We’ve come a long way since the old stereo consoles, the media tv stands of the 1960s. Considered the first modern-day entertainment furniture, most stereo consoles were hardwood cabinets that stored components such as stereos, record players, and speakers. In the 1970s, these consoles were gradually replaced by component stereos that offered the flexibility of independent units that could be mixed and matched without being mounted inside a piece of furniture. (Learn more about these original methods of electronic component storage at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereo_console).
In the 1980s, media tv stands and home entertainment furniture became prevalent. These self-contained units were used to house all electronic components, including televisions, VCRs, stereos, and other accessories. Entertainment armoires gained in popularity in the 1990s, as did state-of-the-art home theater systems, which combined improved acoustics with cutting-edge designs.
What to Consider When Shopping for Media TV Stands
Today, the prevalence of flat screen televisions has resulted in a new wave of sleeker, wider entertainment centers that are specially designed to accommodate flat-panel screens. When shopping for a media furniture solution for your home, there are several important factors to consider:
- Television Size: Be sure to have all of your television’s specifications on hand when shopping for a media console, including width, height, weight, and—perhaps most importantly—depth. Keep in mind that today’s popular plasma televisions are wider than standard rear projection televisions, while LCD TVs are shorter and wider. Consult the manufacturer’s weight capacity limits before purchasing a TV stand.
- Room Configuration: Before purchasing a media furniture suite, you’ll need to plan the layout of the room where it will be installed. Measure carefully to make sure the furniture will fit in the designated area. If you’re tight on space or facing a limitation of electrical outlets, you might want to consider a corner entertainment center. For larger rooms with spacious seating, larger media stands allows you to customize the viewing angle.
- Storage Space: Many consumers prefer to incorporate their computers with their audio and video equipment to allow for more convenient downloading of songs, videos, and other digital assets. Many entertainment centers are equipped with adjustable shelving, open or closed cabinets and/or drawers. Remember to measure all components to make sure your media console can accommodate them.
- Décor Styles: For a cohesive look, you’ll want to select an entertainment unit that blends well with your home’s design. Today’s media stands are available in a wide variety of styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary to modern. These aesthetic considerations can also be extended to the material used to craft your television stand. Modern stands are often made from combinations of glass, metal, and chrome, while more traditional media furnishings are built from various types of hardwood.
Why Buy Your Media Furnishings Online?
In a word, selection. Online furniture dealers offer a much more extensive assortment of
entertainment furniture than your local store. Rather than driving all around town and evaluating only a few select brands and styles, you can browse hundreds of manufacturers’ styles from the comfort of your own home.
Shopping online can also translate into substantial savings off suggested retail prices, as well as discounts off shipping and even taxes.
