I've got a confession to make: I used to think that all entertainment centers were created equal. Sure, they might look different from one another, but as long as they had shelves and a large enough opening for your TV to fit through, what does it matter?
Well, it turns out that there's actually quite a bit of variety in this world—and some of them can be quite stylish! If you're looking to give your entertainment center an upgrade or are just starting from scratch and need some ideas on how to get started on making yours look great again (or better than ever), read on for our tips on how to decorate your media center so that it doesn't look like just another piece of furniture.
Focus on your room's focal point.
There are some simple things to remember when decorating your entertainment center. Make sure it's in the right place, not too big or too small. Make sure it's not blocking a door or window. Make sure it's not blocking a fire exit. And finally, make sure it's not blocking a light source so that you can see what you're doing while watching TV at night!
Fill in the gaps.
This is an important step, because you want to fill in those gaps. We recommend using a runner or tablecloth to cover the top of your entertainment center, and adding a lamp or other decor to the top of it.
Adding a small shelf to one side of your entertainment center will give you more space for displaying other items, and adding a plant or other decor on the floor in front of it gives people another focal point when they walk by.
Curate your collection.
When it comes to decorating an entertainment center, don't feel like you need a lot of stuff. A few pieces of art or a vase can do the trick. If you want to get fancy, frame some photos from your phone and hang them on the wall in your entertainment center.
Mix and match to add variety.
Mix and match to add variety.
If you're looking for a way to make your home stand out, then mixing and matching unique pieces of furniture is an excellent way to do this. Mixing different materials (such as wood with metal), shapes (square tables with round chairs), colors, textures and sizes will create an eclectic look that will be sure to catch the eye of even the most discerning homeowner. If you're not quite sure where to start, here are some suggestions:
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Use different types of wood in one room - This can be done by using different finishes or stains on the same type of wood (like stained oak cabinets and natural birch table tops).
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Choose different heights - The perfect height depends largely on what kind of chair or seating option you use but generally speaking shorter tables look best when paired with high-backed chairs while taller chairs are better off in front of lower tables.
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Explore unconventional materials - For instance if your kitchen isn't big enough for a table it might make sense instead invest in something like modular storage units that give plenty of storage space without taking up too much space visually!
Add texture with a plant or faux plant.
Another way to add texture is with a plant or faux plant. This can be in the form of real greenery, but we're going to say that a fake tree or palm will typically work better.
Plants are great for decorating because they give your entertainment center some color, and you don't have to worry about watering them! The only thing you do have to worry about is keeping them healthy so they can keep looking their best.
Go for symmetry, or don't!
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Symmetry. Symmetrical designs are more formal, balanced, and well-proportioned. They're perfect for an entertainment center because they allow you to decorate both sides of the piece without making it look too busy.
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Asymmetry. If symmetry isn't your thing, don't worry—it's not a must! Asymmetrical designs are more informal and unbalanced than their symmetrical counterparts; they usually feature one big focal point surrounded by smaller ones that add visual interest and balance out the larger piece.
Use color to draw the eye upward.
To draw the eye up, use color to create an optical illusion. For example, if you have a dark lower shelf and a light upper shelf, the eye will be drawn downward to look at your TV or other items on the bottom shelf. However, if you use white as your base color and then add darker colors in a contrasting pattern, it will make everything above appear higher than it really is.
This should help you get started with decorating your entertainment center! If you're looking for more tips on how to design around this type of furniture piece, check out our guide here!
Create ambiance with lighting.
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Dimmable lighting is a great source of ambiance. You can purchase track lighting kits that come with the lights, wiring and connectors—or you can buy the parts separately and build your own system. Track lighting provides soft light that won't bother you while watching a movie or reading a book in an armchair next to it. If you're installing dimmers on individual lamps, make sure they are compatible with each other so they all work together nicely.
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Make use of LED bulbs if possible because they will last longer than incandescent bulbs and also use less energy when they are turned on. You can also find lamps with shades made from materials such as glass or metal to help diffuse the light even more over time as well as give it different patterns depending on where it hits against something else nearby like a wall or chair leg!
Picking the right pieces can take a boring media center to a charming centerpiece.
When you're decorating your media center for the first time, it's easy to get stuck in a rut of stackable bins and wires everywhere. The key is choosing items that function well while also serving as a visual focal point. When picking out storage containers, think about how much space you need and what kind of style you prefer—do you want them to match the rest of your room's decor? Do they have to be able to fit on top or below other pieces?
Beyond that, keep in mind the size and shape of the space available for an entertainment center. If one side has open wall space above it where shelves can be installed, consider using some sort of floating shelf system instead of having cabinets or drawers along that side (because installing floating shelves takes up very little floor space). Also consider whether there is enough room between each piece so that cords can be tucked away without looking messy.
We hope that you’ve found this article helpful and inspiring in your own home decorating endeavors. The entertainment center is an important piece of a room, and we hope that these tips will help you find the perfect one for your space!