Where Does Jaymar Home Theater Seating Fit Into the Equation?

Jaymar Furniture are a Canadian manufacturer based out of Terrebonne, Quebec. They are a premium custom furniture manufacturer that were recently acquired by Group Bermex.

Jaymar makes contemporary furniture and is known for its wide selection of seats in the home theater category. The one seat in this group that has gained notoriety is the Jaymar 262 model...or Bass Celebrity model as it was known in the US under the marketing of Bass Industries. This seat is a industry success for a few reasons:

• clean contemporary lines - not too modern
• availability of premium Italian leathers
• tilt-out cup holders that reveal a hidden place holder for your drink

Product ordered from Jaymar is custom made to order and takes 6-7 weeks to deliver. The quality is exceptionally good and leather source is of a very high standard. Other popular models from Jaymar home theater seating are the Panther, Model 57334 and Model 59121.

3 Questions You Won't Ask When Buying Home Theater Seating Furniture

Navigating through the minefield of websites and furniture providers when looking for theater seating furniture can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to consider when looking at different seating options that are often overlooked:

• Who will be using the furniture? This is important because the material covering this furniture can be sensitive. If you will have pets or small children on your furniture then go for microfiber. The microfibers are the most durable and easy to clean. Leather is nice to the touch but needs to be maintained and cared for. It scuffs easily and is very porous and susceptible to liquids. Water can even stain a natural leather.
• How tall is the tallest person who will be using the seating? If you have someone that is over 6 foot tall you will need to be accommodating in the seat selection. Not all seats have a tall seat back. Some are too short period! Make sure that your seat back is at least 40 inches and preferably between 40-43 inches.
• How comprehensive is the seat warranty? The warranty is a testament to the quality of the seats. Manufacturers who believe in their products will put a comprehensive warranty behind them. That should include at least 5 years on the frame and reclining mechanism. Those are the two most important parts of the chair equation.

These questions should be asked to every retailer and buyer to make the most out of your next theater room furniture purchase.

Bring the Box Office Home

The Berkline 45032 Academy home theater seating was designed with your comfort in mind every step of the way. This small scale theater seating is meant to give the user a true cinematic experience. All you need is the movie and popcorn and you are all set.

The seat is designed on a smaller scale like the Berkline Tangiers and works where space is at a premium. The major difference to the Tangiers being the fact that one can custom order the seats in many materials and colors and, the inclusion of ambient base lighting and lighted cup holders. The lighting gives the home theater room a true theater appearance and on this model the lights are controlled from the inside arm. Lighted cup holders can only be included on the power version of the seat.

A major styling difference is the chaise style foot rest - the most popular type for theater seating. Chaise style is when there is no gap between the seat and the foot rest. This provides continuous leg support. Another styling difference is the lower seat back panel, which is solid in the Academy and split into two panels in the Tangiers.

The Biggest Selling Theater Seat in 2010

In the home theater furniture world, there have been a number of new introductions in 2010. One of the blockbuster arrivals to theater seating this year is the Magnolia home theater seat. It incorporates some of the best features from other top sellers and includes them all in one great design.

The primary feature additions to this seat are the higher seat back and the hidden storage in the arm rests. The storage compartments exist in all arms and provide the perfect location for one's remote controls and tv guides. The design of these storage compartments addresses serious flaws in other models designs like the lack of sufficient support on the hinge that opens holds the storage lid. In the Magnolia this is double-hinged and provides years of safe use without any warping or movement to the hinge mechanism that might not result in the lid closing properly.

Another important features that was addressed is the higher seat back to 44 inches that seems to have always been a missing ingredient to some predecessors. This gives the right amount of upper back and neck support to anyone who needs it.

The seat is available in black and brown on quick ship and in hundreds of different colors through custom order in either leather, leather match, bonded leather or fabrics.

Prices for black and brown are $649 in manual and $749 in power recline.

Headliner Takes the Show

In the realm of home theater seating, there are some great icons. Some have ruled for many years without challenge, others have climbed the ladder and represent great contenders for the crown. There are only a few...........and here is one of the contenders: Headliner Theater Seat

This giant home theater seat is relatively new to the home theater world but has made a big splash. Released in March 2010, this seat is available exclusively at Best Buy stores in their Magnolia home theater rooms and at Theater Seat Store.

Here are some of the characteristics that give this seat royal blood:

- Made in the USA
- Made by Berkline using their best of breed practices
- Made with proprietary Berkline mechanism which is superior to any other in design and mechanics in the home theater arena.
- Available in premium black or brown leather on quick ship.
- Offered with Berkline's top warranty - lifetime of frame, mechanism
- High seat back height so it fits all sizes

These pictures should say the rest......there's also a video on the product page for this seat on the site that covers some additional benefits to this model worth noting.

Berkline 45002 Apollo Large Home Theater Seat

This is my favorite Berkline home theater seat! I have widely been proclaiming its excellence now for about a year and the genesis of that opinion comes from the video that is attached here. Let me explain. This video is the Berkline 45002 taken at the International Furniture Market in North Carolina and this was the first time I got to see this seat in black leather.

The stock photos of this seat supplied by Berkline are in a blue leather and a brown 'leather looking' microfiber. Neither of these colors do this seat any justice and sitting in the seat is what really makes all the difference.

The seat uses a bucket-style seating concept found in sports cars where the center portion of the seat and seat back are recessed within a memory foam padded outer rim. On this model you can see that the memory foam rim is thick and this is what makes it so comfortable. The other factor with the 45002 is that it is a very large seat, in fact, I believe the largest dimensionally that Berkline make, or very close to it. For tall people this is the seat you want to own. It is so comfortable and supportive that you would buy it if you had a chance to sit in it when compared to some of the other major models in the Berkline line.

It compares best to the Berkline 45099 if you are looking for something of similar size and comfort. I will post a short video review of that model in my next post.

Hopefully this video paints the picture......

Another New Introduction from Palliser Furniture

Palliser's design team seem very busy working on new models. We highlighted the Slade that will be released any day now and there's another new design, with a purpose, on the horizon.

This seat does not have a name yet - to my knowledge - but does include a huge missing feature that has long been requested from the Palliser home theater group. The hidden storage compartment is finally here. It has deep storage in a seat that includes a tufted seat back that is generous in height, around 43' to 44' inches would be my guess.
Enjoy a few sneak previews of this seat taken at the Spring Market.

Palliser Introduces the Slade

Palliser has introduced a new model aimed at capitalizing on the success of the Berkline Tangiers theater seat. The Tangiers or Berkline 13175, as it is better known, is a space saver which is made by Berkline in their offshore factory. The excellent lower lumbar support and economical design catapulted this seat into home theater stardom.

The Slade follows the same concept in that the sacrifice to size comes not in the interior seat width, but in the size of the arm rests which are reduced by a few inches from the norm. When you add this up over 3 or 4 arm rests making up a seating row, it has an impact.

The Slade includes an option with contrast stitching and comes fully customizable in many different material types. Select power or manual recline options and enjoy stainless steel cup holders to match darker colors like black and gray, or antique bronze for some of the lighter options. These pictures tell the story pretty well and the pricing is expected to be similar to the Palliser Pacifico.

The Palliser Rhumba - Ultimate Comfort

The Palliser Rhumba is one of the most comfortable theater seats on the market at the moment. There are few chairs that make the grade like this one with soft memory foam padding along the outer rims of the seat creating a bucket style seating arrangement.

The seat is made in Canada by Palliser Furniture and comes with an industry leading warranty - lifetime on the frame and reclining mechanism and 5 years on the leather. With this kind of warranty - which is industry leading across all brands including the big ones like Lane and Ashley Furniture - you cannot go wrong. Let these pictures do the talking.....

Why Choose a 45012 box office Recliner Home Theater Seat

If you have been saving for a while to build out the perfect home theater room, one of the essential ingredients will be the home theater seating. With so many choices, how do you make the right decision on the perfect chair? Look no further than a Berkline 45012 box office theater seat.

The Box Office Berkline 45012 is one of the newer and larger models now available from the most famous name in home theater furniture. Seats can be fully customized in straight or curved rows, as well as loveseats. There are a multitude of colors and materials to choose from. There are six different, luxurious upholstery fabrics. There are also a number of leather grades and types, including faux (manufactured) leather, bonded leather as well as soft microfibers and fabrics.

These theater seats offer an extremely wide interior seat width. The extensive padding throughout the seats, armrests and headrests are designed to ensure maximum comfort. These recliners are completely custom built to you get exactly what you are looking for.

Why Leather should not be the only option in Home Theater Seating

Most people looking for home theater seating are surprised to hear that there are options available in fabric or synthetic leather. The dominance of black leather in home theater has obviously had its impact. There are other options!! Many of them look even better than leather - and I have been in this business for 4 years now so I have seen a lot of leather. Every once and I while I get to see a seat that proves my case and point. So enough said. Here it is. The Berkline 45035 Embassy. This is a brown leather looking microfiber that took my breath away.

This seat has the beautiful tufted seat back and sides and also lighted baserails and cup holders. The other valuable feature here is the arm rests that slide back and forth to hide the cup holder.

This combination was a real winner and a must for anyone considering not going with leather.

Furniture Market 2010 - New Berkline Theater Seating

Twice a year the furniture world convenes in High Point NC for the largest furniture market in the western hemisphere. Here all the top brands display latest additions to their lines and showcase many new and existing models. This year Berkline introduced some exciting new home theater models, as well as some transitional home theater features in existing models....if that sounds confusing, I will get into detail a little further down.

Anyway, on the new options, there are two other models with a tray table and storage - the Berkline 12011 and the Berkline 45038. The 12011 is similar to the Reno but has a triple split seat back with a more contemporary look. For instance, the arm rests are more rounded where the Reno is straight. I will attach a short video.

On the sofa side, the success of the tray table and storage on home theater has made its way over to sofas. I saw at least 3 models that have both these features - maybe more. Another popular introduction is the flip-down center seat back on a sofa that now includes cup holders on the back of the seat back.

Palliser Leather Promo Chat

Bruce: Welcome to the TheaterSeatStore.com. How may I help you?
Max: hi - i am interested in the special you are having:http://www.theaterseatstore.com/palliser-power-special_2?sc=9&category=149
Max: i am interested in the pallisar flashback series
Max: set of 4 - curved configuration
Bruce: Ok...which model do you like from Palliser?
Max: can i get a price and estimated lead time from you?
Bruce: Ok. Do you know the material that you want on that?
Max: yes -according to your special
Max: is it the 5000 series for the 1000 series upgrade?
Max: i would be interested in the bronco sunset
Bruce: Do you want the power special or the leather special...they cannot be combined
Max: i would like the manual
Max: and take the leather upgrade
Bruce: Please let me look into that for you. It should only take a moment.
Max: thanks
Bruce: that is the most beautiful leather I have seen in a long time - good choice!
Bruce: The promotional price with free shipping is $3465
Bruce: The regular price is $4590 so that is an $1125 savings
Max: can u tell me how that breaks down with what options?
Max: also - what is lead time?
Bruce: It is the price for a row of 4 seats in a curved configuration and the lead time is 6 weeks from order date to delivery.
Max: do u offer any white glove delivery service?
Bruce: Yes. It is an additional $150 on the total order and our service is a premium white glove service where our shippers will bring it to the room of choice, set it up, remove packaging and take that with them.
Max: gotcha - thank you bruce - you have been very helpful
Max: i am getting ready to purchase in the next couple of days
Bruce: Ok. Please call me directly if you have any questions at 888-602-7328 ext 711
Max: last question - i have been shopping and have seen the pallisar flashback with grade 1 leather (obviously -not as nice as what you are offering) - for as low as $2600 - is that the best price you can offer?
Max: absolutely - i am notating it down now
Bruce: There is a very large difference between a grade 1000 and grade 5000 leather - the 5000 is a premium top grain natural leather - but let me check on that price for the grade 1000....
Max: thanks
Bruce: We normally sell the grade 1000 at $2880.
Max: so question for u: according to your ad - you say:
Max: We are able to offer Leather Level 1000 Pricing on two of Palliser's premium Grade 5000 hides, the BRONCO and CAYMAN series. Both are buttery soft semi-aniline leathers. This is a FREE 4 Grade Upgrade and is only valid while stocks last. This is a once a year event so don't miss out on this GREAT DEAL!!
Max: why is the price $3495 and not the $2880?
Bruce: because the Cayman and Bronco leathers are only available in a full leather seat whereas the grade 1000 price i quoted was for a leather match seat - where there is leather on all the seating surfaces and a perfect synthetic match on the back and lower exterior sides
Max: i appreciate all of your info and time bruce
Max: i will call you in the next couple of days and see what we can work out
Bruce: Thanks Max...please call me if you have any further questions
Bruce: Thank you for visiting Theaterseatstore.com. Please do not hesitate to contact us again through the online chat feature or by phone at (888) 602-SEAT if you have any further questions or comments. Have a great day.

Great Chat on Customer Wanting Large Theater Seat

Bruce: Welcome to the TheaterSeatStore.com. How may I help you?
Bruce: Hi John
John: Hi Bruce...How are you today?
Bruce: Excellent thank you. And you?
John: It's Monday...but atleast work is over :o)
Bruce: That sounds good. How can I help?
John: I'm looking for some advice/guidance on some home theater seating. I've done lots of research and I've come to the conclusion that I want the Berklines but not sure what model.
Bruce: I can definitely help you with that and you have made the right decision so far...
Bruce: Let me ask you a few questions first
John: sure thing
Bruce: and then I can recommend some good models
Bruce: How many seats do you want in a row and what dimensions can that row be at a maximum?
John: I am wanting two rows of 4 for a total of 8 seats.
John: give me two seconds and I'll give you a maximum total width
Bruce: Ok
Bruce: Take your time
John: need to bring up my drawing
John: The room is 18' wide and I believe I was wanting to leave a minimum of 30" on either side to walk which leaves a total maximum width of 156"
John: I am leaving 70" per row to account for full reclining
Bruce: Ok. That should not be a problem both on width and depth - most fully reclined seats are in the 64'68' range. Let me look at a few options quickly.......
John: ok...
Bruce: Last 2 questions.....
John: ok
Bruce: What material color is your preference and do you want a straight or curved row?
John: black in color and straight in configuration
Bruce: excellent....here are my suggestions
Bruce: the Berkline Reno is my top choice and the best seat on the market for the money and features at the moment
Bruce: let me send you a link
Bruce: Berkline Reno
John: ok
Bruce: This is an over-sized large theater seat that has a 4 seat straight width of 136.5
Bruce: We have this seat only in a premium black top grain leather - as shown
Bruce: with power recline and free expedited shipping for $649/seat
Bruce: there are no taxes outside Colorado and Florida where we have operations
Bruce: back to the seats....the Reno was introduced to the market in October and has been sold out right up until about 2 months ago
Bruce: the seat has in arm storage
Bruce: a free tray table
Bruce: and a chaise style foot rest...that provides great leg support and excellent styling
John: What level of leather does this come in? It states premium leather.
John: I believe typically Berkline lists 4 grades of levels
Bruce: It is a grade 3 classification according to Berkline
John: ok
Bruce: We rarely recommend the highest grades because they are very sensitive
Bruce: and scratch and scuff very easily
John: grade 3 is a good choice then?
Bruce: it is the perfect blend between durability and softness
John: I see you could also install the Buttkicker in these chairs
John: How is that installed?
Bruce: Yes.
John: I will have two outlets under each chair and I haven't decided yet if it's worth getting that option
Bruce: It is installed to the frame of the seat just below the reclining mechanism
Bruce: I think it is.....
Bruce: it is fun and very interactive and relatively inexpensive - about $178/seat extra
Bruce: you can also add them to select chairs in the row
Bruce: How tall is the average person who will be using these seats?
John: is there anything to hook up to the unit from the theater system?
Bruce: Yes...there is a wireless/wired amp kit which connects to up to 4 buttkickers available for under $500
John: My family is tall...I am 6'4", wife is 6'0" and both sides of the family are 6' or taller. I also have a question about the firmness of the Reno
Bruce: Ok..so the Reno is perfect because the back height is at the top end of the scale....
John: How firm is the seat and back of the Reno? I was looking for something firm yet soft (similar to a feather or pillow top mattress that gives you extra cushiness on top a firm mattress)
John: I also am looking for something with nice lower back support
Bruce: The seat back has a medium density padding in the Reno and is overpadded when compared to other models. You can see it in the picture - Berkline have added extra padding to the seat back for additional comfort
Bruce: The lower back panel also provides great back support - this has a two-way split panel for that exact reason
Bruce: The chaise style footrest on this model also assists with lower back support by providing continuous support on the legs
Bruce: That assists the lower back too
Bruce: Traditional recliners have a split foot rest
John: If I can, I have a couple comparison questions on a couple of other models that I would like your input.
Bruce: Sure
John: How would you compare the Reno to the Tangiers?
Bruce: The same leather on both but the Tangiers is a space saver and as a result is not as wide or tall as the Reno
Bruce: The foot rest is also traditional not chaise style
Bruce: There is also no storage in the arm rests
Bruce: or tray tables
John: ok
John: How would you compare it to the larger Apollo?
Bruce: The Tangiers is a great choice if you have space restrictions
Bruce: The Apollo is the largest of the Berkline seats and the most comfortable by far
Bruce: It has a power head rest and a memory foam ribbing around the seat that gives it a bucket type seating feel
Bruce: It is a huge seat and wonderful to sit in but is custom manufacturered to each order and is significantly more expensive on an apples for apples basis compared to the Reno
Bruce: About 80% more when you match features
Bruce: sorry - 60%-80%
John: I noticed it was more...:o)
John: What's your opinion of the Palladium?
Bruce: It is a space saver like the Tangiers with a regular foot rest - after the Tangiers, this is the next best space saving option - back height is a little lower than the Tangiers too
Bruce: The Imperial is like the Appollo but more contemporary in design
Bruce: another beautiful large seat
John: can you send me the link for that one so I can take a look?
Bruce: Sure....
John: The Box Office looks pretty large too.
Bruce: Berkline 45014 Imperial
Bruce: The Box Office is exactly the same seat as the Appollo but with no power head rest
John: So is the $649/seat the 50% off price
Bruce: Yes
John: I was reviewing Berklines Home Theater seating site and I couldn't locate the Reno. I assume it's listed on their site somewhere?
Bruce: No...they do not list any of the models that they make in their offshore facility on their site because they only make those models available to select dealers
John: oh...so the models listed are the only ones made in the US?
Bruce: Correct
John: I didn't know that.
Bruce: Yes. Same quality, same warranty...just only produced in certain colors
John: ok...well the reason I was looking for it is to look at all the options available on the RENO. Is it strictly power reclining and the buttkicker options?
Bruce: Yes. Those are the only 2 options available for that model. When you choose a custom model, you get much more
John: what is classified as a custom model?
Bruce: Anything on Berkline's site....these are models made to order
John: Have you sat in any of these chairs?
Bruce: I sit in them all on a regular basis and sat in most of them about 2 months ago at the furniture market
John: lucky you :o) The problem is we don't have any Berkline dealers near by in Indy. I think I've narrowed it down to the Reno and the Box Office. Which would you opt for since the prices are comparable and can you get the Box Office in the Black leather?
Bruce: The box office is definitely more money with the same leather and power - the value verse feature buy is the Reno. The comfort buy is the box office...it really is the most comfortable of any seat I have ever sat in....
Bruce: Do you want to see a great picture of it in black leather that I took at the furniture market 2 months ago?
Bruce: The Box Office?
John: sure
Bruce: I am going to email it to the email you included at the start of the chat right now......
John: ok
John: So have you ever tried out a recliner with the buttkicker? I'm going to have a pretty high end system with a 1000 W sub and some other serious speakers and I'm trying to determine if it's worth it.
John: no email yet
Bruce: Ok...check now
Bruce: Yes..I have experienced the buttkicker and with a sub-woofer of that size, I would not recommend it. The experience is slightly better with a buttkicker but totally sufficient with your set up.
John: nice seats!
Bruce: The pictures on the site just dont do it justice........
John: What is the total dimension on the Box Office with 4 chairs
Bruce: Please let me look into that for you. It should only take a moment.
John: ok
Bruce: 148.5'
Bruce: 70' fully reclined depth though!
John: ok can you get them in the same black grade 3 leather?
Bruce: Yes
John: what do I need to do to get a price? I'd like a quote on the Reno and Box Office...both grade 3 leather, power recline and add the lighted cup holder on the Box Office?
Bruce: The delivered price is $1125/seat with power recline....add $20/seat for power so $1145/seat with free expedited shipping
John: for the Box Office?
Bruce: That is $9160 for all and there is no tax charged - yes - that is the Box Office in the same grade of leather
John: ok...and for the Reno
Bruce: The Reno is $649/seat and $5192 delivered
Bruce: We only charge tax in CO or FL
John: ok...I see what you mean on the price
Bruce: I know...it's often the deal breaker - the value on the Reno because we buy such large quantities is so much better
John: The Reno has some good reviews on your site...actually all the Berkline's do
John: ahh
Bruce: Berkline is the US market leader
John: looks like delivery is 2-3weeks out
Bruce: on the Reno - yes
John: is the delivery considered white glove delivery?
Bruce: Its not but would you want white glove?
Bruce: It delays delivery by one week because we have to ship it via a speciality carrier
John: do the cup holders come in different material/color? Does your regular deliver basically get it inside the door?
Bruce: The cup holders on the Reno only come in the color shown....
Bruce: the regular delivery is threshold to your front door
John: ok...what is the cost for white glove?
Bruce: Its a $100 extra on the total order and they will bring it in your home, set it up and remove all packaging - all you have to do is open the door when they arrive and close it when they leave
John: ok...I need to get my wife's take but I believe I am sold on the Reno. Should call to place an order and is there a way I give your name to ensure you get credit for the sale (or can I ask for you?)?
Bruce: Sure. My direct extension and number is 888-602-7328 ext XXX......will you be calling this evening?
John: It will probably be tomorrow but I'll email this chat to my email so I have it. I really appreciate the time you spent answering all my questions.
John: For me it was time well spent since I don't have a local store
Bruce: Ok. Look forward to it John. Please call me if you have any questions at all.
John: Will do Bruce. You have a great evening!!
Bruce: Thank you for visiting Theaterseatstore.com. Please do not hesitate to contact us again through the online chat feature or by phone at (888) 602-SEAT if you have any further questions or comments. Have a great day.

Proud to Announce that Palliser is Back!!

TheaterSeatStore.com is happy to announce that the famous Palliser home theater seating brand is back on our site. Technically, it never left, it was just marketed under the name Kiira Designs and the product line was reduced dramatically to only 6 theater seating models. Now it is back in full force - over 13 different models and 15 sectionals. The change comes about as a further revision to Palliser's internet policy which allows online retailers who have large sales volumes in their products to sell them under the Palliser name.

Peter Goldstein, VP of Sales at TheaterSeatStore.com, says "this is a great brand and a worthy competitor of Berkline here in the US market. We are very happy to able to provide our customers with a diversity of products to choose from with premium quality furniture like Palliser".

To 'Chaise, or not to Chaise' - that is the question

Chaise style seating...whats all the hype about??? Why is every home theater seat these days available with the chaise style footrest and is it worth considering? Supporters will tell you that is provides extra leg support below the knee which compliments healthy lower back living. Proponents against chaise style theater seating will tell you that after the leather that connects the seat to the footrest stretches a few hundred times during normal wear and tear, it changes texture and shape permanently. The answer is simple - the proponents against are correct when it comes to seats with poor quality leather materials. Good quality leathers will absorb the oils and moisture from our environment and become supple yet durable without the fine lines and cracks often found in cheaper leathers.

So what is the moral of this short home theater furniture story? If you are going to 'chaise', make sure you don't skimp on the leather quality. Cheap theater seating needs to be reserved for the more traditional type seats.

Leather Quality on Home Theater Seating

Buzzwords you may hear when shopping for leather recliners are "top grain" or "full grain". These terms describe the type and condition of the hide. Top grain leather simply means it is the outer most part of the hide, and that it is not a split or under part which has less strength and durability. When the processing is started the top of the leather is sheared from the hide leaving a split. A split is good for a back or side, not a place where you will sit as the hide will stretch and lose its shape. A full grain hide is left with all its natural characteristics and markings in the processing stages. You will see a variety of grains from small to very heavy and this is ok. This shows that you are getting a genuine, minimally processed hide with natural markings. You will see many types of grain patterns and can determine which fits your preference. The majority of the leather sold on the market has been buffed to eliminate heavy grain or imperfections and give a smooth uniform appearance and feel. Some hides are embossed with a simulated grain to give a very uniform look. Nevertheless, these are all good, long lasting alternatives to fabric and micro fibers. For those who suffer from allergies, the dust that collects in conventional fabrics can easily be kept in check with leather.

Remember that leather is a natural product so it is never perfect. It is the lack of this perfection and the uniqueness that defines leather and makes it so desirable. Lines or scars and various grain textures are all normal characteristics of genuine leather. The more expensive and natural, the more this rings true. Leather needs to be cared for. If properly cared for, it will improve in look and feel as it ages. Some important tips on caring for leather are as follows...beware of ultraviolet rays that can dry, crack and fade just about anything and leather is no exception. Most leather furniture retailers also sell conditioners with UV protection. Take these simple precautions and enjoy the long life that leather provides to your home theater seats.

3 Most Important Features for Theater Seating

If you are buying theater seats and have decided on a style/brand, there are 3 important factors that need to be considered that will make the final decision. They are as follows:

Material
Color
Power Recline

The material is critical and after the style is without a doubt the biggest influence over the whole experience. Leather quality is determined by the portion of the hide that the leather is taken from. The higher up or closer to the surface that the hide it cut, the softer the leather. Hence the term 'top grain' leather. This is taken from the top of the grain of leather. The most expensive leathers are taken from the top grain. So when you go up in grade, you can expect softness and a hefty price tag. It is the single biggest influence on the price once you have chosen the model.

Color is the next most important characteristic. Make sure that you request a swatch sample of the leather. The color on the web site may not always match the color on the web site. You have to live with these seats for a long time. Make sure that you like the color.

Power recline is my third most important option. This is often so overlooked and debated on various forums but it really makes a big difference in the overall home theater seating experience. Having the option to recline to all angles is valuable when you consider that we all have our perfect position. With manual you have 3 options. Why let the manufacturer decide which reclinig angle works best for me. It really does make all the difference.

Where does Coaster fit into the home theater seating equation

We often get asked about Coaster and how their seats shape up against Berkline and Palliser (now Kiira Designs). Well, here are my thoughts as briefly as I can convey them without putting anyone to sleep. Buy Berkline!!! No, jokes aside, Coaster is a value buy that offers excellent pricing and average to good quality for the money. Of course the area where the savings comes is in the warranty. Coaster only offers a one year warranty where Berkline and the others are generally in the 3-5 year category. Berkline has a life-time warranty on the frame. My suggestion in the Coaster line-up would be the Showtime. It gets the bulk of the consumer interest and has good back height - a feature that is very important and overlooked. Of course, the major benefit of Coaster is the in stock nature of the merchandise....large volumes of all models are generally kept in stock at 6 or more warehouses.

Top 5 Most Popular Home Theater Seats

Top Five Most Popular Home Theater Seats

Berkline 090

This is one of the first models Berkline designed and has been considered the “standard” to which all other theater recliners are compared against. The theater recliner provides a classic look that stands the test of time with clean lines and elegant flair. The design is versatile in that it can blend well in most home theater and media room decors – from the traditional, the contemporary, and the classic and other styles. The theater seat was built to fit most sizes, with a 41 inch back height and a 25 inch seat width. Whether the customer is 6”2 or 5”2, this theater leather recliner provides optimum comfort and design. The theater seat boasts Berkline’s Wallaway Design, which allows it to be placed inches away from a wall and still fully reclines. The footrest is a ChaiseLounger that provides continuous, head to toe support when reclined. Other options include lighted cup holders, a power recline mechanism to effortlessly recline to any position, and the Buttkicker – a silent subwoofer factory installed in the seat that allows viewers to feel powerful bass to create the feeling of actually being “in the movie”. Berkline offers an endless selection of smooth buttery leathers and a rainbow array of premium microfibers. The theater leather recliner can be designed in straight or curved configurations, with or without middle arms to create that perfect fit or design the customer is truly looking for. An additional feature this model provides is the “seat and a half” – a whopping 35 inch seat width which can be used as a loveseat between seating configurations.

Berkline 099

With comfort, quality and design as the top three criteria consumers shop for it is no wonder the Berkline 099 has made it to the number two spot on our list. This movie theater leather recliner boasts a 44.5 inch back height which means even the tallest customer will have full head support while watching his favorite flick. A generous 26 inch seat width will ensure there is more than adequate space to find the perfect spot for complete relaxation. This chair offers an optional “spill proof” wood burl trim around the cup holders that provides an elegant finishing touch. As with all Berkline movie theater recliners, it also comes with the Wallaway design, ComfortRest continuous leg support, optional motorized recline, lighted cup holders and Buttkicker. This seat has a beautiful classic design that will stand the test of time.

Palliser Sequelle

As one of the top names in theater seating, Kiira Designs takes our number three spot. This Canadian manufacturer is known for their attention to quality and detail and has designed a portfolio of theater seats with a contemporary flair. The Majestic is artfully designed utilizing tailored lines and a 43 inch back height for complete headrest comfort and a Chaise style footrest for continuous leg support. As with all of the Palliser models you have a choice between an endless array of smooth leathers and fabrics and a palette of colors to meet the strictest standards of any designer needs. The Sequelle offers a choice between antique bronze and stainless steel cup holders, and multiple wood finishes for the legs of the theater recliner. Motorized recline is also an option to effortlessly recline to your favorite position. The seats can be configured in both straight and curved configurations, as well as loveseat and sofa combinations.

Berkline 45002

This is one of Berkline’s newest additions and in my opinion, the most comfortable theater seat I have ever sat in. This seat comes standard with both a motorized recline and a motorized articulating headrest. This seat was constructed with ultimate comfort in mind: with a 45 inch back height and 26.5 inch seat width, this is Berkline’s biggest seat that will provide the most comfortable seating you can experience. The seat has a boxed stitching design that envelops the customer in the seat. The articulating headrest will prop your head up to reach your optimal viewing position even in a fully recline position. The seat cushion is a CMAX chaise which is an innovative construction of foam and fiber layers that provides continuous, head to toe support when reclined. Buttery leathers, endless microfibers and all the other Berkline features make this one of the highest quality seats on the market.

Vanguard Sofia

For those customers who require the best quality seating for the most economical price and readily available for immediate shipment, the Vanguard Sofia stands by itself. This seat is offered as part of Theater Seat Store’s signature Quick Ship program and offers the best in quality and design at unbeatable pricing. For under $1,250 you get a row of three seats delivered to your door (available in rows of two or more). With top grain leather on all seating surfaces in either black, brown or burgundy and the famous Leggett and Platt manual reclining mechanism this seat is one of the best values for the money.

Celebrity Lounger

For those customers with discriminating taste, the Celebrity Lounger takes first prize. Draped in either Italian leather, top of the line suede’s or COM (customer own material), full lumbar support and an award winning design, this chair offers the highest level of comfort. Customers can choose to have custom fitted tilt out wooden cup holders in the front of the chair stained with their own custom finish. This chair looks beautiful in either a dedicated theater room or in a living room due to its classy style and wooden finishes.