WONDER WALL

Knotted cables and wiring are the bane of a well-designed space. Take a look at the latest television wall and console designs that not only keep unsightly wires out of sight, but offer other added features

POLIFORM SINTESI Poliform’s Sintesi modular system was designed by Carlo Colombo in 1998 and has since remained a popular system for its flexibility. Consisting of wall-mounted and freestanding components, its storage options are available in a variety of formats, from open shelves to drawers and cabinets. The system puts emphasis on horizontal lines, which makes it suitable for larger rooms. The television can rest on the console or be mounted on the structure.

Except for the small percentage of homes that do not have a television in the living room, the typical homeowner has to factor in the television console area in the overall design of the living room. The unit, however, can take on multiple functions in addition to holding the television in a discreet manner. Much of the decision first begins with the television itself. For maximum comfort, the distance between the screen and the seating area should guide its size. A general rule of thumb is that the bigger the room, the bigger it should be. For instance, a 50-inch screen is best viewed at a distance of two to four metres. And for an immersive experience, it’s recommended to go for the largest screen at the minimum viewing distance. Once the screen size is determined, consider too the kind of storage required. Over the years, furniture brands have produced consoles that also serve as storage space. This comes in many forms, either as hidden compartments to maximise storage space in the home as a whole or open shelves and niches for displaying decorative items. A console big on style could turn out to be the focal point of the space. On the other hand, some might prefer it to be sleek and simple so that other elements, such as the seating area, become the centrepiece.

EUROMOBIL LIVING Euromobil’s wall unit is just one of many from the brand’s collection of wall units catering to different needs. Mounted on the wall, it frees up floor space and blends the television screen with the unit. The clean-cut display shelves and drawers provide storage for essentials and display items. Additional storage can be added in the form of wallmounted cabinets that are separate from the unit. SOUND IDEA Soundbars like Bose’s Lifestyle 135 Series III home entertainment system provides superior performance without taking up too much space on the console and can even be mounted on the wall. The sleek design of soundbars also melds with the design of television walls and consoles with ease. The Lifestyle 135 Series III soundbar system DESALTO SAIL Designed in 2013, the Sail system is as minimalist as it gets. Featuring stripped down lines, Sail lets the images on the screen be in the spotlight when the television’s on. When it’s off, it becomes a quiet presence that merges with the pared down form of the unit. Its simplicity is made possible by the easily accessible housings that conceal cables and sockets. Sail is available in different formats, where the one with the longest base also comes with integrated trunking to hide other accessories’ cables. connects and controls up to six HD video and music sources and wirelessly stream Internet radio, music library and services such as Spotify, Pandora and Deezer.

ROCHE BOBOIS ARCANE The Arcane modular storage unit is equipped with adjustable shelves so that the television can be placed either in the centre or to the left or right. Arcane also features sliding doors. This gives two layers of storage space – and the option to close off the television when it turns out to be too much of a distraction. Shelves on the inside are built with more depth to accommodate bulkier items. Those on the sliding doors are designed for things like books and magazines. PORADA UBIQUA FREESTANDING MEDIACENTRE With its swivel stand, this freestanding unit from Porada is perfect for combined spaces. The most common example is the living area connected to the dining area or study. Designed for smaller televisions, it also houses nifty storage space for DVDS, CDS and books, as well as glass shelves for other entertainment equipment.