Once dominant as the home of the television and components, the latest victim of technology is the armoire. No longer bulky and awkward, flatscreen TVs are minimal, attractive and a status symbol. People put them in full view for all the reasons just mentioned.

The name, armoire, (ar·moire) (ärm-wär) derives from their original use for storing arms. As the story goes, when the French changed tax code and started taxing by the number of rooms, closet walls were removed. The armoire replaced the closet for wardrobe and linen storage. In the beginning, the armoire was designed by André-Charles Boulle, a cabinetmaker, as a tall cupboard or wardrobe and was sometimes made in two stages, the upper compartment containing numerous small drawers.

At first designers and furniture manufacturers resisted replacing the venerable armoire but inventive types quickly introduced cabinets with pop-up mechanisms and storage for components.

Some clients are comfortable with placing the flatscreen directly on a buffet or console. They continue to use the buffet for storage of related components and other items. With less clutter and the development of streaming technology, customers no longer have stacks of CDs, DVDs and the accompanying equipment.

Many consumers prefer to wall mount televisions and they could choose to frame them as an alternative using moulding found at frame shops. You can enter a search for ‘frames for flatscreen TV’s’ for more information. For my clients I have interpreted ‘frame’ as a unified art arrangement on either side and/or above the flat screen. I like the balance this provides on the wall and it also reduces the starkness of the black screen.

An even more sophisticated approach is the one from Media Decor http://www.mediadecor.com. This is a description from their website: “Media Décor Moving Art provides a silent motorized solution to concealing displays. These innovative units are all powered by Lutron drive units. The QC Elite series employs a magnetic roller system to ensure silent and smooth operation.”

And what do you do with that armoire? Some are now outfitted as a bar complete with a small refrigerator and wine cooler. Others are returned to their original purpose as storage for clothing and/or linen.