
Hidden TV Lift Cabinet — Build Guide
A TV sitting on a dresser is the one thing standing between you and the bedroom you actually want. I built a motorized hidden TV lift inside a dresser — for $650. Custom cabinets cost $3,000+. Here's exactly how I did it.
Instant digital download · 21-page step-by-step guide

VIEWS ON THIS BUILD
LIKES
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TOTAL BUILD COST
DESIGN EXPERIENCE BEHIND THIS
When the TV disappears, everything changes. The room feels calm. Intentional. Like a designer touched it. That's what this build does: Full storage. Zero compromise.




WHY THIS GUIDE EXTISTS
I'm Rhonda. Professional interior designer for over 20 years. I've walked hundreds of clients through custom home builds. I knew exactly what every room should look like. I just didn't know how to build any of it myself.
Then I downsized. I had a vision for my bedroom. I refused to wait for someone else — or spend $3,000 on a TV cabinet. So I picked up a drill and figured it out.
That dresser you're seeing? I built it. I documented every step. And I turned it into this guide so you can build yours, without the guesswork, the wasted trips to the hardware store, or the contractor bill.
"I didn't want to see a TV in my bedroom. I needed more storage... So I added a dresser and hid the TV inside it."
23 million people watched this build. This guide is how you replicate it.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Step-by-step from dresser prep to final paint. Exactly what I did, in the order I did it — with photos from my actual build at every stage.
Every dimension I used. The 3-piece countertop system, wall strap heights, side panels, toe kick, trim. No math required on your end.
How to mount it, the one height measurement that makes or breaks this build, and how to test everything before you permanently commit.
The shaker trim, the toe kick, the hardware placement, the paint sequence. This is what separates "DIY project" from "custom furniture."
Every piece of lumber, hardware, and supply with exact specs and direct links to my Lowe's storefront. No guessing in the store aisle.
Using a different dresser size? The bonus section walks you through adjusting the key measurements so the build still works perfectly.
THE REAL NUMBERS
Custom TV cabinets
cost $1500 - $3000.
This build cost $650.
That's before the guide. The guide is $27. One trip to a furniture store costs more, and you leave with nothing you can actually build.
The lift is $179. The dresser is around $300. Everything else is lumber, trim, paint, and hardware. I've linked every single item.
THE REAL NUMBERS
Dresser
VIVO Motorized TV Lift
Lumber, trim & hardware
Paint & supplies
~$300
~$179
~$150- $200
~$50- $75
Total Build Cost
vs. custom TV cabinet: $1,500–$3,000+
~$650
Yes, this is you
✓ You're done looking at a TV on a dresser and want it gone when it's off
✓ You're comfortable with basic DIY tools — drill, circular saw, brad nailer
✓ You want a designer result without spending designer money
✓ You'd rather modify an existing dresser, not build furniture from scratch
✓ You're done waiting — you want to actually build this, this weekend
SKIP THIS IF
X You're not comfortable anchoring into wall studs — the lift requires stud mounting, not drywall anchors
X You want a fully prebuilt piece with zero measuring or adjustments
X You've never picked up a power tool and aren't open to learning
BEFORE YOU BUY
This guide is built around a specific dresser. If you're using a different one, check these four things first.
Answer yes to all four, and you're ready to build.
◆ Internal width of at least 44" behind the dresser
The TV lift needs clearance. 2" on each side of your TV minimum for smooth, safe travel.
◆ Wall studs accessible behind the dresser location
The lift mounts to studs — not drywall anchors. Use a stud finder before you order anything.
◆ Dresser depth of approximately 28–30"
The countertop system is designed for this depth. Shallower dressers won't accommodate the lift travel.
◆ TV no larger than 46" diagonal
The guide covers adjustments for different TV sizes, but this is the tested maximum for this cabinet width.
The bonus section inside walks you through adapting measurements for a different dresser size.
Same process — only the cut dimensions change.
Get Instant Access
Stop looking at a TV on your dresser. Stop saying you'll do it
later. The guide is ready. The weekend is coming. The bedroom
you want is one build away.
One-time · Instant digital download · Yours forever
Secure checkout · Instant access after purchase · 21-page PDF · Full shopping list included

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