On the hunt for modern entertainment centers, but don’t know where to begin? Follow our simple shopping guide and you’re sure to find the piece that best suits your needs.
Measure Your space
First and foremost, always measure the space in which you plan to put your entertainment center. This will give you an idea as to how much room you have to work with. Keep in mind that your entertainment center should be proportional to the space it will occupy. So, if your room is on the smaller side, buying a large entertainment center can throw off the balance of the space and make it feel cramped.
Measure Your TV
The size of your TV will also determine how big or small your entertainment center should be. For example, if you have a very large TV, you’ll want to make sure the width of your unit is as wide if not more than the width of your TV. The same goes for a small TV–you wouldn’t want to buy a unit that is super wide as this can make your TV appear dinky in comparison.
Take Inventory
Modern entertainment centers do more than simply hold your television. They also serve as storage for your electronic equipment. To help you determine how much storage space you’ll need, take note of all items and equipment you’re looking to house (i.e. DVD player, cable box, DVR, gaming console, soundbar, subwoofer, movies, books, etc.) Allow for a few open spots as well to provide space for your system to grow.
Allow for Proper Ventilation
Electronic equipment like amplifiers, a surround sound system, cable boxes, and gaming equipment emit a great amount of heat. So, if you plan to store these items within your entertainment center, you’ll want to make sure your unit includes built-in ventilation to promote airflow. Venting grills allow for heat to escape, keeping your equipment cool and protected.
Wire Management
To avoid a frustrating, tangled mess, consider modern entertainment centers with integrated wire systems, which will allow you to easily connect cables and wires while also helping to keep them out of sight.
Select Your Style
Once you’ve considered all the practical matters, the fun part of choosing a design can finally begin. When it comes to deciding on the style and finish, select something that complements your existing furniture and décor. Since there are so many styles out there to choose from, one way to narrow it down is by type:
- Open TV Stand: This type of unit features open shelves usually constructed out of a combination of glass, steel, and wood and puts your home theatre on display, offering a contemporary look while also providing easy access to the front of components.
- Enclosed Media Cabinet: If you prefer your TV to be the main item on display, then an enclosed cabinet might be a better option as you can conceal components and speakers behind closed doors, keeping them out of sight, but still easily accessible.
- Modular Wall System: For something in between, there are modular systems, which allow you to create your own composition and combination of open shelving and hidden storage. To learn more about our customizable wall units, please connect with a Cantoni designer.
Reimagine your living spaces with our customizable wall units and sleek, modern entertainment centers–on sale now through February 28 during The Entertainment Event.