My husband is shopping for a new giant-screen TV. We also have a DVD player, lots of DVDs and stereo equipment. I don't want my family room to look like an electronics store! What kind of furniture should I get to house all this equipment so that the room is comfortable and functional but pleasing to look at?
A number of furniture manufacturers are paying close attention to the rapid advancements in electronics and are offering new entertainment centers with these changes in mind. You will find a variety of styles that will beautifully accommodate the popular giant-screen TVs. These entertainment units also are packed with function, and many of them will hide the TV behind closed doors when not in use. These units also offer wire management and a multitude of features to store all your equipment – in style! And you'll be amazed at the range of prices, from budget-minded to very upscale. Check out these Web sites from the links: Bush, Hooker, Riverside, Sauder, Sligh and Stanley.
My husband and I have finally saved up a little money to spend on home furnishings, but I don't know where to start. Could you provide some tips?
First of all, let me commend you for setting up a budget. According to recent AHFA research, 87% of consumers don't set a budget for decorating and furnishing their homes. We think that's a mistake. Setting a budget helps you plan and understand your goals. If your budget is small, decorate what you can now and continue saving for other pieces to buy later. Always buy the best you can afford, since furniture lasts for many years. In selecting furniture, consider your lifestyle and what is most important to you at home. Do you like to entertain? Do you enjoy watching TV and movies? Or is creating comfortable space for quiet reading and relaxing more important to you? Do you have children, pets? Think about who will be using the room and how they will use it. Browse through magazines and books for rooms that you admire. Collect these pictures and take them with you when you shop. It will help you and your retailer in making selections.
