A television is one of the most important items in a house. It dominates almost any room since the rest of the furniture is arranged around it. When it is turned off, it should still be an attractive addition to the decor. That is why you should keep in mind that design (casing and appearance) of HDTV, is a critical point when buying one.
HDTVs are not only nice for watching but they also add glamour and beauty to home furnishings. It is important that a shopper consider the effect the television will have in the room’s overall atmosphere.
A flat TV has a minimal casing compared to the bulky items that squatted on living room floors a few decades ago, but they are still important considerations.
Color Does Matters
Most casings come in black, white, or silver. Think about the color of the furniture as well as that of the walls. Also, think about what you want the television to do when it is turned off. Do you want a white one that will blend in with the paint behind it or a black one that will make a dramatic statement?
Thickness
Consider, too the thickness you want. Razor thin televisions can be hung on the wall like a picture and they are in fact works of art. Some people leave the television running with a moving picture similar to the animated wallpaper on a computer screen so that the casing becomes, in effect, a picture frame. Slightly thicker models look good standing alone.
Less is More
In modern decor, elegance equals simplicity. Most HDTVs have eliminated the bezel (the rim that holds the screen in place) to give their designs a minimal appearance.
Nothing is added to the casing for the sole purpose of decoration. Scallops, columns, and dust-collecting indentations are not even available for consideration. Even manufacturer’s logos are as nondescript as possible.
Surface Finish
One choice the shopper still has though is between a glossy or matte finish. The shopper must decide whether he wants a highly reflective or non-reflective surface. This goes back to the question of what the consumer wants the television to do when it is turned off. A reflective surface will catch the light and attract the eye. Even in a darkened corned it will continue to demand attention.
A matte surface is less bold. It tends to sit quietly unnoticed when it is not in use. Even a brightly lit space will not cause it to stand apart from its fellow furnishings.
When deciding between a glossy or matte surface, the consumer should also think about the type of lighting he plans to use while the television is on and how he wants the casing to interact with that lighting.
Lighting
Additional lighting is a necessary feature of a home theater. In addition to aesthetic benefit, lights serve a functional purpose as well – reducing eye fatigue. Watching television in a dark room can create a ‘harsh’ environment as the room is very dark but the TV is extremely bright. For many viewers this high contrast in light intensity creates eye fatigue.
Two popular supplemental lighting choices are LED backlights, and ambient lighting hidden somewhere else in the room. Both act as a bias light and provide a transition between the brightness of the TV and the darkness of the room.
A highly reflective casing will pick up and enhance the light becoming part of the light display. A matte surface will stay hidden and out of the way of the viewing experience. Both are good choices.
TV Stand
One piece of furniture that must match the television is its stand. No matter what color or finish a consumer decides the have on his television he should select a stand that will complement his choice. These two items will always be viewed together and will attract the eye as a single piece of art.
Wall Color
If the shopper has decorated his room as a contrast of two colors, (usually black and white contrast very well) then the stand may either compliment or contrast with the television.
If the room is a mix of colors, then the stand and the television should complement each other as well acknowledge the dominant theme (light or dark) of the room.
The shopper has many things to consider when he is selecting a television for his home. He wants to get something that will complement the current decor and add elegance to his room. Ultimately, though, the right choice is that which delights the viewer the most.
