A home theater is the entertainment hub of your home. It's where you gather to watch the big game or latest movie releases, binge the newest series that everyone is talking about, or unwind with a video game.
But a stellar home entertainment set-up is more than just a television and audio system. Also, where you place, store, organize, protect, and access your home entertainment components, electronics, and media is also more than just "a box to put your TV on top of."
Whether you are looking for a simple solution or a complete home theater experience, we're here to help you find the best home theater TV stand and entertainment center for your needs!
BDI Blog
How To Select The Perfect Home Theater TV Cabinet
EQUIPMENT
To start, the size of your TV and the number of components and electronics your new media console will need to house will play an important part in your decision.
While it can be a matter of personal preference, TVs generally look best when sitting on furniture at least as wide as the screen—usually wider. This helps protect the sides of the TV from being accidentally struck and the TV stand appearing too small. On the other hand, if you pick a TV stand that is too wide for your television, your screen will appear smaller in comparison.
Next, take an inventory of all electronics you plan to store inside the TV cabinet—i.e., 4K player, DVR, gaming consoles, AV receiver, soundbar, center-channel speaker, movies, and games. You'll need to consider a larger cabinet with adjustable shelves if you have a lot. A smaller cabinet will suffice if your set-up is simple (unless you have a huge TV!).
Also, make sure to allow some space for your system to grow.
Home theater furniture typically sets the tone for the living space.
DESIGN
Choose a finish that complements your existing furniture or start with a fresh new look. Natural wood finishes are generally ideal for settings from traditional to contemporary, transitional to midcentury modern. Steel, glass, and gloss finishes provide a more contemporary look, great for coordinating with modern interiors.
Open TV stands, usually constructed of some combination of glass, steel, and wood, put your home theater system on display, giving a contemporary appearance and providing easy access to your components.
However, if you prefer that your TV be the star of your home theater set-up, then an enclosed cabinet may be the way to go. You can conceal components, speakers, and media storage behind closed doors, keeping them out of sight—for a more streamlined look—but still within easy reach.
Created with a unique laser-cutting process, the Elements door panels feature intricate and eye-catching patterns, which provide an open appearance while keeping contents concealed.
PLACEMENT
Next, you'll want to think about where you will place your TV cabinet.
On average, most people have space along a large wall that can accommodate most TV cabinet sizes, but maybe you live in an apartment where a corner unit will make better use of a small footprint.
Try to position your television at or just above eye level to minimize neck strain. Most sofas sit people approximately 18 to 22 inches off the floor, putting eye level around 40 to 48 inches.
You can also try mounting the television to the wall or using safety straps to reduce the risk of your television being tipped over by young ones.
Against a wall or nestled into a corner, the Corridor 8175 corner TV stand makes full-featured use of limited space.
FEATURES
Over time, your home theater will change and grow, and you’ll want to invest in media furniture that can change with it.
Innovative features to look for include:
- Adjustable shelves so that you can reconfigure your system as your needs change
- Rear access panels for easy access to the rear of your components and connections
- Built-in wire management to keep all those cables under control
- Flow-through ventilation to prevent heat build-up that can damage your cabinet and electronics
- Hidden wheels for ease of movement
- Remote and sound-friendly doors that allow remote signals in and crisp clear audio out
Check out the video below to learn more about the user-friendly features available on most BDI TV stands and entertainment cabinet designs.
The adage is as true with furniture as it is with anything else: you get what you pay for.
Entry-level TV stands undoubtedly have their place but will usually lack the features, premium materials, and timeless design elements of higher quality furniture. So, it all depends on your needs, budget, and the kind of home theater setup you want.
If able, consider investing in a sturdy and durable TV stand full of user-friendly features that makes setup and maintenance a breeze and that is engineered to last. Quality home theater furniture can offer you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Do you have any questions that we can help answer about selecting the perfect media furniture for your home? Feel free to let us know in the comment section!