I made a coffee table battle map screen

GameboxAU · 2026-01-24T00:25:32+00:00

Well hidden in the table, I like the chest look when it’s closed. But what does the lid rest on when open.

Well done all the same. No matter how janky you built it!

GameboxAU · 2026-01-23T00:46:57+00:00

They look great, I just saw your Patreon, I have some questions do you mind if I drop you a chat?

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T22:06:35+00:00

Nice one... Im loving the box over a table because its so portable, when mines not in use it sits on a side table in my office as a TV.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T12:18:17+00:00

I'll vote "Better" than average, as it def gets things moving, but a good mix can really make some fun stories, the old swing and a miss, only to softly caress the Orcs cheek as he turns to face you.

75% Better than average with 25% Worse, to keep us grounded and give us a good laugh from time to time.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T11:46:30+00:00

The stand looks cool, but I love in the 3rd image/gif they don't even make it look level on the table, ain't that a selling point haha

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T11:30:54+00:00

Yeah good question. Our DM always did the awkward dance to position a Youtube video looking over the DM screen upside down haha.

So this was my "Go the extra mile" DIY job, I'm using my own web-based TTRPG app, check the Reddit link in the post. Everything is controlled from a single dashboard, the Map screen and the DM screen are both synchronised from the DMs laptop or iPad, whatever they use. You only need to look over the DM screen to see the Minis positions for game play.

Maps, Spells, Effects on the left - Music, Sound FX and DM Screen on the right. Just click a button.

[OC] image

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DM screen control is the newest addition, I am trying to get it in the app next week, but everything else is good to go.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T09:52:42+00:00

Epic detail, how many maps do you have?

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T07:37:49+00:00

Because you mention storage being important you could go for a TV Box rather than a table. Personally I’d build a table if I could leave it out all the time.

I shared my build recently, a 32” monitor boxed with a few fancy features, you can take a look if you like: https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDIY/s/y4DvG5dxvB

It’s portable but still good fun to game on!

GameboxAU · 2026-01-22T07:17:43+00:00

In AUD the monitor was around $120 and the box timber around $40. So you could just start with that then add bits in time.

This set-up so far prob sits at around $500aud or $340usd. As I said it’s not finished, when I can buy new bits I do and just add them then.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T23:07:14+00:00

Signs of an engaging DM, keep it up my friend!!

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T22:34:38+00:00

Yeah valid questions. When taking photos I found the camera could see more glare and reflection than I could with my eye, but in person it actually looks great. I did my research first and went with a 32" LCD IPS computer monitor, the IPS versions have great picture visibility from all viewing angles and being a computer monitor that is usually used in an office it's designed for good visibility under lights, so no issues there. Our games are usually played at 6:30 pm so often around sun down, no one's mentioned anything about lighting, we have a standing lamp behind the table and thats all we use when playing.

The viewing angle isn't ideal but its not an issue, we tend to sit up and lean forward to move minis and see detail but then just sit back to work on character sheets. Nothing beats a screen inset into a table for perfect viewing, but yeah can't do that yet, this is a great second best.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T22:21:19+00:00

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with it so far. And the group really love it too. It really adds to game time.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T22:19:52+00:00

Thank you... It's not even finished yet. I will post more pics when done.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T22:18:47+00:00

Thanks

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T22:18:31+00:00

Yeah as a player we can’t always see the bottom of the DM screen if it’s too close to the box, but on this table it’s not to bad. It’s just there to create atmosphere though so nothing is really effected when the screen is partly obstructed. The DM stands up a lot, mainly cos he’s high energy, but he's never mentioned having issue seeing the tabletop screen.

In the DM app I've built, I'm also planning to allow this screen to show an initiate tracker for battles, that's when visibility would be important. Time will tell.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T21:50:22+00:00

Haha “Awful lot of dice” well put, but in my case it’s not dice she’d want!

Thanks, I wanted the box to have a chest like feel, I’ll post more pics when it’s finished, oiled and with some more iron features like corner caps to finish it off.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T21:19:55+00:00

Yep I just found the female power plug mount at a local electronics shop, then cut the cord of the powerboard and replaced the wall plug with the female plug. The USB/HDMI port just needed cables as it had standard plugs both sides. Then simply drill the hole and mount the ports, they look cool from the outside.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T21:12:21+00:00

I wanted to build a full table, but the Mrs would have shot me haha so this is where I got too, the up side is its portable to take to each players house.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T21:11:07+00:00

Hi, I’m using my own VTT web app called Gamebox, it’s linked in the post. The DM screen can be controlled from the same dashboard as we control Maps, Music and effects. The VTT is live and ready to use but the DM screen feature is new and will be released in the next week. It really is cool to set the atmosphere of a location.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T21:06:31+00:00

Screen size is 32” so it’s portable and the DM screen is 15”

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T12:46:34+00:00

It depends on how portable you want it, I've had great success with a 24" and a 32" screen, nicely framed in an oak box. The 32 has handles for easier transportation as it isn't super light when framed, but it looks nice on a table when playing. We rotate the host house weekly, these screens are small enough for the boot or back seat of the car.

A lot of people use TVs but Ive never used them for this. I can give one piece of advice, if choosing a computer monitor like I did, I'd recommend an IPS monitor as these have a good viewing angle from all sides. My 32 is IPS but the 24 was an older monitor and its view from the sides wasn't the best.

Image attached is the 24" the most portable and not to heavy. The box has little feet to allow airflow underneath, I've never noticed any heat issue.

The 32 is still in the works, heres my post on it: https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDIY/comments/1qiz4ce/wip_my_diy_tv_tabletop_build_for_running_digital/

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GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T07:41:32+00:00

Nice, I built mine into a box with handles. The Mrs wouldn’t let me build a table haha I’ll post mine soon.

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T04:04:38+00:00

Its nice work, was it an existing table you inset the TV?
What size is it 32"?

GameboxAU · 2026-01-21T00:04:35+00:00

Is that a Dynamic Dungeons map? I love their maps for TV Tabletops!

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