Ray Bohringer, CEO of Studio Vellari, has given his insights into the industry.
The origins of media and cinema seating are typically rooted in the evolution of entertainment spaces and the growing demand for comfortable, high-quality seating in home and commercial venues designed for viewing experiences. Studio Vellari as a brand started designing seats specifically for home media rooms and auditoriums. Over time, the brand evolved by integrating advanced ergonomics, premium materials, and technology such as automation, cup holders, and acoustic considerations, positioning themselves as experts in creating seating that enhances both comfort and the overall viewing experience.
Media and cinema seating enhance interior design projects by combining functional comfort with carefully considered aesthetics that complement the overall space. Well-designed seating contributes to the visual identity of a cinema room, home theatre, or media lounge through tailored materials, colours, stitching, and configurations that align with the wider design concept. These features allow designers to create environments that are both visually cohesive and highly practical, ensuring the space delivers a premium viewing experience while maintaining the desired interior style and atmosphere.
The media and cinema seating sector add significant value to the interior design industry by introducing a specialised category of furniture that combines comfort, technology, and spatial planning. Unlike standard seating, cinema seating is designed specifically for viewing environments, which allows designers to create immersive entertainment spaces such as home theatres, private screening rooms, and media lounges. This sector also supports bespoke design by offering custom finishes, configurations, and integrated features that align with a project’s aesthetic and functional requirements. As a result, it enables interior designers to deliver high-end, experiential spaces that enhance both the visual appeal and usability of entertainment-focused interiors.
Studio Vellari work closely with interior designers to ensure the seating integrates seamlessly with the overall concept and functionality of the space. This collaboration often begins at the planning stage, where we offer guidance on layout, sightlines, spacing, and optimal seating configurations to maximise comfort and viewing quality. Designers can then select from a range of materials, colours, finishes, and stitching options to match the aesthetic of the interior scheme. At Studio Vellari we also support designers with technical drawings, customisation options, and installation planning, ensuring the seating fits perfectly within the room’s architecture and design vision. Through this partnership, designers are able to deliver highly tailored cinema or media rooms that balance style, comfort, and performance.
One of the most significant highlights for the Studio Vellari over the past year has been the continued growth and recognition of our media and cinema seating within both residential and commercial projects, in particular the new ‘state of the art’ AV showroom in Harrods. By working closely with interior designers, architects, and developers, we have been able to deliver tailored seating solutions that elevate private home cinemas, media rooms, and entertainment spaces. This success has been driven by a focus on quality craftsmanship, customisation, and the ability to adapt seating designs to suit a wide range of interior styles.
One of the most noticeable trends in recent client requests is the growing demand for more luxurious and comfortable seating experiences. Clients are increasingly prioritising ergonomic recliners, deeper cushioning, and lounge-style seating that allows them to relax for longer viewing sessions. Features such as motorised reclining, adjustable headrests, and enhanced lumbar support are becoming standard expectations rather than optional upgrades, reflecting a broader shift toward comfort-led entertainment spaces.
Another key trend is the integration of technology within seating. Clients are now requesting features such as built-in USB charging, lighting, app-controlled recline functions, and even temperature control or massage functions.
Design flexibility and personalisation have also become increasingly important. Interior designers and homeowners often look for modular seating systems and hybrid layouts that combine traditional cinema recliners with sofas or chaise-style seating. This approach creates a more relaxed and social environment while still maintaining the performance benefits of tiered cinema seating.
Finally, there is a growing interest in premium materials and sustainable options. Clients are selecting high-quality leathers, velvets, and performance fabrics that provide both durability and a sophisticated finish.
Over the next year, the interior design industry is likely to continue moving toward spaces that prioritise comfort, individuality, and meaningful materials rather than purely aesthetic trends. Designers are increasingly focusing on creating interiors that feel lived-in and personal, where clients incorporate unique pieces, antiques, and handcrafted elements that tell a story.
Technology will also play an increasingly important role, but in a more integrated and subtle way. Smart home features—such as automated lighting, climate control, and responsive environments—are being designed to blend seamlessly into furniture and architectural elements rather than stand out as visible gadgets. This shift reflects a broader trend toward homes that are not only beautiful but also highly functional and adaptable to modern lifestyles.
Overall, the industry is evolving toward more experiential and personalised environments where comfort, sustainability, and technology work together. For designers and manufacturers alike, this means creating solutions that combine aesthetics with performance, allowing spaces such as media rooms, entertainment areas, and home cinemas to become central features of modern interior design.
We are particularly excited about developing new cinema and media seating solutions that respond to the growing demand for highly personalised entertainment spaces. As home cinemas and media rooms become more integrated into modern homes, we are focusing on expanding our range of customisable seating options, including new materials, finishes, and configurations that allow designers to fully align the seating with the overall interior scheme. This approach gives interior designers greater flexibility to create spaces that feel both luxurious and cohesive.
Being an accredited Industry Partner of SBID represents an important recognition of our commitment to quality, professionalism, and collaboration within the interior design community. It demonstrates that we share the organisation’s values of high standards, ethical practice, and innovation in the design industry. For us, it is also a way of reinforcing trust with interior designers, architects, and clients who rely on specialist suppliers to deliver products that meet both aesthetic and technical expectations.
The partnership also allows us to engage more closely with the wider design community, stay connected to industry developments, and support designers in delivering exceptional projects. As a specialist provider of media and cinema seating, being part of SBID helps position our brand within a respected professional network and highlights our dedication to supporting designers with high-quality, tailored solutions for entertainment and media spaces.
About Studio Vellari
At Studio Vellari, we specialise in crafting exceptional interior environments with a distinct focus on private cinemas and media rooms. Drawing on extensive experience delivering some of the world’s most exclusive residential cinema spaces, we design bespoke seating solutions tailored to each client’s vision and lifestyle. Our approach blends refined aesthetics with advanced functionality, ensuring every piece enhances both comfort and performance. From concept to completion, we curate finely crafted furnishings that embody timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail. The result is immersive, sophisticated interiors that elevate home entertainment into a truly luxurious and personalised experience.
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At Studio Vellari, we believe that exceptional interior design is not only seen — it is felt. Specialising in bespoke private cinemas and refined residential interiors, our studio focuses on creating immersive environments that balance technical precision with contemporary elegance.
Founded on the principle that luxury lies in detail, Studio Vellari brings together spatial planning expertise, material sensitivity, and cinematic technology integration to craft environments that are both visually striking and experientially powerful. Each project is approached holistically, ensuring that acoustics, lighting, ergonomics, and aesthetics work seamlessly together.
Private cinemas have evolved far beyond dark rooms with large screens. Today’s clients seek multi-functional spaces that reflect their lifestyle while delivering a true cinematic experience. At Studio Vellari, our design approach begins with understanding how the space will be used — from intimate family screenings to large social meetings.
We carefully curate layered lighting schemes, incorporating concealed LED detailing, feature wall treatments, and sculptural elements to create atmosphere and depth. Acoustic wall panelling and bespoke joinery are designed not only for performance but also to enhance the architectural character of the room.
Material selection plays a critical role. We favour natural textures, matte finishes, and rich tonal palettes that elevate comfort while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. The result is a space that feels sophisticated yet inviting — where technology is seamlessly integrated rather than visually dominant.
While cinema rooms are a core specialism, our broader residential portfolio includes contemporary apartments and private homes designed with a minimalist, modern sensibility. Clean architectural lines are softened with warm, tactile materials, creating balanced interiors that prioritise both function and atmosphere.
Our process is collaborative and detail-driven. From initial concept development through to technical drawings and final styling, we work closely with clients and contractors to ensure that the design vision is executed with precision.
As the demand for experiential home environments continues to grow, Studio Vellari remains committed to pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a disciplined, architectural approach to design. Our goal is simple: to create spaces that enhance the way people live, entertain, and connect.
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