When it comes to designing music systems for our luxury clients, many want their sound to be heard but not seen. That means no large black speakers or bulky AV equipment ruining their thoroughly thought out décor. For this reason, most of our whole house music installations include a variety of hidden speakers. They’re hidden in furniture, behind artwork or within walls and ceilings.

During our installations, we encounter a lot of questions from clients about the quality of these speakers and how they might impact their home. Below we answer some of the most common questions so Viejo, CA residents know all the facts about hidden speakers.  
SEE MORE: Hide the Speakers, Not the Sound

Can Speakers Be Hidden in Furniture?

One of the simplest solutions when it comes to hidden speakers is placing them into custom cabinets. Interior designers can recommend a variety of options that fit perfectly with your stylistic theme. It’s important, however, that you include your AV technicians in this decision. Whatever type of cabinetry you choose, it needs to be covered with an acoustic material that lets the sound from your speakers make it out loud and clear.

Are Architectural Speakers Really Invisible?

There are usually two varieties when it comes to architectural speakers that can be installed within the walls and ceilings. The more common kind has a small visible grill that can be painted to match the surroundings. If installed correctly, it should blend in easily with the rest of your décor. Some manufacturers do offer truly invisible speakers that are hidden behind a few millimeters of drywall. Even when music is playing, it is virtually impossible to tell where the speakers are.

Will Architectural Speakers Crack My Drywall?

Some people worry that the vibrations coming from in-ceiling speakers will damage the surrounding drywall. Speakers designed for in-wall use include rigid aluminum frames that keep reverberations from spreading beyond the speaker. The area that does move—called the diaphragm—is centered within the speaker to contain the vibrations further. So there is no need to worry about cracks in the drywall.

Can You Hear In-Wall Speakers in Other Rooms?

Another common question we get when it comes to in-ceiling and in-wall speakers is whether the sound will leak to the other side. While sound might be heard in other rooms at high volumes, there is no “leaking” of sound into other spaces. These speakers come with back boxes or enclosures that reduce rearward output by 20-30db.

How Can I Control My Hidden Speakers?

Hidden speakers are linked to your whole house music system so you can listen to your favorite artists anywhere in your house. An AV technician can take care of the necessary wiring so you can pull up your streaming services, CDs, digital libraries or even your vinyl records. From one device –a smart remote, dedicated touchpad, or mobile app—you can choose what you want to hear and adjust the volume.

Where Can I Use Architectural Speakers?

Architectural speakers offer wide dispersion, typically close to 180 degrees. This means that you not only get powerful sound, but you need fewer speakers to cover a given area. While they may not be ideal for high-performance audio setups, they're perfect for other occasions. By working with a professional AV technician, you can find the perfect layout for media rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and dedicated theaters.

If you want to find out how to bring a stylistic sound system into your luxury home, you can reach out to a local BRAVAS partner. They will find the ideal equipment and layout for your space.