Could something like this work?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/entryway/diy-your-own-minimalist-entryway-114187

Of course, you'd need the baskets (or small trunks/metal bins/corrugated cardboard boxes) for the storage space you need, but by looking into reclaimed lumber, you can pretty much find the exact size you're looking for. And it could be painted to your liking. And it'll be one of a kind and will work in your next home as many other pieces of furniture. If the bench in the link is stable enough to sit and tie a shoe on, it'll be fine for your TV.

Sounds like you need a credenza - not a bookcase.

These folks can make one in pretty much any length you need:

http://www.roomservicestore.com/store/credenzas_and_dressers/index.html

your problem is the TV. Its too huge. A room will never look stylish or cozy with a tv that big. Get a smaller one..no more than 27 inches and get a nice credenza.

My first thoughts were the TROFAST frame from Ikea. It is solid pine so you can paint it black. Because of your sloping ceiling from the photo you could use one frame then add (bolt) another linear frame at the bottom on which to place your TV. The "stair-like" book cases come with adjustable shelves and would fit in the pictured space.
Good luck.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80063673

http://www.greenteadesign.com/plasma-tv-stands.html

I don't agree that the TV is too large! People like large TV's. They are more fun. If you paint the wall behind a slate or darker color to minimize contrast (or cover with cloth or paper) it will blend in just fine.

It could even go on the end wall, perhaps -- if you can find a low enough stand.

That TV is not too large.

It indeed might be tricky to find a piece with those proportions, so I'd look at matching individual units used as one long, low piece. There are plenty of Ikea components with which to do this. If the Ikea site weren't such a nightmare, I would provide a link.

The other thought was Bo Concept. But I know some people hate them.

stylish & cozy < watching nature shows on a BIG screen in high-def!! LOL!

I am also a big fan of credenzas. My husband insists it is a word i made up, along with "chaise" and "duvet". But credenzas are real, and infinitely useful.

How about the Elfa system from The Container Store? It's what I use and it looks great.

http://www.containerstore.com/elfa/index.html

I recommend checking www.homedecorators.com. They have a huge selection of styles and sizes. There are many "entertainment centers," but don't limit yourself to that category: based on your size requirements, a sideboard or credenza may be best. Look at bureaus, consoles, and office furniture there, too. I ended up using one of their coffee tables for my TV. Unfortunately, coffee tables are usually 15-19 in height, so that won't be an option.

a 40" flat screen is in no way too large for a stylish room. there's lots of spaces that have been shown here on AT with even bigger screens. as patrick (the other one) pointed out, go long and low and also put up large art on the wall behind it to detract from the screen. what's wildly expensive? take a look here at mshelving, which we use & highly recommend!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/shelving-storage/mathias-freis-mshelving-019860

also, take a look here at designer jane mount's use of mshelving for media purposes:
http://loadbearing.com/content/?articleTypeId=2&articleId=29

how about this sideboard
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115023

a couple of things on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-5ft-Vintage-Davis-Allen-Credenza-Buffet-Restored_W0QQitemZ220364493818QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAntiques_Furniture?hash=item334ebf53fa

http://cgi.ebay.com/French-Regency-Low-Slung-Sideboard-TV-Stand_W0QQitemZ350340471450QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAntiques_Furniture?hash=item5191eb5a9a

I love the piece you already have there. You could place it on top of a thick (1") reclaimed wood and add 4 big casters (vintage industrial or colored)? Use those big idea colored storage boxes to hide visual clutter.

http://www.wisteria.com/French-Industrial-Coffee-Table/productinfo/W2328/

That TV rocks, btw ;)

monsf - great idea!

We have our 40" TV on an Ikea Expedit bookshelf set up horizontally
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10103088

Hi All!

Thanks so much for all of your helpful suggestions! We're digging through them...leaning towards the Loadbearing shelves right now.

Too late for a smaller TV, this one is brand new. Our living room is actually quite large. That's just a small spot and it's the only place the TV can live. We have LARGE windows and there is serious glare if the TV is placed anywhere else.

Thanks again for all the help!!

Oh, to monsf - it's a Samsung...it's great! :)

Why not wall mount the TV, and put a long, low credenza or bookcase beneath it?

Have you considered your local thrift stores/consignment stores for a credenza?
Or check out Ikea's "besta", comes in different *colors* and is great for what you want.
it can be finished with doors or drawers, or left open.

If the hieght of the ikea pieces is too low.....you can get different legs to make it the height you want. The besta comes with drilled holes, but you will probably want to use table leg mounts for extra strength.

I just did this for a friend on a budget, and it worked out fabulously. Legs were from HomeDepot and stained to match.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20102149

@AnnieStuart...thank you for your post...it made me laugh out loud, seriously.

you won't be sorry if you purchase the loadbearing mshelving. it's functional, sexy, & well-made. you can add to it later as well. we bought ours sight unseen last year and couldn't be happier. it's an all around smart purchase that you won't regret!

I currently use an Ikea LACK bookcase (the skinny one) turned on its side with legs attached. it was cheap and it's become one of my favourite peices! we've attached six legs and alternately use it as a bench, it's quite sturdy.

The one drawback is that the compartments are not wide enough to accomodate many home theatre/dvd players, etc, but I've seen people fix this by removing one or more of the interior dividers.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00045560

What about the Ikea Expedit? http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10103093

A 40" TV can be too large for a room no matter how stylish, since there are optimal viewing distances for TVs of any given sizes, and, surprise! larger TVs are optimally viewed at greater distances. Wouldn't know if this were the case here, and of course you have the TV already, suggesting you toss if for a smaller one is less than useful/practical/particularly economical....

Am curious about this BoConcept hate; I had no idea! What is up with that?

We have the exact same TV on a Besta stand (walnut color with the glass/aluminum doors with the black mat facing out). It works really well for storage of electronic goodies as well as keeping the area looking sleek and refined. There's lots of different combinations you can do with feet that are adjustable to suit your needs. Here is what ours looks like.

look at this
http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2010/04/lack-retro-media-cabinet.html#more

this is not entirely terrible: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3479112

Believe it or not, I absolutely love my IKEA Besta setup for my TV and storage in the living room:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/escapist/3585524331/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/escapist/4164941731/

Heh, and I also use one for the cat box:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/escapist/3670694196/

http://www.bdiusa.com/theater/avion_2_8925.shtml

made for corners....

Hi Everyone!

Thanks again for the feedback!

We're still looking...the mshelving might not be the best fit after all.

Still hoping for a more of a bookcase...but it has to be under 24" in height or else our TV hits the slant in the ceiling. I'm surprised it's so difficult to find a low bookcase.

Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks!

Room & Board Woodwind media cabinet in ebony finish

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19788&catalog=room&category=rm_living_spaces&subcategory=media_cabinet

Have you seen the logan media console from CB2 -- it is 18 inches high and has space for books. At 59" it is plenty wide for a 40" TV with room to spare.

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=118&f=5311

Another option is one of the many Expedit bookcases set on their side, as has already been mentioned. for instance, this Expedit would be low enough for your requirements at 18"

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20116274

I currently have another Expedit set on its side and it's good in a pinch, but it would be too tall for you.