An 85-inch TV is a bold and impressive addition to any home, transforming your living space into a personal theater or gaming paradise. However, such a large and commanding television requires the right entertainment center to complement it. Selecting the perfect entertainment center for an 85-inch TV goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about finding a balance between functionality, storage, cable management, and style.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential factors you need to consider when choosing an entertainment center for an 85-inch TV, including sizing, material choices, storage options, and style considerations. Whether you’re furnishing a living room, home theater, or game room, these tips will help you create the perfect setup for your massive screen.
1. Understanding the Size Requirements
One of the most critical factors when choosing an entertainment center is ensuring it’s large enough to accommodate your 85-inch TV. TV sizes are measured diagonally, so an 85-inch TV is approximately 74 inches wide. When selecting an entertainment center, you’ll want to ensure it is wide enough to support the television, leaving at least a few inches of extra space on each side for balance and safety.
Ideal Width: Your entertainment center should ideally be 80 inches wide or more. This ensures stability and prevents the TV from overhanging, which can be both visually unappealing and unsafe.
Depth Consideration: Most modern TVs are relatively thin, but make sure the entertainment center’s depth is sufficient to provide stability. A depth of at least 16 to 20 inches is recommended, depending on your TV’s stand or mounting system.
Height: The height of the entertainment center will affect your viewing experience. For comfortable viewing, the center of your TV screen should be at eye level when you’re seated. Entertainment centers that are too high or too low can result in neck strain or an awkward viewing angle. Measure your seating position and TV height to ensure the best setup.
2. TV Mounting or Stand: Which is Better?
Before choosing an entertainment center, decide whether you’ll mount the TV on the wall or place it directly on the unit. Both options have their pros and cons.
TV on Stand: If you prefer placing the TV on a stand, look for an entertainment center with a sturdy, flat surface. This is a more traditional setup and can give the room a cozy, grounded feel. Make sure the stand is capable of supporting the weight of your 85-inch TV, as some units may not be rated for larger screens.
Wall-Mounted TV: For a more modern and minimalist look, you can mount the TV on the wall and use a lower-profile entertainment center beneath it. This frees up surface space on the entertainment center and gives the room an open, uncluttered feel. Ensure that the entertainment center provides enough room for your other components, like a soundbar, gaming consoles, or media players.
3. Storage Solutions: Functionality Matters
An 85-inch TV entertainment center should not only serve as a platform for your television but also provide ample storage for all your entertainment components and accessories. Think about what you need to store in the entertainment center and choose a design that suits your needs.
Open Shelving: If you want easy access to your devices and enjoy displaying decor, open shelving is a great option. It allows you to showcase gaming consoles, soundbars, or decorative items while keeping everything within reach. However, this can also lead to a cluttered look if not carefully organized.
Closed Cabinets: For a cleaner, more minimalist look, opt for an entertainment center with closed cabinets. This keeps everything hidden and organized, ideal for storing DVDs, Blu-rays, gaming accessories, or even books. Closed storage also helps reduce dust accumulation and creates a streamlined appearance.
Drawers: Entertainment centers with drawers can be incredibly useful for storing smaller items like remote controls, chargers, or cables. Drawers keep things neat and out of sight, making them a practical addition to any setup.
Combination Units: Many entertainment centers combine open shelves, cabinets, and drawers to offer a versatile storage solution. This allows you to hide clutter while still displaying items that enhance the room’s decor.
4. Cable Management: Keeping It Clean
With an 85-inch TV comes multiple components: sound systems, gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, and more. This can lead to a tangled mess of cables if not properly managed.
Look for an entertainment center that features built-in cable management systems, such as cutouts or cable holes in the back panel. These openings allow you to neatly route cables and power cords behind the unit, keeping them hidden from view and preventing a cluttered, disorganized look.
Power Strips: Some entertainment centers even come with built-in power strips or power outlets, making it easy to connect multiple devices without having to run cords all over the room. This is particularly useful if you plan on having several electronic devices connected to your TV.
5. Material Choices: Style and Durability
The material of your entertainment center plays a significant role in the overall style and longevity of the piece. Depending on your room’s decor and personal preferences, you can choose from a range of materials, each offering its own unique benefits.
Wood: Wood is the most popular material for entertainment centers, offering a classic, timeless look that can fit into both modern and traditional spaces. Solid wood units are durable and sturdy, but they can be more expensive. Veneer options provide a similar aesthetic at a lower cost. Depending on the finish, wood can bring warmth and texture to your living space.
Metal and Glass: For a sleek, contemporary design, metal and glass entertainment centers are a great choice. Metal frames with tempered glass shelves create a modern, industrial feel, perfect for minimalist spaces. However, they may not offer as much hidden storage as wood units, and glass can require more frequent cleaning to keep it smudge-free.
MDF and Particle Board: MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and particleboard are budget-friendly options that mimic the look of wood. While not as durable as solid wood, they can still provide a stylish and functional solution, particularly if you’re looking for a more affordable entertainment center.
6. Style Considerations: Finding the Right Look
Your entertainment center is not just a functional piece of furniture—it’s also a design statement. The right style can tie your room together, complementing the aesthetic of your home.
Modern Minimalism: If your home features a contemporary or minimalist design, choose an entertainment center with clean lines, neutral colors, and sleek finishes. Glossy white or black finishes with metal accents work well in modern spaces. Opt for units with minimal hardware and plenty of open space for a light, airy feel.
Rustic and Farmhouse: For a cozier, more rustic look, consider an entertainment center made from reclaimed wood or featuring a distressed finish. Farmhouse-style units often incorporate barn doors, crossbeam patterns, or natural wood tones, adding warmth and charm to the room. These pieces pair well with neutral palettes and soft textures.
Mid-Century Modern: Mid-century modern entertainment centers are characterized by their simple, functional design and clean lines. Look for tapered legs, walnut or oak finishes, and muted colors. These units often feature a mix of open shelving and closed storage, blending retro style with modern functionality.
Industrial: Industrial-style entertainment centers combine raw materials like metal and wood, creating a rugged yet chic look. These pieces often feature exposed hardware, dark wood finishes, and steel accents, making them perfect for lofts or urban spaces.
7. Entertainment Centers with Built-In Features
If you’re looking for more than just a place to set your TV, some entertainment centers come with additional built-in features that enhance your viewing experience.
Built-In Fireplaces: Entertainment centers with built-in electric fireplaces add warmth and ambiance to your living room. These units often feature LED-lit flames that can be operated with or without heat, giving you the look of a cozy fire year-round. They’re perfect for creating a focal point that combines entertainment and relaxation.
LED Lighting: Some entertainment centers come with built-in LED lighting, which can enhance the visual appeal of the unit and add mood lighting to your living space. LED lights placed behind shelves or around the TV area create a modern, futuristic look.
8. Budget Considerations
Entertainment centers for an 85-inch TV come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end, custom-built units. Before making a decision, determine your budget and look for units that meet both your financial and aesthetic needs. While higher-end units offer more premium materials and features, many affordable options provide excellent value without sacrificing style or functionality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right entertainment center for your 85-inch TV is about more than just finding a unit that fits—it’s about creating a functional, stylish space that enhances your viewing experience. By considering size, storage, material, and style, you can find an entertainment center that not only supports your TV but also complements the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or a warm, rustic vibe, the perfect entertainment center will make your 85-inch TV the star of the show.
