05.19.2009 — Style is often in the eye of the beholder.

In the case of the loudspeaker industry, however, style wasn't on the radar for years. The only concession manufacturers made to style was a big (if not bigger) veneer box.

Manufacturers are now cognizant of home décor, realizing consumers want audio without sacrificing style.

Since the advent of home theater in the late 1980s (and the use of multichannel audio), speaker manufacturers have increasingly integrated new materials, sleeker designs and environmentally-friendly performance options into their products.

This diversity has fueled the popularity of the architectural speaker category — not to mention a wave of stylish in-room products.

Freestanding loudspeakers range from large main speakers and subwoofers to smaller bookshelf and on-wall speakers. They are available in a wide range of price points, too, from a couple hundred dollars to the six-figure neighborhood.

Click here to view 21 popular freestanding loudspeakers.