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 Entertainment centers have been found in homes since the early 1900s but their use really started to soar in the 1980s with the growing popularity of larger televisions and home theater systems. Initially the main function of an entertainment center was to house the family television in the homes living room. However, with the rise of electronic technology over the years, entertainment centers have become much more than just a place to store your television. Entertainment centers can now be found not only in the living room but also in the family room, den, and bedroom. They are used not only as a place to organize your growing collection of electronic devices but also as a stylish design statement in the home. Entertainment centers have adapted over the years to accommodate modern technology, and can now be found in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and design styles sure to fit any home.
 Cable boxes, VCRs, DVD players, audio systems, game consoles, movies, and CDs are just some of the many electronic devices or products found in the everyday home. The modern American will spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year just to keep up with growing technology. It only makes sense to have a safe place to store and organize all of those pricey investments. This is where the importance of having an entertainment center comes in to play.
Most entertainment centers offer plenty of storage from adjustable shelving to DVD storage and drawers, easily customizing the organization of any electronic or accessory collection. Jumbled wires and cords can cause stumbling and fire hazards. Along with custom organization, entertainment centers also offer a safe way to keep all of the wires that come along with a home theater system neatly tucked away behind the fashionable exterior of your entertainment center.
There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” entertainment center. Although many entertainment centers are adjustable and can be customized to fit the needs of each customer, an ample amount of thought should go into each entertainment center purchase. There are a few important questions that you should ask yourself before shopping for a new entertainment center:
- How much space do I have to work with?
Make sure that you take an accurate measurement of the wall that the entertainment center is going to be placed on.
- What size television am I working with?
Even if you have a 42 inch television it is still important that you measure the width of the TV since this measurement is not always the same as the TV screen.
- How much storage space do I need?
If you own an assortment of electronics devices and have managed to compile a large collection of DVDs or CDs it is important to look for an entertainment center that will accommodate all of these items. On the flip side, if you only have one or two electronic components it may not be necessary for you to purchase a huge entertainment wall.
Most entertainment centers will be wood or a fusion of glass and metal. Once you have started your entertainment center shopping you will find that there are several styles to choose from. The most popular styles are:
Entertainment Walls
The entertainment wall is usually made up of multiple pieces that join together to create one large piece of furniture that surrounds the centerpiece, which is the television. Entertainment walls offer the most storage space with the flexibility of adjustable shelving, DVD/CD storage, and closed-off storage such as drawers or cabinets with wood or glass doors. |
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TV Stands
TV stands come in a wide array of sizes and styles. With a TV stand, the television sits right on top and usually has some kind of shelving underneath for your components to be stored. TV stands are perfect for a home with limited space or for a person who does not require much storage. |
TV Armoires
TV armoires usually offers just as much storage space as a TV stand. A nice thing about TV armoires is that you can hide your television when it’s not in use, giving you the control to rid your living space of clutter and the distraction of a TV. Not only are TV armoires great for living rooms and dens but they also offer astonishing solutions that can transform the look of any bedroom. |
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Whether you want to make a bold and daring statement with a modern entertainment wall, warm things up with a traditional wood grain armoire, or simplify your living area with an understated TV cart, the right entertainment solution is out there for you. A few things to consider before and during the shopping process:
- Take into consideration the style of your existing furniture before shopping for a new entertainment center. If you already have an outstanding theme in your room, try to look for something in the same style family to maintain a cohesive flow through the room.
- The size of entertainment center you choose can either make or break your room. If your new entertainment center will be in a large room with vaulted ceilings you want to make sure to purchase a unit substantial enough to fill that area. On the other hand, if the entertainment center will be going in a small apartment living room or even a bedroom, be careful not to overpower your limited space.
- In most cases your entertainment center will be the focal point of your room. Try grouping your major pieces of furniture such as sofas, loveseats, and chairs around the entertainment unit. By doing this you’ll give your room a unified direction.
- Be creative - If you can’t find an entertainment center that meets your needs try using other pieces of furniture that will. Dining room buffets and servers, accent chests, bars, sofa tables, and book shelves can all be fantastic entertainment solutions.
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