What can be made from an old Soviet TV with a kinescope

Most old Soviet TVs with kinescopes, which were once commonplace in homes, are now out of production. Nevertheless, there is still a use for these antiquated gadgets in the contemporary world. Some creativity and a spirit of do-it-yourself can turn these antiques into one-of-a-kind, useful pieces for your workshop or house.

Making a retro-style aquarium out of an old Soviet TV is a popular way to repurpose it. There is enough room inside the hefty, boxy design to accommodate a small aquatic habitat. You can make an eye-catching underwater display that infuses any space with personality and charm by carefully removing the electronic components and swapping out the screen for a clear, waterproof barrier.

Consider turning the TV into a chic speaker system if you’re more interested in audio projects. These TVs would be ideal places to house contemporary audio equipment because of their vintage appearance and wooden cabinets. If you’re handy with technology, you can put speakers and a Bluetooth receiver inside the enclosure to create a sound system that looks retro but works like it does today.

Old televisions can be converted into one-of-a-kind art installations or decorative pieces by individuals with an artistic flair. To create an eye-catching visual display, the kinescope, also known as the picture tube, can be taken out and replaced with a variety of materials. These TV frames can also be used as plant terrariums or to display dioramas or LED light displays. The only thing limiting the possibilities is your creativity.

Repurposing vintage Soviet TVs is more than just recycling; it’s also about rethinking and revitalizing items that would otherwise be thrown away. These retro gadgets let you express your creativity whether you’re an artist, music enthusiast, or aquarium enthusiast. You can transform a piece of history into something both elegant and practical with a little work.

Bar

Not everybody owns a bar. This issue is simple to resolve when an old TV is present. The steps that will be taken are as follows:

  • take a TV, get a kinescop from it and the entire “filling”;
  • Remove the back cover too, put a piece of plywood or fiberboard instead;
  • paste the inner walls with a self -adhesive film, wallpaper, mirror panels or any other suitable materials, or paint in a beautiful color;
  • if desired, glue the LED backlighting tapes working from batteries inside the bar;
  • screw the door or hinged cover, put the shelves to make the bar more “advanced”;
  • Fill the bar with alcohol, cups, cocktail tubes.

Bookshelf

If you don’t have enough space to dedicate a whole room for a library, you can arrange copies of your best books on a homemade shelf. Its creation is also suited for the outdated, unsuccessful TV. In order to create a designer shelf, you must remove the TV’s upper section and remove all of the equipment’s internal components. Mix every surface, roll, and apply paste or paint. Place a few chipboard shelves inside, then fasten hooks to the product’s back so it can be hung on the wall. The makeshift shelf will hold a good number of books, though how many will fit on it will depend on how big the TV is.

Table

From the old TV, a unique and very useful table is obtained. While taking a TV on legs is ideal, you can also attach the latter to the technique independently. The steps are as follows:

  • unscrew the kinescope, remove all metal parts;
  • instead of the resulting holes, install pieces of fiberboard;
  • make a decoration of all elements of the future table in any suitable way (paint, paste out with a film);
  • Attach the legs.

At the screen site, the countertop can also be created. In this instance, a piece of sturdy chipboard or sturdy plastic is screwed up, or flat glass is inserted, after the TV’s "filling" is removed. It will be enjoyable to drink tea at home or in the country with such a product.

Aquarium

It is suggested that lovers of fish and aquarium plants create something just as unique. One can obtain a true interior design subject from a TV of the TV. The least expensive glass aquarium will do the job; if you’d like, you can also glue it yourself.

For work, an old tube TV works best. It must have the back cover removed in order to fully release the interior space and disconnect all electrical parts and a radial tube. In the resulting "tank," insert a pre-made aquarium of a size that works well, then add the compressor and backlight. The product should have a suitable film with sea-themed patterns pasted over it from above. Making the TV’s top detachable would be the best solution, allowing for easy cleaning and washing of the aquarium without requiring removal from the inside. For aesthetic reasons, it is advised to place a lovely frame in front.

Flower bed

Arranging a flowerbed is an interesting way to use an old TV. It is sufficient to remove any internal filling from the item, add soil, and plant any necessary plants. Anywhere in the countryside or garden plot can be used for a new "flowerbed," but you must consider the needs of the plants you plan to use (shaded or exposed to sunlight). The TV can be mounted on the back surface or positioned in the standard manner on the lower portion. In the latter scenario, flowers will sprout right out of the kinescope hole.

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House for a cat

With an old TV, you can construct an excellent lynchist for your pets. You must take out the kinescope and gather everything from the TV in order to create a space for relaxation. Cover the interior with long-lasting fabric and synthetic winterizer. The lower area where the animal will sleep needs to be covered with a softer substrate, or a ready-made mattress should be purchased. You can lay it down, paint it, or finish it in another way on top of the old TV.

With a little creativity and some simple tools, an old Soviet TV with a kinescope can be converted into a variety of artistic and useful objects. You can repurpose the parts to make retro-style display cases, oddball lighting fixtures, or distinctive furniture pieces. By lowering waste, this not only revitalizes antiquated technology but also encourages sustainable practices. An outdated TV may be creatively repurposed to add charm and functionality to any interior design, bringing back fond memories of the past.

Bird feeders

It’s possible to turn a tiny country TV into a useful bird feeder. In this instance, it is required to take out the electronic components and other parts in addition to removing the kinescope. Place the product in a noticeable location after it has been sheathed from the inside using any panels. Any food can be placed inside. It is unlikely that birds would forgo such an easy-to-use feeding tool.

Dollhouse

If there is a girl in the family, she will probably find it appealing to put Barbie or other dolls in a brand-new, exquisite home. You don’t need to spend money on a ready-made store toy in order to accomplish this. You can take care of the house on your own if you don’t need a TV. Similar actions are required: empty the product of all contents, replace the back with a fiberboard piece, and finish the TV however you see fit.

You can use a piece of linoleum for the floor, fiber fabric pieces for carpets, and self-adhesive film or wallpaper for the walls. Matchboxes are used to make toy furniture by adhering colored paper to them. If you make the bathroom plumbing out of foam and the mirrors out of foil, it will look realistic. Tulle trims on wire cornices make excellent curtains. Children can draw pictures for the house themselves, with the cardboard strips glued together acting as a frame.

Item Description
Retro Aquarium Turn the old TV into a unique aquarium by removing the screen and kinescope, and replacing it with a fish tank.
Vintage Bar Create a mini bar by removing the internal components and adding shelves and lighting.
Storage Cabinet Convert the TV into a storage cabinet by installing shelves inside for books or decorative items.
Pet Bed Transform the TV into a cozy pet bed by adding a cushion inside.
Planter Use the TV as a decorative planter by placing pots with plants inside.

Using a kinescope to repurpose an outdated Soviet TV can be a fun and inventive project. These old gadgets, which were once commonplace in many homes, can be given new life as distinctive and useful objects. By changing them, you contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing electronic waste and preserving a piece of history.

Making the TV into a chic storage or decorative item is one well-liked concept. Any room can benefit from the nostalgic, charming touch that the old TV’s retro design brings to it. There are countless uses for it, like book storage, collecting display, or even a quirky bar cabinet.

Those with an aptitude for electronics can reuse the internal components for a variety of do-it-yourself tasks. For example, one can use the cathode-ray tube to create artistic displays or unique lighting effects. You can create something new and useful out of outdated technology if you have the necessary technical know-how and creativity.

All things considered, renovating an old Soviet TV involves more than just breathing new life into a vintage object—it also entails fusing sustainability, creativity, and functionality. It’s a beautiful way to pay tribute to the craftsmanship of the past while producing something special and meaningful.

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Daniel Sedov

Master finish with 20 years of experience. I know everything about painting walls, ceilings, facades. I will gladly help you make your home beautiful and cozy.

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