How to Choose a Stereo Cabinet For Small Spaces

Assess Your Available Space

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.

Take Inventory of Your Media Items

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.

Choose a Stereo Cabinet that Coordinates with Your Interior

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.

Select a Style that Reflects Your Aesthetic

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.

The Wrap Up

Stereo cabinets are versatile, retro pieces that function beyond housing digital media devices. This double-duty cabinet is ideal as a dramatic focal piece for your living area to display your TV, sound system, books, and DVD collection.

However, to make the most of the space you have, you need to carefully plan the room's layout and take accurate measurements to ensure your perfect stereo cabinet fits within the available floor space.

Explore Foter.com for stunning stereo cabinets that can transform your small living space into a stylish and functional place to relax.