Proper cable management can make a simple installation look impressive or a high-end system look cheap. Here is some furniture that brings a touch of class to your AV.

It may seem obvious to some, but a lot of so-called ‘entertainment furniture’ doesn’t offer adequate cable management.

People can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a custom installation, but if the cable management isn’t right, it can make the installation appear cheap.

But several manufacturers are producing furniture that offers a neat, classy finishing touch for any installation – without breaking the bank.

Avrak Australia has responded to market demand for high-quality racking systems that can be easily integrated into living rooms and are perfect for renters.

Unlike many AV racks, which are simply commercial racks adapted for home use, Avrak racking systems are designed for home use and also rotate for easy access to cabling at the rear of your components.

Developed with cable management and media storage in mind, all models have the essential features of home entertainment furniture.

“These are the first consumer component racking systems that enable easy access at a reasonable cost,” director Robert Remin says.

The stands are made from black aluminium for vertical rails, 18-gauge steel brackets for track systems and a variety of timber veneers.

“We are designing and manufacturing these systems in Sydney to ensure a high-quality product suited to the Australian style and market, in particular the popular plasma stand, which has a sleek, trendy square-edged finish and can be custom designed.”

Two of the systems, Avrak and Avtrak, are designed to be installed in a cabinet or enclosure. They can also be custom built to fit an existing cabinet.

The free-standing model, Avstand, allows you to begin installing components the moment you have taken them out of the box.

All Avrak racking systems are delivered fully assembled, complete with all required hardware and detailed instructions for installation.

For those who don’t have a lot of components, other companies offer slimline solutions that are also easy on the eye.

Sanus, distributed in Australia by the Home Theatre Group, offers an impressive range of mounts and TV stands that seamlessly integrate into the modern living room.

The Sanus Vertical Foundations VF5022 is an AV component system that mounts directly under a wall-mounted TV for a streamlined appearance. Specially designed brackets simplify installation by providing lateral and vertical adjustment, even after hanging. A cable management channel easily routes cabling behind the unit.

The VF5022 includes two interchangeable back panels in black glass or mocha-finished wood to match any home decor. They are easily removed for access to wall outlets and surge protectors.

Two thick tempered-glass shelves support up to 34kg each and can be vertically adjusted to accommodate any AV component arrangement.

Alternatively, the Sanus Vertical Foundations VF2022 is a double-column AV component system that also mounts directly under wall-mounted TVs.

Each of its two columns features two integrated channels with more than 25cm² of space for easy power cable and signal wire routing.

Home Theatre Group managing director Peter Curley says conventional products with mesh backing allow cables to be seen running down the back.

“The Sanus cable management system means you will have a sleek, professional result.

“Our system separates cables to the left and right to isolate the power and ensure there is no interference. On each side of the stand is a plastic strip that comes apart to feed cables into.

“With Sanus furniture, custom installers have the ability to add to an installation. They love it because it helps to get around situations where they can’t run cables through the wall.”

The Vertical Foundations furniture comes with glass and wood panelling in the box, or installers can order custom panels made to fit.

Sanus, which is known for making AV mounts, isn’t the only bracket and mount manufacturer to try its hand at developing cable management furniture.

Following the US-based OmniMount’s practice of developing high-design and high-quality products, Moda Wall Shelf (MWS) is a flexible AV mounting and storage unit in the body of a stylish wall furniture piece.

Developed with adaptability in mind, this floating wall shelf can accommodate a slim digital light processing or flat panel display.

OmniMount Pro, the company’s commercial product line, is distributed in Australia by The Resource Corporation. OmniMount’s residential line is distributed by Convoy International.

Marketing vice-president Brett Stenhouse says consumers are becoming more innovative in the way they mount flat panels and display DLPs.

“And since we’re in the business of providing mounting solutions, we’re constantly developing new products with that in mind.”

Brett says the MWS system is a floating shelf that accommodates customers’ desire for an ‘out of the box’ mounting solution that exceeds expectations.

The MWS comes with a cable management kit and the wall shelving is perfect for housing small components, centre channels and soundbars. This allows the shelf and electronics to blend seamlessly into any decor.

For home-owners or renters who can’t mount a screen on a wall because of windows, or any other reason, the Pegasus coffee table lift from Ultralift Australia provides a novel approach to hidden installations.

The Pegasus, designed and manufactured in Melbourne to the highest industry standards, has many applications. If you don’t want your ceiling, wall or floor to be compromised by introducing a plasma screen into your room, the Pegasus is an ideal solution.

Discreetly installed into the table of your choice, the sleek, smooth and quiet Pegasus is supplied as a complete cartridge for the cabinet maker to build into the furniture. The Pegasus can be manufactured to support all screen sizes from 26” to 37”, and custom sizes are available on request.

Tailor-made to fit any LCD seamlessly, and coming complete with infra-red remote control, the Pegasus is available from $3,850 (including GST), for the cartridge.