Styles of Entertainment Centers

Corner Type

• Some entertainment centers place your equipment in one corner of the room. These corner entertainment centers are built in L- or V-shaped formations. They work especially well with smaller rooms or rooms with awkward or cramped wall configurations.

Armoire Style

• The armoire style entertainment center resembles a wardrobe. Because it hides your media equipment from view, it may be preferred within rustic or Victorian-style decors. This style also offers protection for your media equipment from pets and children.

Wall Style

• If you have a large room and a lot of media equipment, wall style entertainment centers may be a good fit. These centers are large, sturdy and can hold large televisions and heavy home theater or stereo equipment. They may have armoire-style doors, be open-faced or have glass windows that allow you to display your equipment while protecting them from dust.

Media Stands

• Media stands are another style of entertainment center. This style is more modern and minimalist than the other types. They're often modular, allowing you to cherry-pick pieces and put together your own entertainment center. This type works for large wide-screen televisions that might not fit in typical entertainment centers.

Do-It-Yourself

• A do-it-yourself project can offer complete control of the style, size and décor of your new entertainment center. Consider refitting an unused closet into an entertainment center using store-bought shelving or re-using old furniture to store your media equipment. Antique book shelves, coffee tables and dressers can all serve as entertainment centers.