Home entertainment producers emphasize whole-room approach
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, April 28, 2002
HIGH POINT — HIGH POINT — Manufacturers at market re-emphasized a whole-room approach to home entertainment furniture, designing pieces to match occasional furniture and case goods.
The approach isn't new but has taken a back seat the last few markets to standalone entertainment armoires and walls.
Home entertainment furniture has changed in recent years to accommodate larger TVs.
Sourcing also has changed, with imports offering more carvings, hand-rubbed finishes and hand-painted designs. Many companies have entered the category, often introducing standalone pieces first.
Working imports into entertainment lines can take some time, according to Kelly Cain, Stanley's senior vice president and product manager for home entertainment.
He said it is a challenge to get finishes to match when pieces are made in different factories. With better working relationships between factories, the emphasis is shifting back to full rooms.
Stanley and Magnussen/Presidential were two companies that focused on groups this market.
Stanley debuted three entertainment groups, each a part of a larger introduction. American View and Pavilion go with occasional, bedroom and dining pieces, while Corinthia also has home office furniture.
"We really put a major push on our home entertainment," said Cain. Before, most of Stanley's efforts had been simple three-piece entertainment centers.
"Accent tables will be 100% sourced, while the home entertainment product is domestically manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility," said Albert Prillaman, Stanley's chairman and chief executive officer.
Cain said retailers told Stanley that consumers like the combined approach, making the product easier to move.
Magnussen/President took six existing table groups as the basis for entertainment walls designs retailing between $1,499 and $1,699, its first foray into the entertainment category.
The company also offered a table group combining leather, coconut shell and bamboo in a look that works well with leather sofas.
Sligh, a home office specialist, also entered the entertainment arena, drawing on its knowledge of cabinets to create entertainment armoires and walls.
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| Cardigan Bay from Hekman is inspired by country getaways of 18th and 19th century British lords. This entertainment wall features antique nailhead studs, heavy hand-burnished brass pulls and a hand-rubbed golden waxed finish. |
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