(Credit:
Trendir)
As flat-screen TVs continue to evolve, so does the design of furnishings around them--some less successfully than others, as evidenced by the combo TV fireplace. And, as is to be expected, the Italians are leading the way.
Bruno Fattorini is the latest designer to meld form and function with this TV panel from MDF Italia, which BornRich says is equipped to flush-mount plasmas and LCDs in sizes from 37 to 50 inches. It comes in such finishes as anthracite gray and anodized aluminum. This isn't just an updated '70s wall unit in faux oak veneer.
We eagerly await the response from that avante-garde American design house, Costco.
(Credit:
Trendir)
Now that plasma TVs have reached the point of no return, we've been wondering what furniture makers would do to replace the cumbersome faux armoire that had become a fixture in so many living rooms in a somewhat vain attempt to conceal the tube. It's probably too early for a definitive standard to take hold, but we're starting to see a sandwich-board design gaining popularity for TV stands.
The latest company to take this approach is Alivar, an Italian (of course) designer of contemporary furnishings that has come out with a sandwich stand made of aluminum in a white finish with storage between the two slabs for DVDs, much like other models. Alivar has also built in a convenient shelf for various boxes, which unfortunately are still necessary for most sets.
None of this helps hide the screen itself, which the armoire was intended to do. But given people's taste in furniture these days, a flat TV may be the most attractive item on display in many homes.
Media sites are watching how we consumers spend our money this holiday season. And it looks like a double victory for the tech world.
First, online sales are up more than 25 percent from last year. Consumers are apparently comfortable now with last minute online buys.
Nintendo Wii
Second, HD flat screens and Nintendo's Wii were both big sellers this season. This week tech gadgets will have to compete with even more heavly discounted general merchandise.
I'm hearing some analysts on CNBC today saying brick and mortar discounters were not even making a profit on the flat screens they sold. But it has been a good season for the manufacturers.
And the gadget parade isn't over. Just a few more shoopping days until CES 2007.
On Sale Now: $199.00 - $219.99
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Imagine a winter weekend morning. You wake up, let the dog out, and fetch the Sunday paper, two unwrapped Playstation 3 games, some newly arrived Netflix and a cup of coffee (made per the timer you actually remembered to set).
Where are you going next? No, not to the couch with a blanket and pillow, or to the kitchen to argue over whether the new Ferrari Dino will be a front-engine or mid-engine car.
You climb back under the warm blankets of your bedroom, settle in and...up pops your flattie from the foot of your bed. A remote control triggers the silent glide of the 22-inch flat screen from this Bim Bam Banana TV Bed.
Bliss is yours for a mere $26,000.
(Credit:
Bim Bam Banana)
As cool as it looks in commercials, the idea of mounting a small fortune's worth of television on a wall pretty much scares us to death. Especially in earthquake country.
A saner alternative might be the Wenge TV Hi-Fi stand from high-end furniture dealer Anora Home, which is both practical and a tasteful addition to your decor. It takes its name from wenge wood, a distinct variety from Africa known for its use in such exotic creations as custom-made guitars and collector knife handles.
The TV itself is wedged between two boards of wenge, fixed on a base of aluminum and frosted glass. Around the edges is space reserved for DVDs, CDs, or a tumbler of 18-year-old Macallan. This thing is sounding better all the time.
(Photo: Anora Home)
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