Stereo Storage Cabinets

Most stereo system cabinets are knockdown versions as they are cheaper and readily available. There are also options that come pre-assembled to offer convenience and instant use. So, what’s the difference between the two?

• The RTA or ready-to-assemble cabinets, as you already know, are cheaper upfront as the manufacturers didn’t pay for assembly manpower. The problem with this type of cabinet is the quality. RTA cabinet quality can vary greatly from one unit to another. Most of them are made of cheap particle board that breaks down after a few years. If you want the most durable RTA cabinets, we suggest you purchase ones that are made of heavy-duty metal.
• As for pre-assembled stereo storage cabinets, they are the ones that are of the best quality. They're shipped assembled, and they’re mostly in the style that’s incredible in well-decorated living spaces. They can be used as a room’s focal point alongside your expensive AV equipment. Most of these cabinets are made using genuine wood veneers, but they are more expensive upfront.

If you ask us what we prefer, we always choose assembled furniture over RTAs as they’re made of higher quality materials. Not just that as they also don’t require us to hire professionals for cabinet assembly and installation.

Consider where you’ll be placing your stereo system cabinet, so you know the cabinet size the available space in your home can accommodate.

If you’ll be hiding your stereo cabinet when it’s not in use to save space in your home, we suggest you opt for one that comes with casters to make the unit more portable. Casters also ensure your precious home stereo system doesn’t get damaged while it is being transported around your home.

The construction of stereo cabinets can vary. If you want the sturdiest construction, opt for wood or metal.

When it comes to wood, your durable choices are oak, teak, and cherry. If you want your cabinet to look stylish, pick one with a walnut or maple finish.

A metal cabinet has a more contemporary look, and it’s usually paired with glass as doors to offer easy access to your stereo system. To make your cabinet extremely strong, opt for tempered glass.

Some amps weight over 100 lbs., so they should be placed on the lower shelving of a durable cabinet. For the top shelves, they can handle weight up to 250 lbs., so they can be used in mounting flat screen TVs or other types of heavier equipment.

Your home stereo system may weigh less. If so, then you can get a more affordable cabinet with a lesser weight capacity.

Home stereo systems are expensive audio equipment, so they must be given the best protection possible. Fortunately, you have myriads of stereo storage cabinet options!

When considering a stereo cabinet for a compact area, one of the best options to save space is a tall stereo cabinet. 

Slimline tall stereo cabinets have a small footprint and generally feature 6-8 shelves for media players, including stereos, DVD players, and VHS players. They aren't only used for electronics; the shelves can also hold books, DVDs, memorabilia, and keepsakes. 

Although it may sound counterintuitive, wide or horizontalstereo cabinets can be just as space-saving as their taller counterparts. While wide cabinets can take up more room along the wall, they do free up space by offering more storage. Most contain larger storage compartments and drawers, and a few even have built-in media players. There is generally more space on top of a wide cabinet to set a television or other electronic devices.

The cabinet finish and materials significantly impact how well the unit blends with your interior style. They can also affect your perception of your space. Darker finishes can make a compact living area feel cramped, while styles with reflective, high-gloss paint or varnish can create the illusion of a larger space.

If your living space features heavy, solid wood furniture in dark tones, consider a natural wooden stereo cabinet with metallic accents or glass-paneled doors to reflect the light. If your home is light and bright, furnished in neutral tones, a bold, colorful cabinet finished in lacquer or high-gloss paint can make a bold style statement.

When considering the stereo cabinet's size, make a list of the items you want to store insideor on top of it. This can give you an idea of the amount of space you have to fit the cabinet.

The number of electronic devices that need to fit inside the stereo cabinet and their dimensions are essential factors to determine the size of the furniture you can purchase. Stereo cabinets come in a wide range of sizes, but cramped and stacked electronics can quickly become a fire hazard due to overheating. So, you need to get a cabinet that will not only fit comfortably in your room but will also properly fit the belongings you plan to store in it.

The size of the items you plan on storing will directly impact the size of the cabinet you need to purchase. Check the specs of your favorite stereo cabinets to find out the size of the shelves, drawers, and cubbies. Make sure you can reasonably accommodate your digital devices and multimedia items.

Whether you're living in a studio apartment or working in a cramped office with limited room, there are several things you need to take into consideration before purchasing a stereo cabinet.

• Plan the Layout

It's best to plan by finding or making a space for your cabinet to go along with all your other furniture in the room. Once you determine where you want the item to go, you will need to make enough space for it.

You have plenty of flexibility when positioning your stereo cabinet, as most modern speaker systems operate wirelessly. However, if you have a wired stereo system, you'll need to consider the cabinet's proximity to the speaker placement when planning your layout.

Consider placing a compact stereo cabinet behind the sofa or beside your armchair as a unique end table. A corner stereo cabinet can be an excellent way to save space in a small apartment as it has a compact footprint. If you have no available floor space in your current layout, consider a wall-mounted cabinet to make the most of the vertical space in your home.

• Measure the Space

For small entertaining areas, measuring your space is the most crucial step to choosing the rightstereo cabinet, as this will give you the best idea of what size cabinet you need to buy. 

Measure the height and width of the space you have selected to put your cabinet. Remember to subtract 2"-3" to the measurements on either side of the cabinet to ensure there is room for foot traffic around the unit. These measurements will give you the maximum size of your potential stereo cabinet.

You will also need to think of the height of the space you will be putting the furniture in. If you live or work somewhere with low ceilings and are thinking of putting a television or any other large items on top of the cabinet, you need to consider the cabinet's maximum height.