I recently had a friend ask me what the latest trends are for entertainment center furniture. She is moving into a new apartment and is looking for an updated way to display her flat screen television. Whether you like it or not TV’s drive some interior design decisions. For instance you may arrange your furniture for optimal viewing of the boob tube. On the other hand, you may choose to decrease the presence of the TV by arranging your furniture another way. It comes down to your needs and priorities.
My TV Confession
I am very embarrassed to admit this, but it is time to open up about my home. The family room entertainment center is sitting in front of our fireplace. I have now lost all credibility as an interior designer. To me this is a big no-no. Covering up a nice looking fireplace with a TV. What was I thinking? Unfortunately, due to the dimensions of my family room and the size of my furniture this is my best option.
Any suggestions? This room is a work in progress.
Entertainment Center Solutions to Meet Your Function
I came up with six entertainment center trends for my friend. Depending on your style preference, budget and needs you may choose one of these options over the others. I believe each of these furniture trends are stylish and would use myself. However, as I tell my clients at the end of the day whatever you choose it needs to work for your needs. Before you buy a new entertainment center consider your needs first (i.e. TV size, room to store AV equipment, etc.) and then style.
Low is In
Low media centers are in. These entertainment centers are no more than 18 inches tall. Some float off the wall and others have legs. The one thing in common is the low height. This trend is probably not for home with children. However this trend is perfect for modern homes.
Reusing an Old Dresser
This TV stand trend is very popular among people with a DIY spirit and a vision to see past ugly furniture. There are big payoffs if put some sweat equity into an old piece of furniture. The results leave you with a one-of-a-kind entertainment center. Also you can customize an old dresser to meet the modern needs of media equipment by popping some drawers for storage.
Source: bellaandbrinkleysmomma.blogspot.com via HLM Interior Design on Pinterest
Hiding the TV
Hiding that big black box is always a good idea in my opinion. For one you may spend less time watching TV because you forget it is in the room. For two you may want to draw focus to something else in the room, such as a fireplace (instead of covering it up). There are many creative ways to hide a TV in a room. The images below illustrate a few ideas.
Bookshelves + TV = Fun Focal Point
Another trend for an entertainment center
Going Up
You will also notice entertainment centers going vertical. This trend you see all the media equipment (TV, Blu-Ray Player, Cable Box, etc) being stacked with a vertical wall unit. This trend does use the least amount of space in a room. However, I am not a big fan of this trend. What do you think?
Source: soulstyle.ca via HLM Interior Design on Pinterest
Gallery Wall Entertainment Center
This one is my favorite of the six. Mounting the TV on the wall with artwork surrounding it is unique, interesting and reduces the visual present of a TV, which I still believe is the best. This trend is most successful when the TV is not centered on the gallery wall.
I believe these entertainment center ideas will help my friend. If you are thinking about remodeling your family room think the TV as you plan out your design. Considering the TV in your design early in the planning helps you decide what entertainment center makes the most sense for your situation. If you need help with this decision, please ask me a question at Ask HLM. I will do my best to figure out solution that meets your needs and style.
Which entertainment option most excited you?
Related articles
- Before & After: Entertainment Center Turned Play Kitchen (apartmenttherapy.com)
- Redecorating? When to Skimp and When to Splurge (hlminteriordesign.com)
Avoid common mistakes
