Phrases like hard drive, megabyte, Pro Logic decoder, and surround sound have become familiar terms within the home-furnishings industry, since in the past few years, home-office and home-theater have become two of the faster growing furniture categories in the United States.

Integrating these electronic advances into the home has sent manufacturers scrambling to form alliances with giants like Sony, RCA, Panasonic, Atatchi, and others. Designers have become concerned with space requirements for printers, towers, monitors, discs, and CDs.

Home office

The home-furnishings industry has home-office groupings that will make a consumer’s search for good-looking furniture a satisfying experience. The consumer will need good lighting, electrical outlets, a desk, a chair, and ample storage space.

Furnituremakers and retailers are responding as never before to the demand for attractive, durable furniture designed to accommodate current technology: computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, phone systems, and adequate storage.

Because most people will spend much time in the home office, consumers are urged to make it comfortable, functional, and pleasant in appearance. A home office can take up an entire room, or it can be nestled in the corner in the den, kitchen, or living room. Great offices have been made from large pantries or closets, too.

Modular office systems provide the flexibility and freedom to create exactly the configuration desired by the consumer, plus offer the styles and finishes that will blend with the existing interior design and furniture. Whether part of an existing room or in a space of its own, your office can be decorated with stylish art, decorative lighting, and lively window and wall treatments.

Home theater

Home theater provides the sound of a movie theater, but with the impact and realism that can only be experienced in the house. Beautiful cabinetry houses large-screen TVs measuring from 27-60 inches. The surround sound comes from two front-channel speakers, a center-channel speaker (which carries the movie dialogue), and two rear-channel speakers that give depth and ambiance. The ultimate is the addition of a sub-woofer for a deeper bass effect.

Home theaters are located where the family lives: spacious rooms where children and adults can kick back, relax, and be themselves. Whether in the living room, family room, or den, upholstered pieces should be comfortable and feature hard-working materials. The comfort zone should include adequate lighting, durable flooring, and easy-to-clean wall treatments.

One retailer has described home theater with surround sound as “when I’m waitching `Jurrasic Park,’ it feels like those dinosaurs are right in my living room. Not only does it feel like I’m right here, I actually experience the movie.”

No longer does a consumer have to settle for pine boards supported by cement blocks to achieve proper placement of components and speakers. The furniture industry has responded quickly in offering the consumer a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes in which to house the electronic components of home theater. Although technologically correct, these systems are pieces of furniture designed specifically to reflect the consumer’s individual taste and to blend with the existing decor. Whether American country, contemporary, or traditional, such furniture ranges in price from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000.

Home-theater wall systems provide sufficient shelving to display family photos, trophies, and hobbies. Drawers and cabinets provide storage space. These units easily handle toys, games, books, magazines, videos, and other items.

Russell G. Page is the national sales and marketing manager for the Moosehead Manufacturing Co.