When you're considering a whole-home audio system, you might want to consider speakers that can be flush mounted in your walls or ceiling.
In-wall speakers are appealing to many homeowners because they greatly increase the neatness of your installation, and give you that cool, custom look. Just imagine - no outlets, no exposed wires, no ungainly speakers to put on stands or bookshelves. Definitely a great way to go!
In-wall speakers, like conventional models, come in all sizes and shapes, but you should look for a few specifics:
- Check the speaker size: Make sure that whatever speakers you choose are going to fit in your walls without major modifications. Most of the common, rectangular wall models are designed to fit between standard stud spacings (16 inches), but all the same, go ahead and check your walls ahead of time.
- Check the speaker depth: You probably don't want your in-wall speakers sticking out a few inches. Again, most in-wall designs take into account the average depth of your wall, but double-check before you start cutting holes.
- Think upward: The walls aren't the only place to stick a speaker - ceilings are appropriate locations as well, especially in locations where your audio system serves primarily as background music. In those situations, you won't be quite as concerned about having some geometrically perfect speaker arrangement that allows you every nuance of the stereo music experience. If keeping your sound out of sight is a priority, you can even find round, in-ceiling speakers that look just like light fixtures.
- Listen to them: Unlike standard models, in-wall speakers require a commitment - namely a big hole in your wall. Always listen to your speakers in a reputable stereo store before you take the leap.
- Check out the speaker grill's design: Many models have paintable grills, so you can make them match the walls around them - or make them stand out if you like that kind of design statement. Most speaker grills are innocuous and some even claim to be invisible when installed.
If you really want to hide your speakers, check out the speakers sold by Gekko, at ArtGekko.com. These very thin speakers hang on the wall, like a picture. You can even outfit them with digitally printed artwork!
