Entertainment centers are "lifelines" of our leisure time. As the choice of entertainment media has evolved and grown, so has the types of entertainment centers facilitating their display and storage.
Entertainment centers are "lifelines" of our leisure time. As the choice of entertainment media has evolved and grown, so has the types of entertainment centers facilitating their display and storage.
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Apart from being functional, they have now "diversified" to become composite furniture units meant for exhibiting art and décor items, showcasing books and music collections, and displaying a variety of indoor flora. As such, entertainment centers have become the center of attraction in discerning homes.
Are you out shopping for an entertainment center? Read this guide to acquaint yourself with useful pre-purchase information that will help you choose the right piece.
You can consider these currently popular trends.
Full Length and Height
These are the full-fledged entertainment centers that often cover entire wall surfaces. They are elaborate, composite multipurpose entertainment hubs that do much more than their stated purpose. Full length and height entertainment centers are usually not standardized products.
Meant for the affluent and elite, they are designed to cater to individual tastes. They are designer furniture, involving the teamwork of an interior designer, architect, and craftsmen. If you want a full-fledged unit, it is better to take ideas from catalogs and then consult experts on how to create a bespoke entertainment center for you.
Low-rise
These are the cabinet-type entertainment centers that sit on the floor or are slightly raised on legs. The body is divided into neat symmetrical or asymmetrical drawers, shelves, and open decks. The TV, home theater assembly, and other entertainment gadgets sit on the top surface, accompanied by appropriate showpieces and art décor.
The TV could also be wall-mounted separately, above the entertainment center. This design has covered drawers and cabinets, hence it is maintenance-friendly. Being a conventional "closed-box" concept, it will be your type if you prefer established conventions with proven effectiveness.
High-low Combination
This is a mainstream entertainment center that you are sure to encounter in your design explorations. Among the many variations, the most standard configuration is a low-rise central piece with two towers on its sides. The TV could be placed on the top of the central piece or mounted on the recessed wall. The asymmetrical appeal of the design makes entertainment centers universally popular. You can consider it if you have other furniture of varying heights with which this new addition will blend.
Combination of Movable and Fixed Parts
These entertainment centers combine multiple units out of which some are movable or detachable. This feature offers great functional flexibility since you can move out or move in some units as and when needed. For example, the book cabinet fitted with castors can well be part of the entertainment center, but if you are in the mood to check out several books on a Sunday, you can move it to your study and swap books at will.
Illuminated
These are the self-lighted entertainment centers. The lighting could be fluorescent or incandescent, concealed or external, adding interest and a decorative feature to your living space. Some designs also incorporate opulent lampshades, mini chandeliers, or wall lights. If you want to choose this type, please see that the lighting does not distract or disturb your TV viewing experience.
Throughout time and across visual cultures, wood has been the universal choice of material to make entertainment centers and other furniture. This is because of its timeless beauty, elegance, and durability. It is important to understand the benefits of having a wooden entertainment center.
You can go ahead and indulge in the guilt-free purchase of a wooden entertainment center.
There are three types.
Apart from the above, you can, of course, choose to have your entertainment center oil-painted.
Gaming becoming a mainstream entertainment activity. In order to make your entertainment center gaming-compatible, your TV needs these features:
Input lag - This is the time-lapse between any action button pressed on the gaming console and its result on the media screen. A time lag of 25 to 50 microseconds is good to excellent, respectively.
Screen resolution - This should not be a concern, since most TVs today offer 1080p or 4K ultra HD quality, the optimal requirements for enjoyable gaming.
Display technology. High Dynamic Range or HDR is the ultimate in visual quality technology today. If your gaming hardware is HDR, your TV needs to possess compatible HDR display capability. If not, well, upgrading your television is the best option.
Gaming-TV interface - High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI is the prevailing standard, to which most TVs adhere. However, be certain about this important compatibility, and the HDMI cable sockets in your TV.
Game mode - Lastly, your TV should offer this viewing mode. It makes a significant difference; it reduces the input lag by as much as 80%!
For virtual reality (VR) gaming, entertainment centers provide a separate shelf or open space for a compatible screen, since most TVs don't yet support VR headsets.
Here are some tips:
The above are just a few kick-starter ideas. You could apply your creative genius to personalize your entertainment center or make it outstanding. Here's to more entertainment the classy way!
Entertainment Center Bookshelves
White Wall Units And Entertainment Centers
Traditional Entertainment Wall Units
Corner Entertainment Center With Hutch
Country Style Entertainment Centers
Corner Entertainment Centers For Flat Screen Tvs
Cottage Style Entertainment Center
Tall Entertainment Centers For Flat Screen Tvs
Maple Entertainment Center
Stereo Racks And Stands
Solid Wood Tv Cabinet
Audio Furniture Audio Racks And Cabinets
Floating Shelf For Tv Components
Audio Racks And Stands
Hardwood Speaker Stands
Tall Corner Tv Cabinets For Flat Screens
Flat Screen Tv Stands With Mounts That Swivel
Corner Tv Units
Unique Tv Stands
Solid Wood Tv Stands
Floor Speaker Stands
Stereo Cabinet Furniture
Bookshelf Speaker Stands
Tall Tv Stands For Flat Screens
Modern Tv Stands For Flat Screens
Metal And Wood Tv Stand
Tv Armoire With Doors And Drawers
Wooden Stereo Cabinet
Cd Storage Cabinets With Drawers
Blu-ray Media Storage
Tv Stand With Mount 65 Inch
Modern Audio Rack
Low Tv Cabinet
Low Profile Tv Console
Modern Speaker Stands
Tv Stand With Back Panel
Modern Dvd Storage
Panel Tv Stand
Wooden Corner Tv Stand
Cd Wall Shelves
Flat Screen Tv Shelf
Glass Metal Tv Stand
Stereo Storage Cabinet
Furniture Speaker Stands
Floor Stand For Flat Screen Tv
White Tv Unit
Contemporary White Tv Stand
Cd Storage Cabinet With Doors