Living in a smaller space, I often found myself staring at tangled wires and bulky furniture that ate up precious floor real estate. The clutter around my TV setup wasn’t just an eyesore; it made cleaning a chore and navigating the room feel cramped. Finding an elegant solution to organize electronics and free up floor space was a constant struggle, and without one, the mess would only grow, making my living area feel less like a relaxing sanctuary and more like a chaotic storage unit. A sleek, wall-mounted floating TV stand like this one would have been a game-changer back then.
Before diving into the world of wall-mounted electronics storage, it’s crucial to consider why you need one in the first place and if this type of furniture truly suits your situation. A floating media console primarily solves the problem of clutter, particularly around your television setup. It lifts components off the floor, instantly creating a sense of spaciousness and making cleaning easier. The ideal candidate for a floating shelf is someone looking to maximize floor space, achieve a minimalist aesthetic, and neatly organize streaming devices, game consoles, soundbars, and other media accessories.
However, this solution isn’t for everyone. If you have extremely heavy equipment that exceeds the weight capacity of wall mounts (check the product specs!), or if you prefer the flexibility of rearranging furniture frequently, a traditional floor stand might be a better fit. Also, those living in rentals with strict rules against drilling into walls, or who are uncomfortable with the installation process required for secure mounting, might find a floating unit impractical. Before buying, think about the weight of your equipment, the type of wall you have (drywall, plaster, solid wood), your comfort level with DIY installation, and the number of components you need to store and plug in.
Introducing the FABATO 71″ Floating TV Stand with Power Outlet
The FABATO 71″ Floating TV Stand with Power Outlet Wall Mounted Media Console Cabinet Shelf Under TV for Cable Box Audio Video Black is presented as a modern, space-saving solution for organizing your entertainment area. Its core promise is to lift your media components off the floor, reduce clutter, and offer convenient power access and wire management, all while adding a stylish touch to your room. When you purchase this floating shelf, you receive the necessary pieces to assemble the shelf itself, along with the mounting hardware and instructions. While direct comparisons to a single “market leader” are difficult without a specific benchmark, this FABATO model distinguishes itself with the integrated power outlet feature, which isn’t universally standard on all floating shelves of this type. This specific 71″ size is designed for larger TV setups, offering ample width beneath big screens.
This media console is well-suited for individuals or families with multiple gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and other electronics that need to be stored neatly and powered conveniently. It’s particularly good for those who value a clean, minimalist look in their living room or media room. It’s less ideal for someone who needs storage for heavy, bulky items, as it has a stated weight limit, or for those who are completely new to wall-mounting projects and are uncomfortable with the possibility of needing to adjust mounting methods.
Here are some pros and cons based on my long-term perspective and user feedback:
Pros:
* Significantly frees up floor space
* Integrated power outlet is incredibly convenient
* Offers substantial storage compartments
* Modern, clean aesthetic
* Wire management holes help hide cables
Cons:
* Mounting process can be challenging due to hardware and pre-drilled hole alignment
* Included mounting hardware may not be sufficient for all wall types or ideal for stud mounting
* Material, while sturdy enough for its purpose, is particleboard
* Plugs visible in the power outlet can detract from the clean look
* Wire exposure is still possible depending on how cables are routed
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Let’s delve deeper into what makes the FABATO floating TV stand a compelling option for organizing your home entertainment setup. After living with it for some time, certain features truly stand out for their practicality and impact on daily life.
Maximizing Space with a Floating Design
One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of this TV console is how it transforms your room by getting things off the floor. Unlike traditional television stands or entertainment centers that occupy a significant footprint, this wall-mounted design creates a sense of openness and spaciousness. My living room immediately felt larger and less cluttered the moment it was installed. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it makes vacuuming and cleaning around the TV area infinitely easier. There are no legs or bulky bases to maneuver around, allowing for a clean sweep or mop underneath. The 2-story design, combined with its generous 71″ width, means you’re gaining significant storage capacity without sacrificing any floor space where you walk or place other furniture. It’s a simple concept, but the execution here delivers a tangible benefit in terms of room utility and ease of maintenance.
Ample and Accessible Storage
The FABATO 71″ floating shelf boasts three spacious storage compartments. These aren’t just narrow slots; they are deep enough to comfortably house various media components. I’ve easily fit my PlayStation, Xbox, a streaming device, and even a smaller soundbar across the compartments. There’s still room for remote controls, extra controllers, and even a few DVDs or Blu-rays if you still use physical media. The open design means everything is easily accessible – no fumbling with doors or drawers when you want to switch consoles or grab a remote. The two-tiered structure provides a visual separation, allowing you to arrange items neatly on different levels. This practical storage solution keeps everything centralized and organized, preventing that common scatter of electronics and accessories that can quickly make an area look messy.
Integrated Power Outlet: A Game Changer
The built-in power outlet is arguably the standout feature of this floating TV stand. Having four standard plug sockets discreetly tucked inside the unit is incredibly convenient. It means you don’t need a separate surge protector or power strip trailing wires down the wall or across the floor. Your TV, game consoles, router, and any other devices placed on the shelf can be plugged in directly to the console itself. This simplifies your power setup significantly. No more reaching behind furniture or dealing with visible power bricks. It creates a cleaner look from the get-go. While the user reviews mention that the appearance of the plugs in the outlet might be a minor aesthetic drawback for some, the functional benefit of having integrated power right where you need it far outweighs this for me. It’s a smart inclusion that directly addresses a common problem with modern entertainment setups.
Effective Wire Management
Complementing the power outlet are the thoughtful wire management features. The media console includes wire holes designed to route cables neatly out of sight. These strategically placed openings allow you to pass power cords and HDMI cables from your devices, through the shelf, and towards the wall where they connect to the TV or main power source. The aim is to hide messy wires, keeping the overall look clean and streamlined. There’s even a dedicated router antenna slot, a small but helpful detail for anyone using their shelf to house networking equipment. While perfect wire concealment requires some effort on your part (using cable ties, clips, etc.), the provided holes give you a clear path to minimize visible cables and maintain that sleek, floating aesthetic. It’s a crucial feature for anyone who dislikes the look of tangled cords hanging behind their TV.
Robust Construction for Reliability
The FABATO media shelf is constructed from EPA standard particleboard with a melamine coating. While particleboard might not have the solid feel of hardwood, the EPA standard ensures it meets certain environmental benchmarks, and the melamine coating provides a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean surface. This coating protects the particleboard from spills and makes dusting a breeze. Crucially, the unit is rated to bear up to 70 pounds. This weight capacity is sufficient for most modern TVs (if mounted above it), multiple game consoles, a soundbar, and various accessories. Knowing it can safely hold my relatively heavy components gives me peace of mind. While some user reviews mention concerns about the included mounting hardware or the material compared to solid wood, the shelf itself, once properly secured to a suitable wall, feels sturdy and capable of holding the promised weight. The challenge isn’t necessarily the shelf’s integrity but ensuring it’s anchored correctly.
Modern Design and Versatility
Beyond its functional features, the FABATO floating TV stand boasts a simple, modern design that effortlessly blends with various interior styles. The clean lines and black finish give it a contemporary look that doesn’t overpower the room’s decor. Whether your style is minimalist, modern, or even transitional, this shelf can add a touch of elegance without clashing. Its versatile appearance makes it suitable not just for living rooms or media rooms, but potentially for offices or bedrooms where you might have a secondary TV or need organized storage for electronics. It’s designed to be both practical and decorative, serving as a functional storage unit while enhancing the visual appeal of your wall space. The 71-inch width makes it a significant piece designed to sit prominently beneath a large television, providing balance and a focal point for your entertainment area.
Navigating the Installation Process
The product description mentions “Easy Installation,” and tools and instructions are provided. However, based on my experience and common feedback, while the assembly of the shelf itself is straightforward (it’s essentially putting together a box), the *mounting* to the wall can present challenges. The instructions are clear for the assembly part. The difficulty arises with the wall mounting system, particularly concerning stud alignment. Standard wall studs are typically 16 inches apart on center. The pre-drilled mounting holes on the shelf and the included mounting brackets may not align perfectly with standard stud spacing in all homes. This often necessitates drilling your own holes in the shelf to hit studs securely, or relying on potentially less secure drywall anchors (the included plastic anchors are apparently not ideal for drywall according to some users, better suited for concrete). Achieving a secure installation that can hold the advertised weight requires careful planning, potentially purchasing better quality mounting hardware, and perhaps a bit more DIY skill than initially anticipated. While not impossible, it’s the primary hurdle and reason for frustration noted by users. If you’re not comfortable finding studs, using a level, and potentially modifying the mounting points on the shelf, you might need assistance. However, once mounted correctly, the shelf feels solid and stable.
What Others Are Saying (Social Proof)
After scanning various online reviews, the general sentiment surrounding the FABATO floating media console appears largely positive, though with some recurring themes. Many users love the aesthetic and how much floor space it saves, achieving a sleek, uncluttered look in their homes. The integrated power outlet is frequently highlighted as a major convenience, simplifying their setup. However, a consistent point of frustration mentioned across multiple reviews is the difficulty encountered during the mounting process, often citing issues with the alignment of pre-drilled holes for wall studs and the quality or suitability of the included hardware for standard drywall installation. Despite the installation hurdles, most reviewers express satisfaction with the final result, stating the shelf looks great and functions well once securely installed, often deeming it worth the effort for the price and the space-saving benefits.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with cluttered entertainment areas and finding ways to free up floor space can be a persistent challenge in many homes. The complications of tangled wires and bulky furniture often detract from the comfort and aesthetics of your living environment. The FABATO 71″ Floating TV Stand with Power Outlet offers a compelling solution to this problem. Its key strengths lie in its ability to lift your components off the floor, providing valuable storage space, and featuring an incredibly practical integrated power outlet that simplifies your wiring. Despite potential challenges with the mounting process, which may require careful planning and possibly supplementary hardware, the resulting clean look and functional benefits make this floating console a worthwhile investment for achieving a modern, organized media setup. If you’re ready to tackle the mounting and reap the rewards of a clutter-free space with built-in power, click here to check the product out and see if it’s the right fit for your home.