A valley with two building eras
Carlton sits in a valley about two miles east-south-east of our base in Mapperley, and its two sides were built at different times. The northern side went up mainly during the Industrial Revolution and the early 1900s, while the southern side was largely developed in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. In neighbouring Netherfield, rows of terraced Victorian houses are a big part of the character. A media wall has to suit whichever of these you live in, and the right design for a narrow terraced front room is quite different from one for a wider inter-war or post-war lounge.
Keeping it slim in a terraced front room
In an older terrace the living room is often modest, and the chimney breast takes up part of one wall. Rather than building out across the whole wall, which eats into the floor, it usually works better to build the frame around the existing breast and keep its depth to what the TV recess and fire really need. The alcoves can then take shallow, lit niches instead of deep shelves. An inset electric fire still needs the clearances its installation instructions set out, so the depth of the frame is worked out from the fire you pick. Measure from the face of the chimney breast to the front of your sofa before deciding, so you know exactly what you can spare.
On the southern side, homes from the 1930s to the 1950s often give a little more space to play with, which suits a full-width design with a soundbar shelf and LED channels running around the screen.
Planning the cables
Hidden cables are much of the appeal, and they take thought before a single board goes on. We plan routes inside the timber or metal frame for the TV's power and HDMI, the aerial or broadband feed, the fire and the lighting, with space for boxes or a console if you need it. Tell us where your router lives, too, as a wired connection to the TV is far easier to plan now than to add later. A qualified electrician installs the sockets and makes every connection. The frame is then boarded, the edges get corner beads for sharp lines, and the wall is skimmed so it is ready for paint.
Book a look at your room
Whether you are off Carlton Hill, near Standhill Road or in Netherfield, call 07877 353120 or use the enquiry form with a few photos of the room. We are available every day of the week from 7am to 5pm.
