Modular Entertainment Unit CLIF: Storage Configuration for Small Living Rooms

A modular entertainment unit is a multi-part furniture system made of independent carcase units, such as lowboards, wall-mounted cabinets, and display cases, that can be flexibly adapted to the room layout and individual storage requirements.

Furnishing small living rooms is often a genuine challenge. The space must not feel cluttered, yet room must be found for consumer electronics, books, tableware, and personal belongings. The modular construction of the CLIF series offers the required flexibility. Rather than placing a single massive block against the wall, individual elements are arranged deliberately throughout the space. This guide explains how to select, arrange, and professionally assemble these modules.

Types and Modules of the CLIF Entertainment Unit

An entertainment unit rarely consists of a single piece. It is composed of various functional building blocks combined to suit your needs. The CLIF series generally includes the following core modules:

The Lowboard

The lowboard forms the foundation of the multimedia wall. It is built low (typically between 30 cm and 50 cm in height) and offers a deep shelf surface (typically 40 cm to 50 cm deep). This is where the television sits, unless it is mounted on the wall. The interior conceals set-top boxes, games consoles, and cables. A lowboard for TV often features open compartments for devices requiring infrared signals, alongside closed flaps or drawers.

The Wall-Mounted Cabinet

Wall-mounted cabinets utilise vertical wall space. They are shallower than the lowboard (usually 30 cm to 35 cm) to maintain adequate headroom. They are suitable for light to medium-weight items such as glasses, paperbacks, or decorative pieces. The fronts are either solid or designed as display cabinets with glass inserts.

The Floor-Standing Display Cabinet / Tall Unit

For items meant to be displayed or objects requiring significant volume, taller units are used. In small rooms, narrow but tall designs are often chosen to minimise the footprint on the floor.

The Wall Shelf / Floating Shelf

A simple shelf board, usually attached invisibly to the wall using concealed shelf supports. It acts as a visual bridge between closed cabinets and breaks up the overall appearance.

Materials and Finishes

The modules of the CLIF series are generally constructed from chipboard or MDF (medium-density fibreboard). These engineered wood materials are dimensionally stable and do not warp. The surface is coated with melamine resin or foiled. This protects the material from scratches and moisture. Visually, options range from matt plain colours and concrete effects to authentic wood decors.

Configuration: How to Choose an Entertainment Unit for Small Rooms

Planning a modular wall unit in a small room is like a game of Tetris, where every cubic centimetre counts without obstructing walkways. Consider the following criteria when configuring your layout:

1. Visual Lightness Through Wall-Hung Elements

Floor-standing furniture looks substantial. When you wall-mount the lowboard and cabinets, the floor remains visible. The human eye perceives the room as larger as a result. Furthermore, the clearance beneath makes cleaning much easier. Always ensure your wall has the necessary load-bearing capacity.

2. Colour Scheme and Decor

Dark colours absorb light. In small rooms with limited natural light, pale fronts are advantageous. A high-gloss white entertainment unit reflects daylight and visually expands the space. Those who prefer a warmer look can choose a wooden entertainment unit with a pale grain, such as Sonoma oak or light ash. Anthracite or black should only be used as accent colours in compact rooms.

3. Asymmetrical Layout

A strictly symmetrical setup often feels rigid and overwhelming. Modular systems allow for an asymmetrical arrangement. Position the TV off-centre on the lowboard and mount the upper cabinets in an offset layout on the wall. This creates visual interest and softens the wall area.

4. Using Varied Depths

Combine modules of different depths. A deep TV sideboard in the lower section, paired with shallow wall cabinets (approx. 25 cm to 30 cm deep) at eye level, prevents the room from feeling confined.

Application Areas and Storage Optimisation

Every element of the unit serves a specific purpose. Correctly allocating items optimizes the use of a living room unit with plenty of storage.

• Multimedia and Technology: Belong in the lowboard. Ensure adequate ventilation for the equipment, as receivers and consoles generate heat.
• Cable Management: Use a cable grommet in the rear panel of the lowboard. Route cable bundles neatly behind the carcase.
• Everyday Items: Things needed on a daily basis should be stored at a height between 80 cm and 120 cm. A matching living room chest of drawers in the same decor can be useful here if wall space is insufficient.
• Heavy Tableware / Books: Belong in the bottom section of floor-standing units. This lowers the centre of gravity and relieves strain on wall fixings.

Assembly and Engineering: Building the Unit Professionally

Self-assembly of a modular entertainment unit requires precision. The fittings and connecting hardware are critical to the stability and performance of the furniture.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver with bits (PZ, TX, PH)
• Cross-head screwdriver (for fine adjustment of hinges)
• Percussion drill or rotary hammer (for wall mounting)
• Spirit level (at least 60 cm long)
• Folding rule and pencil
• Rubber mallet

Carcase Assembly

The carcases are typically assembled using cam lock connectors (also known as Minifix) and wooden dowels. The dowel ensures exact positioning, while the cam pulls the components together securely.

1. Screw the connecting bolts into the pre-drilled holes (usually 5 mm diameter).
2. Insert the wooden dowels (often 8 mm diameter).
3. Bring the panels together.
4. Insert the cam housing into the large drilled hole (usually 15 mm) and rotate it approximately 180° clockwise with a screwdriver until the joint pulls tight.

Adjusting Doors and Hinges

Cabinet doors are attached to the carcase with a concealed cup hinge. The standard drilling diameter for the hinge cup in the door is 35 mm. The hinge is clipped or screwed onto a cruciform mounting plate, which is secured to the carcase interior following the System 32 standard (32 mm hole spacing).

For wall units, a full overlay is generally used, where the door covers the carcase side panel when closed. Modern concealed hinges feature integrated damping (soft-close), guaranteeing silent closing.

After installation, the doors must be adjusted. A concealed hinge can be adjusted in three dimensions:

• Depth adjustment: Loosening the rear screw on the hinge arm allows you to increase or decrease the gap between door and carcase.
• Side adjustment: The front screw on the hinge arm regulates lateral tilt. This aligns the gap reveals between two doors parallel to one another.
• Height adjustment: Loosening the screws slightly on the mounting plate allows the door to slide up or down by approx. 2 mm.

Drawers and Runners

If the lowboard features drawers, they usually run on ball-bearing runners or concealed undermount slides. A full-extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled out 100% from the carcase, making access to the rear area straightforward. When mounting runner tracks on the carcase sides, ensure you use the pre-drilled holes precisely so the drawer does not bind or rub later on.

Wall Mounting (Wall-Hung Cabinets)

This is the most critical step. A fully loaded wall-mounted cabinet can easily weigh 30 kg to 50 kg.

1. Check wall structure: Is the wall made of concrete, solid brick, aerated concrete, or plasterboard?
2. Choose the correct wall plugs: Standard supplied wall plugs are typically suitable only for concrete or solid masonry. For plasterboard walls, dedicated hollow-wall metal anchors must be used. For aerated concrete, specialised aerated concrete fixings are recommended.
3. Suspension: Cabinets are either hung via adjustable cabinet suspension brackets onto a metal wall rail screwed to the structure, or secured directly via hook plates. The rail method is preferred, as it allows subsequent horizontal and vertical adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the CLIF Entertainment Unit

How much space should be left between the lowboard and the TV?

When the television is mounted on the wall above the lowboard, a gap of 10 cm to 20 cm between the top edge of the furniture and the bottom edge of the screen is recommended. This leaves space for soundbars or decoration and ensures an ergonomic viewing height (centre of the screen at eye level from the sofa).

Can I mount CLIF wall cabinets on a stud wall?

Yes, but not with standard fixing materials. You will need specialised metal hollow-wall anchors that expand behind the plasterboard. Additionally, the load capacity of the wall must be considered. For very heavy modules (such as large display units with glass shelves), fixings should ideally be anchored directly into the wall studs.

How do I conceal cables between the TV and lowboard?

The neatest solution is an in-wall cable conduit. If that is not possible, use a slim surface-mounted cable trunking painted in the wall colour. The lowboard itself should feature a cable grommet in the back panel or top board to route cables invisibly to sockets and media devices.

What is the difference between push-to-open and soft-close?

These are two distinct mechanisms. Soft-close is a damping system that gently and silently pulls the door or drawer shut over the final few centimetres. Push-to-open (or tip-on) is a mechanical release system for handleless fronts: pressing against the door triggers a spring mechanism that pushes it open.

How do I clean the surfaces of the unit properly?

Melamine-faced boards and wood decors are best cleaned with a slightly damp cotton cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid microfibre cloths on high-gloss finishes, as they can cause fine micro-scratches on the surface. Soft chamois leathers or dedicated cotton cloths are ideal instead.

Can I expand or rearrange the modules at a later date?

This is the primary benefit of a modular system. Because the carcases are built independently of one another, you can change the layout at any time, lower wall cabinets, or add extra shelves, provided the manufacturer still offers the range.

What is the load rating of a floating lowboard?

The load capacity depends fundamentally on the wall structure and the quality of the wall fixings. A lowboard correctly mounted to a concrete wall generally supports 40 kg to 50 kg without issue. Always consult the specific manufacturer instructions in the assembly manual.

Related Guides and Hardware Categories

If you are planning your living room configuration, you will find the right fittings and hardware in our shop to complete your project. Explore our wide range of components, from modern cabinet hinges and drawer slides to sturdy wall brackets and cable management solutions, perfect for customising your home storage systems.