A television has become the focal point of most people’s living rooms and the trick is to combine the equipment with the rest of the furniture. The technological advances over the last few decades have changed the way we arrange the room. Entertainment centres used to be relatively small but deep and sat in the corner since the old CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) type TVs were much smaller but not flat and, apart from a video recorder, had no other equipment to accommodate.
Nowadays, sixty to seventy inch flat screen televisions are common and are often accompanied by satellite boxes, games consoles, sound bars and even the odd DVD player. This influences the functionality of any entertainment display unit and therefore the design ideas under consideration need to be assessed accordingly.
Entertainment centre materials
While synthetic materials and minimalist metal units have had their moment, wood remains the premier choice for media furniture. It brings organic warmth, structural longevity, and a grounding presence to a room filled with cold tech. We are interested in wood on this site and while other materials are used in combination, the best options are predominantly wooden.
One of the great advantages of working with wood is that you have the option to make your own entertainment centre designs. We provide furniture design software with a free option for you to try.
The type of wood you select dictates both the price point and the longevity of the furniture. Hardwoods offer exceptional durability against heavy electronics, while softwoods provide a lighter weight and easier mobility.
- Walnut has deep rich tones, dense grain and a premium finish which makes it suitable for modern, contemporary designs
- Oak is highly durable with prominent grain lines and a classic appeal, great for traditional designs with heavy daily use
- Pine is lightweight, cost-effective and easily stained or painted for rustic farmhouse and DIY projects
- Mango wood is a highly sustainable alternative with a unique golden-brown hue for an eclectic, urban-modern feel
Entertainment centre styles
Finding the right wooden entertainment center idea involves balancing your home’s architectural style with your daily storage needs.
- Rustic charm: reclaimed style timber finish emphasises cozy country warmth; consider classic shaker-style doors, maybe even barn doors to mask the screen when it is not in use
- Modern minimalist: clean lines, flat doors, push-to-open cabinets without handles to keep the lines flowing; recesses and channels to tuck cables and general clutter out of sight
- Industrial light: exposed or open structural elements in steel, chrome, painted areas; possibly matte black shelves with shiny chrome supports or grill shelving and powder coated struts
- Floating media shelf: when floor space is at a premium or you’re looking for a sleek look, go for an entertainment center that is attached to the wall leaving room underneath for storage or simple aesthetics
- Mid-Century modern: ideal for spaces that embrace sleek lines and an airy, uncluttered feel; typically crafted from rich hardwoods like walnut or teak and laying close to the floor making a room feel larger
Choosing an entertainment centre doesn’t have to be a chore. Consider the overall style of your home and the items that will reside on the unit and if you can’t find anything suitable, design one for yourself.
Our professional cabinet software is available for one-off projects without buying. Click below to download PolyBoard and for more information on our CabinetFile service.
