Tv Top Shelf Does Not Work On All Monitors By Joan Young on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
The plastic shelf which can create storage space on top of your computer monitor is a great idea, but it doesn't work well with monitors which have a steeply sloping back.
My office space is at a premium, so I knew I wanted to be able to use the empty space above my computer monitor. I ordered the shelf, and when it came it looked good. There is a basic instruction sheet.
There are two leg brackets which you screw to the bottom of the shelf in any of several positions which will make it rest on the back of your monitor. You need a phillips screwdriver for this. The legs also adjust by screwing them in or out for height. The foot of each leg pivots so it can sit at an angle, and also has a sticky pad.
The front of the shelf has a velcro fastener with sticky back tape. This is to hold the shelf securely to the top of your monitor.
However, the back of my monitor “swoops” downward rapidly. This means that there isn't really anywhere for those back legs of the shelf to sit securely. What this has meant in practice that about once a month the entire shelf and its contents have taken a flying dive off the back of my monitor and computer table. This is a really inaccessible spot for me, and it's a royal pain when it happens. And I don't think it's too good for my speakers either. I used double sided sticky tape and a flat piece of metal to make a “stop” that helps keep the shelf from wanting to slide back, and I try to keep a heavier object toward the front of the shelf to balance it. Thought I had the problem solved, but last week... WHAM... down off the back went the whole thing again.
If I would get some dowel, and make a pair of back legs for the shelf that extended to my computer table top, this would solve the problem. But if your monitor or TV has a steeply slanted back, you should think twice about this product. Otherwise, I think the concept is great.
I have managed to make this stable by adding legs made of dowel to the back edge of the shelf. I really need this space on top of the monitor for my speakers and some other things, but it's too bad that I had to toggle it up to make it work.
About The Author:
none given TV Top Shelf Purchased at: Miles Kimball Price: 15.98
Thanks for all the info, it looks really nice, wish it was stronger I could use something like this
Great information on a problem you might not think about when buying this.
This really is a great concept if it were a bit sturdier anyway. It could be very useful especially for me. Although i may try it out anyway just to see what I can do with it. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new product.
It's a great idea, but no, it probably isn't too good for your speakers!
I really need something like this. Talk about space being at a premium, I have an unbeatable lack of space. Alas, my computer slops too. Thanks for that information. If I were to get this, I'd never, ever be able to retrieve what ever fell.
hmm, my tv has the step back, this might not work for me
You are too funny! I love this line - "And I don’t think it’s too good for my speakers either." In theory this monitor top table sounds fantabulous. I do hope that you find something to go under it (a couple of paper towel rolls maybe?) that will give it the extra oomph that it needs to stay upright.
This is pretty neat! If they just tweak it a little bit, this would truly be fantastic for all monitors!
This is pretty neat. Who would have thought to use space above your monitor. Very innovative.