Once upon a time, a 27 inch TV was considered large, and most built in entertainment
centers are sized appropriately. However, as time goes on, TV sizes keep growing
larger, so that 50 inches, 60 inches, and even larger TVs are finding their places
in homes. Entertainment centers have had to keep up with this trend, and buyers
today would do well to consider what size entertainment center they will need for
future TV upgrades.
Entertainment centers are popular for a number of reasons. They provide a stylish
frame for a TV, and help it to fit in with the general decor of the room. TV stands
raise the TV to a comfortable viewing level, above the interference of pets and
small children who may be playing on the floor. Assorted shelving and cabinets provide
a convenient place to keep additional entertainment components such as the VCR,
DVD player, game systems, and stero system. They also provide storage space right
by the TV for videos, DVDs, CDs and games, as well as pictures, lights, and decorative
curios.
Entertainment centers are available to suit almost any decorating style, from antique
wood finishes to modern glass and steel construction and everything in between.
Many entertainment centers are now being sold as sets, which may include a TV stand,
two side units, and an upper shelf. This provides an extra degree of flexibility
for owners who may upgrade to a larger TV later, or who need the ability to change
around the configuration of the entertainment center to fit their living space.
For those with space or decor concerns, there are also corner entertainment centers
which are designed to fit neatly in any 90 degree corner, and armoire entertainment
centers with doors that can be closed over the TV and other components when not
in use.
A lot of people are turning to a cut down version of the entertainment center that
consists only of the TV stand with storage space beneath the TV shelf. This is especially
true for the larger plasma and LCD TVs, and many TV stands are marketed specifically
for use with plasma TVs.
Factors to Consider
When buying an entertainment center, there are several factors to take into consideration.
First on the list is the question of how large and how heavy your current TV is.
Don’t just look at the size of the opening for the TV in the entertainment center,
check what the manufacturer recommendations are for the maximum size and weight.
Otherwise, there is the chance that the TV shelf or the whole entertainment center
will buckle and warp over time or even break.
Secondly, consider how likely it is that you will be buying a new, larger TV within
the lifespan of the entertainment center. TV technology advances quickly and many
people buy the newest model every few years, or upgrade whenever the prices on recent
technology start coming down from their introductory peaks. A good entertainment
center, on the other hand, can last through several TV upgrades as long as it is
still sufficient to support the size and weight of the new model.
The third factor to consider is also very important, and that is to look at how
the entertainment center will suit the room it is intended for. While style and
decor are not prime concerns for everyone, it is important that the entertainment
center can physically fit into the space it is intended for without blocking doorways
or taking up all of the space in the room. If space is a big concern, it may be
useful to look at a simple TV stand or corner unit, or an entertainment center set
that can be configured to fit effectively.
Style and decor are also important to consider when purchasing furniture such as
an entertainment center. Most people will do this automatically, through their natural
preference for styles that they find attractive. Those who are concerned with having
an integrated decor will want to give special thought to the color scheme and styles
of the other furniture and decorations in the room where the entertainment center
will be placed, so that they can choose a matching or at least complimentary unit.
Types of Entertainment Center
Traditional Entertainment Centers
The traditional entertainment center integrates storage for media such as videos
and DVDs and shelves for entertainment components such as game systems, VCRs, stero
systems and DVD players with a raised stand for the TV to be placed at a comfortable
viewing level. Stand alone entertainment centers are still very popular because
of the huge convenience of storing all of your entertainment media and equipment
in one integrated piece of furniture. In most cases, single entertainment center
units are most appropriate for TVs that are 36 inches or smaller, although measurements
will vary from unit to unit. Be sure to check the size and weight ratings before
purchase to make sure the entertainment center will fit your TV!
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Entertainment Center Sets
For larger TVs, or homes that need a flexible entertainment center configuration,
an entertainment center set can be a great option. Entertainment center sets combine
the best of both entertainment centers and seperate pieces of furniture. With a
full set in place around an appropriately sized TV, an entertainment center set
will look just like a traditional single-unit entertainment center. Since one of
the attractions of the entertainment center is the way that it attractively frames
the TV, it is nice to be able to retain this effect while gaining greater flexibility
in how it is configured.
Most entertainment center sets include at least three or four components, depending
on whether the TV rests on a TV stand or on the floor.
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Some extra large TVs work very well placed on the floor,
and entertainment center sets designed for these sizes provide a visual frame for
the TV to integrate it into the decor of the room. This gives a much more finished
feel to the look of the TV than if it was simply placed on the floor without accompaniment.
These sets generally include left and right side shelving units as well as an upper
bridge shelf that connects the two side units and provides additional shelf space
for lamps, pictures, or more videos and DVDs. Many units will include additional
side units to extend the size and storage capacity of the entertainment center.
Some can also be purchased with matching coffee tables or other furniture pieces.
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Smaller TVs, on the other hand, benefit from the increased
visibility of being raised above the floor level. For this purpose, many entertainment
center sets include a TV stand in addition to the side units and top shelf. The
top shelf component is often referred to as a bridge shelf, since it bridges the
two side units. It is generally adjustable to suit a range of TV sizes, so that
the entertainment center can fit a variety of TV models and be useful for years
to come. As with any entertainment center, make sure that the stand is rated for
the size and weight you are likely to choose in a TV.
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While entertainment sets that mimic the visual effect of
a single unit entertainment center are popular, they are not the only set option
available. Many buyers opt for a TV stand with one matching side unit, which takes
up less space while still providing coordinated storage space. Another option is
to use the TV stand with both right and left side units but forgo the upper shelf
unit, either for style or space reasons.
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Corner Entertainment Centers and TV Stands
In homes where space is a big consideration, a corner entertainment center or TV
stand can be the perfect solution. Corner entertainment centers and TV stands are
made with the back edges beveled to fit neatly into any 90 degree corner. They may
still provide storage below and above the TV, but will have limited or no shelving
space to the sides. As with all entertainment centers, check the manufacturer's
ratings for size and weight to make sure the entertainment center or stand will
suit both your current TV and any TV you intend to purchase in the near future.
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Armoire Entertainment Centers
In households where it is important to keep the TV from being a central focus of
the room, an armoire entertainment center is an ideal option. Hiding away the TV
when it is not in use can be very useful in homes with young children who are always
clamoring for more. It can also be beneficial to professionals who work from home
and need strategies to keep themselves from distractions during working hours. An
armoire entertainment center may also be suitable for anyone who prefers the look
of wood paneling to the visual impression of the TV when it is not in use. Armoire
entertainment centers are much like other single unit entertainment centers, but
provide doors that conceal the TV and other contents of the entertainment center.
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TV Stands
TV stands are a scaled down version of the entertainment center that can be perfect
for areas where space or portability are a big concern. The TV stand raises the
TV to a comfortable viewing height and also incorporates shelves or cabinets below
for media storage. Stands may be large enough to provide shelf space next to the
TV, or small enough that they take up no more floor space than the TV itself would.
Many models are set on casters or a pivot for easy adjustability, which is useful
if the TV is viewed from different angles depending on the time or occasion.
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Plasma TV Stands
With the increasing popularity of plasma TVs and large high definition TVs, many
TV stands are being manufactured and marketed specifically for use with these modern
TVs types. These stands can still be used with conventional TVs. The main difference
is that the manufacturer will include size and weight limits for Plasma TVs and
for conventional TVs seperately. In most cases, the ratings for Plasma TVs allow
a larger size but lower weight than the ratings for conventional TVs. This is because
the risk of tipping is much higher with the flatter profile modern TVs, and the
guidelines take that into account when determining the size and weight limits.
Features to Look For
After deciding which type of entertainment center is best suited to your TV, home
and personal taste, the buyer will need to choose between comparable models. Some
features to look for include easy access for wiring, ventilation for heat dissipation,
and adjustability. Many entertainment centers will have cut outs in the back panel
to make it easy to connect entertainment system components and plug them in to the
power source and external connections such as cable. Some units even include built-in
power strips and electrical switches for even easier operation, although such features
are most common in the highest end entertainment center sets.
Also compare storage space between units, considering both the amount of storage
space and the configuration of the space. If some units have specialized storage
units like CD racks, think about whether you will actually use those units, or if
they will wind up being unused space.
Pricing
As with most product types, smaller and more basic entertainment centers will cost
less in general than larger more elaborate units and sets. Because of this, prices
can vary greatly even within a particular type.
Traditional Entertainment Centers
Traditional one piece entertainment centers are still popular for smaller TVs, but
are starting to give way to other options such as sets and stands. Prices range
widely, from around $80 to over $2000.
Entertainment Center Sets
Entertainment center sets are extremely popular options, especially for larger TVs.
Prices range widely, depending on materials, styles, and number of pieces. Most
prices fall between around $300 and $6000.
Corner Entertainment Centers and TV
Stands
Corner entertainment centers and TV stands are great for rooms with limited space.
Like other entertainment centers, they vary widely in price, running from around
$70 to close to $2000.
Armoire Entertainment Centers
Because of the doors that form an essential part of the unit, armoire entertainment
centers start at a slightly higher price point. In general, prices range from around
$300 to around $4000.
TV Stands
TV stands are great for rooms where there is limited space, and tend to be more
affordable than a full entertainment center or set. Prices range from $60 to around
$600.
Plasma TV Stands
Plasma TV stands are much like regular TV stands, although some options are more
expensive. Prices generally range between $60 and around $800.
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