HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT HOME THEATER MEDIA FURNITURE
December 2, 2014
Use Home Theater Furniture to Create a Living Space You Love
A home theater is more than a collection of electronic components; it’s the entertainment hub of your home. So how do you choose home theater furniture that is best for both your style and your electronics?
Whether you are looking for a solution for a small TV or a complete home theater system, the basic considerations are the same.
The Corridor media console combines beautiful styling with terrific function.
EQUIPMENT
The size of your TV and the number of components will play a large part in your decision when considering your needs. While there are exceptions, TVs generally look best when sitting on furniture that is at least as wide as the TV – and generally wider. This protects the sides of the TV from being accidentally struck when extending beyond the width of the stand. If you pick a stand that is too wide for your TV, your screen may appear smaller in comparison.
As for your electronics, take an inventory of everything you are looking to house (i.e. DVD, Blu-Ray and CD player, cable box, DVR, gaming console, etc.) including a surround sound receiver, center-channel speaker, soundbar, subwoofer or media storage.
Allow for a couple open spots as well, providing space for your system to grow.
BDI’s Avion collection features ample storage and adjustable shelves, allowing your console to grow with your needs.
DESIGN
Home theater furniture typically sets the tone for the living space. Steel, glass and gloss finishes provide a contemporary look, great for coordinating with modern interiors. Natural wood finishes are available in a variety of styles, ideal for settings from traditional to contemporary. Choose a finish that complements your existing furniture or start out with a fresh new look.
Open TV stands, usually constructed of some combination of glass, steel and wood, put your home theater system on display, giving a contemporary appearance and providing easy access to the front of components.
If you prefer your TV to be the star of your home theater set-up, then an enclosed cabinet may be the way to go. You can conceal components, speakers and even media behind closed doors, keeping them out of sight but still within easy reach.
The beautifully designed Sweep media console helps keep cables and components neatly organized, and perfectly accommodates a soundbar.
PLACEMENT
Will you put your home theater furniture against a large wall or nestled in a corner? Corner TV cabinets or models that swivel make smart use of a small space.
Position a television at or just above eye level to minimize neck strain. Most sofas sit people approximately 18 to 22 inches off the floor, putting eye level around 40 to 48 inches. In an office or the bedroom the TV is usually higher so that it can be viewed from a seated position or above the foot of the bed.
BDI’s Corridor 8175 brings a compact media console design to any space, even corners.
FEATURES
Over time, your home theater will change and grow, and you’ll need furniture that can change with it.
Features such as adjustable shelves are a must so that you can reconfigure your system as your needs change. You should always have easy access to the rear of your components and connections. The best home theater furniture has an integrated wire management system that allows you to easily interconnect and keep cables organized. Look for furniture that includes wheels for easy movement and/or has removable back panels to make set up and maintenance a breeze.
Keep in mind, while many components are lightweight, receivers and multi-disc changers can weigh in excess of 40 pounds. Add a 75-150 pound TV to that and you need sturdy support. Furniture should include structural supports and all glass should be tempered.
Most BDI cabinets feature easy to remove back panels for simple access to the rear of components, making wiring and maintenance a breeze.
Additionally, home theater furniture shouldn’t only look cool, it needs to be cool. Electronic components put off a lot of heat and that heat has to go somewhere. Your furniture should include built in ventilation to promote airflow, allowing this heat to escape and to protect your home theater investment.
The perfect media furniture can enhance your living space as well as your entertainment experience. Shown here is the Vertica 8559.
The old adage is as true with furniture as it is with anything else: you get what you pay for.
Entry-level TV stands have their place, but may lack the features, premium materials and design elements of higher quality furniture. Make sure that you choose a stand that is sturdy, full of user-friendly features and engineered to last. Quality home theater furniture can offer you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Have any questions that we can help to answer about selecting the perfect media furniture for your home? Feel free to let us know in the comment section!