Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Making your home look and feel its best isn’t all about interior design choices – it’s also about organization. But, as we all know, organizing gadgets, books, cords, TVs and everything else is easier said than done. Even with help from organization experts like Marie Kondo, you may still find yourself with too much stuff and not enough space. This is where streamlining-focused furniture like entertainment centers come in.
Entertainment centers go in your living room, bedroom or den and hold a variety of household items. They’re usually designed around supporting a TV with cabinets and shelves for media players, video game consoles, books and decor. Because they’re geared towards home gadgets in the 21st century, most entertainment stands also have cord management systems that keep those ugly tangles of cords out of sight.
These clever pieces of furniture offer a serious upgrade over regular coffee tables and bookshelves by organizing all your stuff and maximizing floor space. They’re perfect for audiophiles with big receivers and subs, as well as gamers with multiple consoles and controllers.
What to Know Before Buying an Entertainment Center
Buying an entertainment center isn’t quite the same as buying other furniture because their functionality is so important. Below are some of the things to look out for when picking your new entertainment center.
Size: Size is paramount. Not only do you need the entertainment center to fit nicely in your home, but you also need something that will hold all the items you need to store. Before shopping, measure the dimensions of your TV, as well as other decor and gadgets such as video game consoles.
Weight Capacity: Most entertainment stands will support your average modern flatscreen TV and a few other items, but a higher weight capacity is always better. Weight capacity ranges quite drastically between options, so make sure to check.
Organization Setup: All entertainment centers help organize, but they do it in different ways. Some feature a streamlined design with a couple shelves, some have cabinets, and others feature both. Before picking up an entertainment center, consider what you’ll be stashing and the size of each item.
Style: While entertainment centers are usually a purchase for function’s sake, style is still important. They are a large piece of furniture in your home, after all. Consider what vibe you’re going for, and pick designs and materials that can help nail the look. Our roundup consists of a few style options, including modern, rustic and traditional.
Furniture shopping can be intimidating, so we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of the best entertainment centers that you can buy right now.
