Buying a Computer Armoire for your HomeLike televisions, computers can be intrusive by creating a sense of clutter with all of their different components and wires. Particularly when it’s necessary to put one in a bedroom, living room or family room, a computer armoire will conveniently hide everything out of sight, while maintaining the existing decorative flow of the room. Computer armoires are also a compact, space-saving way to create a convenient work space when you can’t dedicate a whole room to a home office. They range in price and style from the economical like a Sauder computer armoire to the high-end American Drew computer armoire. To decide which one is right for your home, here are a few tips.
Common Computer Armoire FeaturesDesigned to house all things computer related, computer armoires typically include a number of features meant to increase its style and functionality. Before making a final purchase, consider what features you would like your new computer armoire to have. Since computer armoires are available in a variety of configurations, make sure you find the one that will perfectly fill all of your requirements. The most common features of a Kathy Ireland computer armoire or a Sauder computer armoire are a pull-out keyboard tray, adjustable shelving and compartments for the CPU, printer and monitor. Many types of computer armoires might incorporate organizational elements such as cubbies, a CD holder or a cork/white board. A computer armoire should include some kind of wire management system so that you can leave everything plugged in when you close the doors. What kind of drawers do you want your computer armoire to have? For the most versatility, look for one that has a combination of drawer types such as file, pencil and/or multipurpose drawers. Check the manufacturer’s product information to ensure that the doors will open to 270 degrees, so they won’t be in the way whey you’re working at the computer. Computer Armoire DesignIf you enjoy the look of furniture that is impressive in scale, has a formal appearance and possesses intricate, decorative detail, then a traditional style cherry computer armoire will probably be appealing to you. There are many different traditional sub styles, typically named for the historical periods from which they emerged. If you like the idea of traditional furniture but not the busy decorative detail, transitional style might interest you. While lines and profiles are more linear and geometric, they are softened and given distinction with decoration that emulates traditional style but is simpler in design and less ornate. Transitional style armoires, like a Home Styles computer armoire, are typically made of wood, with medium to dark finishes that are generally smooth or lustrous rather than distressed. Merging the bare essential feel of modern with the warmth of traditional, contemporary style tends to have geometric profiles, rectilinear shapes and angular lines softened by rounded corners, emphasizing function and comfort. Contemporary style computer armoires are typically made from lighter woods, with smooth or textured finishes. Country style computer armoires can share many of the same decorative details as traditional style furniture, but design and decoration are not as formal. Country computer armoires are characterized by a homey feel and appearance created by softly curved lines, milk-painted or whitewashed finishes in pastel or primary colors, warm wood finishes such as oak, maple or pine and decorative detail with a lighter touch.
Country style computer armoires are charming, rustic or casually sophisticated. Decorative detail can include beadboard insets, distressed finishes, scalloped aprons and skirts, turned legs and simple hardware, especially round drawer pulls made of wood. While country style uses many traditional style decorative accents such as moldings, scrolls and motifs, lines and curves are relaxed, resulting in furniture that is casual, unpretentious and inviting. A Mission style computer armoire possesses an ageless simplicity. Profiles are angular, lines clean and straight and decorative detail is very simple with no carved, embossed or engraved elements. Because Mission and Shaker styles resemble each other so closely, they are often used interchangeably, even thoughMission emerged around the early 1900s while Shaker first appeared during the 1700s. The most distinguishing feature of Mission style is its slatted wood detailing paired with a warm wood finish. It could be said of transitional style that it is traditional style simplified. It is blend of both traditional and contemporary designs and decorative elements. A transitional computer armoire has refined decoration, softly flowing lines and tapered table edges and legs. A popular finish for transitional furniture is espresso, while maple, mahogany and walnut are commonly used woods. Cymax has a great selection of computer armoires for every space. |