Home Theater Furniture Bonds Beauty/Flexibility

By Jeff Malester On Apr 18 2005 - 6:00am

Wood, steel and glass combine to build elegance into home theater furniture, while, at the same time, bold ideas for cable management add behind-the-seams concealment versatility to the newest display pieces.

Numerous finishes and colors highlight the many woods available for home furniture settings, and steel trim, both in smooth or textured styles, is being partnered with wood and glass.

Cable- and component-accessible contemporary designs — mainly for tables and stands — hold center stage, along with the more traditional woody case-goods looks, which emphasize solid, fine-furniture construction. Television furniture for flat-screen and CRT types, features centrally positioned displays, surrounded by cabinets and shelves for audio support and media.

Home theater seating continues to improve upon creature comfort and consumer electronics practicality. Chairs swivel, tilt, even massage the sitter, while certain seats offer built-in audio and gaming features that tie comfort to CE performance.

Among the newest furniture pieces, with suggested retails, are the following products produced by a wide selection of makers. Many items currently are available.