter than american walnuts. The IKEA/West Elmseem like good basic options, but I think I may be looking for something more special

I like the idea of looking for vintage pieces. Sounds like I have a bit more homework to do before I decide on a piece!

To some of your questions:
As someone mentioned- the rug is from CB2. I have only had it for 2 months, but so far so good- the white/ivory is staying clean!

The coffee table is from LAX Mash studios- I bought it on Design Public

Storage cubes are from Bed, Bath and Beyond actually.:) A cheapie purchase left over from my last apt.

Happy Holidays everyone and thanks again for your guidance.
Adrienne

Morgante- the Station line from Calligaris is beautiful. Definitely a possibility! Thanks!

what about the matching LAX console?

http://blackwhiteyellow.blogspot.com/2007/11/mash-studios-lax-furniture.html

I thought about the LAX console (i really like the look of the line), but was afraid it might look too "matchy matchy" like a catalog showroom. Thoughts everyone? Thanks!

i have the bo concept modi and love it. clean, elegant look with plenty of space for the tv and accesories.

Vintage is the way to go. In summer I bought a 50's serving buffet (think it's walnut or ash) for $45 and quickly sanded and stained it and we constantly have clients ask where did we get it from.

I forgot: I love your room it looks great!

HELP! I am looking for Jess2nola and must find out where she got her living room curtains! If anyone knows, please send me the 411. tanya.manning@comcast.net