Since entertainment centers and TV stands come in such a wide variety with different configurations and combinations of features, it will save you time and money if you have some idea what to look for. The options are endless, especially if you would like to choose as smaller sized entertainment center will the intention of adding freestanding speaker stands at a later date. Even different types of TV stands can resemble entertainment centers because they include enclosed shelving, cabinet doors or back panels/hutches. An entertainment center is appealing for several different reasons: it creates a stylish focal point in the room for your television; allows you to organize other pieces of audio/video equipment; and helps maintain the room’s decorative flow by reducing clutter.

Size

The most important thing to consider when buying entertainment centers or TV stands is size; you must not only take into consideration the size of the entertainment center itself, you must also know the size of the television you are purchasing the entertainment center for. Ideally, you should know where you want the entertainment center to go before you purchase one, so that you have some idea of how small or how large an entertainment center you will need to fill the intended space. The same applies to any freestanding speaker stands you would like to add now or in the future.

Design

Entertainment centers and TV stands come in an endless variety of sizes and configurations. Entertainment centers are a great investment in terms of how they use the available floor space in a room since they utilize both vertical (wall) rather and horizontal (floor) space. The other noticeable benefit of an entertainment center is storage, providing a multifunctional solution. Not only do entertainment centers function as TV stands, they incorporate different types of storage in order to accommodate a DVD/VCR player, speakers (if you choose not to go the freestanding speaker stands route), DVDs, CDs, games and videos.

For you to get the most out of your entertainment center, decide what features you would like. In order to determine what kinds of features would be most useful to you, take your lifestyle into consideration. If the room where you watch television is more home theater than living room, then DVD storage will be important to you. If you don’t like clutter, then an entertainment center with a wire management system, cabinets and enclosed shelves will be a better choice for you.

Style

Traditional styles such as Sheraton, Queen Anne, Neo Classical, Victorian and French Provincial are modeled after historical fashions, periods and trends. Most commonly recognized by elaborate carvings, inset panels and detailed moldings, entertainment centers and TV stands in traditional sub styles like Shaker and Louis Philippe can look almost contemporary or modern because of the absence of ornate decorative detail.

The focus of contemporary entertainment centers and TV stands is on economy of line and shape. Most commonly used materials are metals, exposed woods in lighter finishes, plastics and stone. Through its use of materials, shapes and lines, contemporary style emphasizes natural elements that are organic and tranquil. Simple, but effective, contemporary style often features textured elements such as clean lines and chic form that might be highlighted by leather or glass accents.