~/ram/notes/gaming-media-cabinet/README.md

The Gaming and Audio Cabinet

I built this cabinet to bring my consoles, books, and audio gear together in one place. A pair of tall compartments holds the Xbox and PlayStation, with open shelves above and below. The light finish and warm lighting give each shelf its own little stage.

The finished cabinet with illuminated shelves, consoles, books, headphones, and an AV receiver.
The finished cabinet with illuminated shelves, consoles, books, headphones, and an AV receiver.

From plywood to shelves

The build started with the plywood sides and shelves, assembled in the garage. These photos follow the cabinet as the open frame takes shape and the shelf layout comes together.

Fastening the first plywood panels together in the garage.
Fastening the first plywood panels together in the garage.
Fitting the shelves while the cabinet rests on its side.
Fitting the shelves while the cabinet rests on its side.
The outer frame and horizontal shelves assembled before standing the cabinet upright.
The outer frame and horizontal shelves assembled before standing the cabinet upright.
Checking the shelf alignment with the cabinet standing upright.
Checking the shelf alignment with the cabinet standing upright.

The finishing details

A central divider separates the two consoles, while pegboard forms the backing. Here is the cabinet before its final light-colored finish and shelf lighting, with the plywood grain still visible.

The unfinished cabinet with its central divider, pegboard backing, and prepared shelf edges.
The unfinished cabinet with its central divider, pegboard backing, and prepared shelf edges.