Integrating Recycled Elements into Furniture Selection

Top 5 things to consider when buying a TV entertainment unit

20 April 2015

Danny Morris

There is little doubt that a choosing TV entertainment unit is an important choice, because let's face it, most people spend at least some time watching the screen each day, and for many households, the TV and living room represents the heart of the home. But as well as being a place to keep the TV and other home theatre equipment, an entertainment unit also needs to complement existing furniture and the dimensions of the room. There are many things to look for when buying entertainment units, but here's how you can make the right decisions when buying your next unit. 

1. Room Size. A home entertainment unit should always be in proportion to the size of the room. If it's a smaller area, the entertainment unit and most likely the TV will also be on the smaller scale. On the other side of the coin, larger rooms benefit from larger TVs and wall units, with units that are too small looking lost in the space.  Bear in mind that wider and taller units can be used for more than just TV equipment, functioning as a wall unit to display books and glassware, with a top surface serving as a mantle piece. For smaller rooms, a unit with longer legs will allow you to see underneath, helping to feel less heavy and giving the illusion of additional space.  

2. Storage. Most units will contain some storage, but consider the size your DVD and CD collection to decide how much you will need. For those who like to display their collections for all to see, open shelf units allow you to able to display any entertainment library with pride. Units with cupboards and drawers will hide items away and can be neater, with some including built in CD and DVD racks. When it comes to storage, the general rule is the more the better, especially if you're a keen collector or movies, music and console games. Some units allow shelves to be moved up and down to accommodate items of different dimensions including vases or glassware.

3. Cord Management Ports. The more electronic devices the unit houses, the more cords that will need to be managed. These cords can be hidden behind the back of the unit with cut out holes to run cables and other wiring. Look for these holes in each shelf, not only the central TV cabinet.   

4. Durability and Looks. Like any furniture piece, durability and looks are a major consideration. This is where the material the unit is made from important. Hardwood timbers will provide the best strength, but are likely to be the most expensive. Steer away from chipboard materials that will swell if they become wet and may buckle under the weight of heavy hi-fi equipment. Steel and glass units can suit modern interiors and glass cabinetry will provide an open feel; however, if items inside are not organised can appear messy.

Always check drawers and inspect joints before purchase to ensure they are are well secured. Finally, consider matching the colour of the unit with existing décor and furniture items to ensure the unit complements instead of clashes with the rest of the room. Consider classic looks instead of trendy designs if you want the unit to have timeless appeal. 

5. Measure to Ensure Neat Fit. Not all units will be able to accommodate hi-fi equipment of various sizes. Before buying, always measure the width and length of your existing AV equipment to ensure it will fit in the units that are being considered. The neater these can fit in their designated spaces, the better it will look—but the rule is to make sure it will fit in the first place. This will be less of an issue with TV stand units where most of the equipment sits on the unit's top surface. 

As one of the home's largest furniture items and a major focal point in the living room, TV entertainment units are an important purchase. As with any big investment, always do your research and consider purchasing the best quality unit you can afford, since a well made unit can provide a lifetime of use. For more information, contact a company like Furniture Design Australia.

Share