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Now playing: Theater Seating for Middle Class

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, July 12, 2011

HIGH POINT - Once regarded as a luxury product for upscale homes, home theater seating has developed mass market appeal in recent years as more homes acquire flat-panel televisions and high-quality sound systems.
     Key suppliers of this popular niche say consumers are realizing they don't need a custom-designed media room costing tens of thousands of dollars in order to have the product. A simple family room configuration with three to four seats is typical, although it's not uncommon to have a second row of seats (and the necessary risers) in larger rooms.
     Features such as cup holders and storage consoles are standard equipment, and most suppliers say well over half of home theater seats are now sold with power reclining mechanisms - a feature that makes the product more palatable to women.
     Retailers were scrambling just to get the product this spring after category sales leader Berkline suddenly went out of business. However, several others have stepped in to fill the void and the temporary shortage was eased.

What's hot: The Gilbert seating group from American Leather Key features: This contemporary group includes two reclining seats with power mechanisms. The mechanisms include the "zero-wall" feature, which allows the seats to be fully reclined even if they are placed against a wall. Why it's selling: Despite a retail price of around $7,000, the sleek, curved arms and other contemporary styling elements appeal to consumers who want to avoid the "Bubba" look. That makes the group suitable for a living room, upscale family room or media room.
	What's hot: The Vuelta from El Ran Key features: This classic home theater group includes power reclining mechanisms, extra-wide storage wedges for the middle seats, and pad-over chaise styling. Why it's selling: The styling makes it suitable in a formal or casual setting, and the chaise design delivers optimum comfort in any position.
What's hot: The Jitterbug group from Southern Motion Key features: Available in a variety of configurations, this best-selling group includes power reclining mechanisms for every seat - even the chaise - as well as large storage wedges that each has a pair of cup holders. Why it's selling: The plush back cushions, rolled headrests and thick padded arm cushions provide extra comfort for movies, sporting events and other entertaining at home. Consumers love the versatility of the group, which is available with various combinations of chaise lounges and traditional reclining seats.
	What's hot: The Mellow seating group from Palliser. Key features: This popular model includes everything from lighted cup holders and ground lighting to power reclining mechanisms that are controlled with buttons on the rims of the cup holders. Why it's selling: The clean design and chaise styling deliver superior comfort from any sitting or reclining position, while the LED cup holders and ground lighting provide a movie theater atmosphere when the house lights are dimmed. Many retailers display it in a dedicated home theater area with reduced lighting and a large flat-screen TV.

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