Build own TV Lift Cabinet

  1. 10 DIY TV Lift Ideas: How to Hide a TV in Furniture You Already Own

    Maybe you already have the perfect piece: your grandmother's hope chest, a mid century credenza from the thrift store, or a built-in that just needs a purpose. You do not need a new cabinet to get a hidden TV. You need a lift.

    A motorized TV lift mechanism mounts inside furniture you already own and raises the TV out of the top at the push of a button. The smart lifts below handle TVs up to 120 pounds, move smoothly and nearly silently, install in about 15 minutes with twelve screws, and have three surge protected outlets built in. Most offer five ways to control them, including a remote and a phone app. Here are 10 ways to use one, with a size chart at the end so you can match the lift to your furniture.

    1. Turn a Hope Chest Into a Foot of the Bed TV

    25 inch tall smart TV lift mechanism

    A blanket chest at the foot of the bed is already the right height and in the right spot. The 25 Inch Smart Lift is the shortest in the lineup, so it fits inside lower chests, and it raises TVs up to 40 inches with almost 22 inches of travel.

    Posted on: October 23, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  2. What Comes in the Box: A TVLiftCabinet.com Smart TV Lift Unboxing

    If you have ever wondered what actually shows up at your door when you order a TV lift, this brand new video from The Master Tron Tamer answers it. He unboxes a 32.5-inch smart TV lift from TVLiftCabinet.com, walks through every part, and then previews the TV lift cabinet he plans to build in an upcoming series.

    The first thing he notices is the packing. He says more than once that the lift is really well packed. Inside he finds a parts bag with the remote control, screws, and a lower mounting bracket, plus an extra top bracket that attaches the cabinet lid to the lift so the lid rises with the TV. He also checks the documentation and says it has lots of illustrations about installation.

    Then he pulls out the lift itself. He points out that the weight is not trivial, and he says that is a good thing. He shows the pivoting bracket where the TV mounts, the mounting points that attach to the cabinet, and how the lower bracket goes in the bottom of the cabinet so the lift slides onto it.

    The

    Posted on: October 20, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  3. A Secret Bar Built on a Swivel TV Lift (Nathan Builds)

    Here is a build that proves a TV lift does not always have to lift a TV. Nathan from Nathan Builds used a swivel lift from TVLiftCabinet.com to raise a hidden liquor shelf out of the back of a walnut cabinet. With Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings coming up, it is a fun idea for anyone who loves to host.

    The cabinet body is walnut plywood, and instead of iron-on banding for most parts, he glued on quarter-inch strips of solid walnut for a more durable edge. He is upfront that a few strips left small gaps, so he filled them with sawdust and glue and sanded them smooth. He cut grooves for sliding front doors and assembled most of the body with glue and biscuits.

    This was his second project with a TVLiftCabinet.com lift, after the hidden TV stand. He says the quality is really good, the steel is strong, and the lifts come with good instructions and detailed drawings. For this build he used a swivel lift, and he explains that the swivel version has a little more structure because it needs

    Posted on: October 19, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  4. A Cherry TV Lift Cabinet With a Secret Compartment (Nick Ferry Build)

    Some TV lift builds are about hiding a screen. Nick Ferry's build is about making a real piece of furniture that also happens to hide a screen. He made this cabinet out of cherry, and TVLiftCabinet.com sponsored the video and supplied the lift mechanism.

    The case starts with cherry panels glued up with biscuits and an aspen subtop built with mortise and tenon joints. He cut dados for the bottom shelf and a rabbet for the subtop, then glued up the carcass and checked it for square. The face frame is cherry too, again with mortise and tenon joinery, and he finished everything with a satin wipe-on polyurethane that really brings out the grain.

    Because the lift lives in the back of the cabinet, he had to plan around it. He cut a notch in the bottom shelf for the mechanism, mounted the top bracket, and fit a bottom stretcher to support the lift. For the four drawers, he added cleats and braces so the drawer slides had something to attach to without running all the way to the back where the TV

    Posted on: October 06, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  5. Linear Actuator vs. Scissor Lift: Which TV Lift Mechanism Is Better?

    Linear actuators and scissor lifts are the two main TV lift mechanisms on the market. A full comparison of speed, noise, weight capacity, cost, and long-term durability.

    Every TV lift cabinet is built around one of two core mechanism types, and the difference between them shapes everything from noise level to how heavy a TV you can safely lift. Here's a full side-by-side breakdown.

    How each mechanism works

    Linear actuator: A motor drives a threaded rod or screw mechanism that extends and retracts in a straight vertical line, pushing the TV mounting bracket directly upward. The motion is a single, direct line of force.

    Scissor lift: A folding metal lattice — imagine an accordion made of metal struts expands vertically as the motor drives the base of the lattice together, and collapses down as it's driven apart. The TV mount sits atop the lattice and rises as it unfolds.

    Speed and consistency of motion

    Linear actuators tend to maintain a more consistent speed through the entire range of travel,

    Posted on: July 19, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  6. TV Lift Cabinet Installation Tips (Without Hiring Professionals)

    Installing a TV lift cabinet may seem daunting, but many models from TVLiftCabinet.com are designed for straightforward assembly with minimal tools. Planning and preparation are key to a smooth installation that ensures your cabinet performs flawlessly.

    Featured Product: Clubside TV Lift Cabinet
    Clubside TV Lift Cabinet – Fits most 55″ TVs, features soft-close doors, and a reliable lift mechanism that can be controlled via RF remote. Perfect for living rooms or compact spaces.

    Start by measuring your room carefully, including floor space, wall clearance, and ceiling height. Make sure the cabinet has sufficient space for the lift to fully extend. Place the cabinet on a level surface to prevent wobbling and ensure the TV rises smoothly.

    Next, route all cables properly before mounting the TV. Use cable management channels or tie-downs to avoid pinching wires during lift operation. A clean cable setup ensures safety and preserves the cabinet’s aesthetic.

    Once your TV is mounted, test the lift

    Posted on: February 16, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  7. How to Build a DIY TV Lift Cabinet - Step by Step Project Plan with Free Cut List

    If you want a stylish lift-top media cabinet that hides your TV until you’re ready to use it, this DIY TV lift cabinet project is an excellent weekend build. In this post you’ll get a complete overview of how to assemble, cut, and finish a TV lift cabinet that combines both function and furniture appeal. This plan also includes a free cut list so you can prepare materials efficiently before you start. 

    What You’ll Build
    You’re creating a cabinet with an integrated TV lift mechanism. When finished, the TV stays hidden inside the cabinet until activated, using an electric lift. This is perfect for minimalist interiors or spaces where you want electronics concealed when not in use. YouTube

     
    Tools and Materials
    Materials

    Plywood or hardwood boards for the cabinet body
    Electric TV lift mechanism
    Screws, wood glue, and hardware
    Finish (stain, paint, or sealant)
    Tools

    Table saw or circular saw
    Drill/driver
    Router (optional for edge detail)
    Clamps
    Sander
    Before cutting, review the free cut list

    Posted on: January 21, 2026
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  8. Styling Your TV Lift Cabinet: Tips on Decorating Around Your Cabinet for a Cohesive Look

    A TV lift cabinet is not just a functional piece of furniture; it can also serve as a focal point in your living space. Styling your TV lift cabinet thoughtfully can enhance your home decor and create a cohesive look throughout the room. Here are some tips to help you decorate around your TV lift cabinet for maximum impact.

    1. Choose a Color Palette
    Establishing a color palette is crucial for creating a cohesive look. Select colors that complement the cabinet and your existing decor. If your cabinet is a bold statement piece, consider using neutral colors for surrounding decor to balance the visual weight. Alternatively, if the cabinet is neutral, add pops of color through decorative items.

    2. Incorporate Decorative Accessories
    Adding decorative accessories can enhance the style of your TV lift cabinet. Here are a few ideas:

    Artwork: Hang artwork or framed photos above the cabinet to create a gallery wall that draws the eye upward. Choose pieces that reflect your personality and complement

    Posted on: October 08, 2024
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  9. Why You Should Build Your Own Custom TV Lift Cabinet

    Creating your own custom TV lift cabinet offers a range of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics. Here’s why you should consider taking on this DIY project:

    1. Tailored to Your Space
    Building your own TV lift cabinet allows you to design it specifically for your room’s dimensions. You can maximize every inch of space, ensuring a perfect fit that complements your existing furniture and layout.

    2. Personal Style
    With a DIY project, you have complete control over the design, materials, and finishes. Whether you prefer a modern, rustic, or minimalist look, you can create a cabinet that reflects your personal style and enhances your home decor.

    3. Cost-Effective Solution
    Custom furniture can be expensive, but building your own TV lift cabinet can save you money. By sourcing your materials and constructing the cabinet yourself, you can achieve a high-quality piece without breaking the bank.

    4. Enhanced Functionality
    When you build your own cabinet, you can incorporate specific features that

    Posted on: September 26, 2024
    Posted by: Jenn Mann
  10. Build Your Own Cabinet Using our TV Lift Mechanism with 12-Volt Trigger

    Are you a “Do-it-Yourself” person?  Then perhaps building your own TV Lift Cabinet and installing our lift mechanism is the best solution for you.

    One of our customers, who purchased our Uplift 3700 Lift mechanism, recently shared his project results with us.   He was able to convert a birch dresser cabinet into his own TV Lift Cabinet.  He removed the dresser drawers and installed a center compartment for his speakers.  In the back of the cabinet he installed our Uplift lift Mechanism directly behind the speaker compartment.  The end result is one impressive home-made TV Lift Cabinet!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This customer did, however, have a question regarding our 12-Volt Trigger feature.

    Customer Question:

    How does one use the 12-volt power outlet located on the lift mechanism?  I am trying to devise a way to get IR commands into the cabinet to activate a receiver, the lift mechanism and a 42-inch plasma TV.

    Our Answer:

    To use the 12 volt trigger you will need a 1/8” stereo jack.

    Posted on: December 09, 2011
    Posted by: Kerry Mann