Case Study
Bespoke MDF Alcove Media Wall with Electric Log Burner in Leatherhead, Surrey
This bespoke MDF alcove media wall in Leatherhead, Surrey, transforms a living room with built-in TV and display shelving either side of a central fireplace. Featuring a Dimplex Fortrose Optimyst electric log burner, shaker-style cabinetry, integrated LED strip lighting, and a slate-effect tiled hearth, the design maximises space, creates a dedicated TV area, and combines style with functionality.
Location
Leatherhead, Surrey
Room Type
Living Room with chimney breast
Fire
Dimplex Fortrose Optimyst electric stove
Key Features
Bespoke alcove units with shaker style dors, display shelving with LED strip lighting, Dimplex Fortrose Optimyst electric stove with decorative flume, slate-effect tiled hearth, LG US70T soundbar integration, cornicing and skirting board installation.
What our client wanted
Our client in Leatherhead wanted to modernise their living room and create a dedicated space on the wall for their TV and entertainment setup. The aim was to introduce a built-in solution that combined practical storage, stylish display shelving and a cosy fireplace feature.
Previously the TV sat on a freestanding unit which took up valuable floor space and made the room feel more cluttered than it needed to be (as shown in the before photos). By designing bespoke alcove units, we were able to move the TV onto the wall and create a cleaner, more intentional focal point.
The original fireplace and surround were removed and replaced with a Dimplex Fortrose Optimyst electric stove, bringing the warm ambience of a traditional log burner into the room while complementing the new cabinetry.
The design process
The client’s initial enquiry included an AI-generated inspiration image showing a media wall with alcove units and display shelving either side of a central chimney breast. While this provided a clear vision, our role was to translate the concept into a practical, bespoke design tailored to their living room.
We started by assessing the proportions of the space and the existing fireplace to ensure the layout would feel balanced and functional. The key goals of the design were to:
Create a dedicated wall space for the TV and entertainment equipment
Introduce built-in alcove units for display and storage on either side of the fireplace
Integrate a new electric log burner in place of the existing chimney breast fireplace
Include shaker-style cabinetry and cupboards for a clean, timeless look
Add LED strip lighting to highlight shelving and enhance ambience
Ensure hidden cable management for a clutter-free finish
We produced detailed design mock-ups and visualisations for the client, showing how the TV, shelving, cupboards, and fireplace would work together. This allowed the client to understand the final layout, make adjustments, and approve the design before manufacturing and installation began.
By refining the proportions, shelf spacing, and unit depth during this stage, we ensured that the final installation would be both visually striking and highly functional, seamlessly integrating into the room while improving overall space efficiency.
Building the media wall
All cabinetry for this project was built using high-quality moisture-resistant MDF, a premium furniture-grade material chosen for its strength, stability and exceptional painted finish.
Unlike standard boards, this higher specification material helps ensure the cabinetry remains durable and stable over time, maintaining the crisp lines and smooth finish expected from bespoke furniture.
Our carpentry team manufactured the shaker-style cabinet doors in our workshop, ensuring they were perfectly sized and aligned with the cabinetry. You can see several photos from the build process, including the joinery work taking place in our workshop before installation on site.
The installation included:
A TV cabinet and wall-mounted TV area in the left alcove
LED-lit display shelving in the opposite alcove
Matching shaker-style cupboards below for hidden storage
Decorative cornicing and skirting boards to blend the units seamlessly into the room
To complete the fireplace area, we installed a slate-effect tiled hearth using Everscape Black Slate tiles, providing a striking and durable base beneath the electric stove.
The Finished Media Wall
The finished result is a beautifully balanced alcove media wall that feels purpose-built for the room. The electric log burner creates a cosy focal point, while the bespoke cabinetry provides practical storage and elegant display space.
With integrated LED lighting, handcrafted shaker doors and high-quality materials throughout, this Leatherhead project demonstrates how a carefully designed built-in alcove media wall can modernise and declutter a living space while adding timeless style.
