HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Over the years, technology has killed off some furniture trends while giving birth to others.

Remember the telephone table? Looking like an old-fashioned school desk, it rang up big sales from the 1940s to the late '60s until multiple phone lines and finally, the cordless phone, snuffed it out.

The latest victim of progress is the armoire, but its killer is no mystery: It was the flat-screen TV. Once dominant as the entertainment center, the armoire is as dead as the telephone table.

"Just as video killed the radio star, the flat screen killed the armoire!" says Stacy Weiss, owner of Weisshouse. "TV's are now so minimal and attractive, as well as a status symbol, that people do not want to hide them."

The flat-screen TV is a modern marvel that eliminated the need for a deep cabinet. At the Fall International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., most of the armoires on display had gone back to their roots as linen closets.

Well not exactly, since armoires were originally designed as gun cabinets. That is where they get their name. Later, when the French changed the tax code and began taxing the number of rooms, the aristocracy knocked down closet walls and replaced them with armoires or wardrobes.

"Demand for the armoire has diminished so much that we are considering re-purposing our Double Happiness Armoire to make it a bar or wardrobe," says Carol Gregg, owner of Red Egg an eco-friendly manufacturer in North Carolina.

Retailers like Sue Anderson, owner of Meadeworth Interiors, were already re-purposing their armoires.

"In our showroom I have two armoires. One is outfitted as a bar with a little refrigerator and wine cooler and that is of much more interest to customers."

"The other armoire is made for a TV and stereo. It will probably end up housing my remains when I pass on," she jokes.

The introduction of the flat screen initially caused decorators and furniture manufacturers some consternation.

"We make several armoires that are narrower and wider, but many consumers prefer to mount televisions on the wall rather than enclose them in a cabinet," says Ed Tashjian of Century Furniture.

Framing them and putting them on the wall was one solution, but for those attached to the idea of a wall unit, case-good manufacturers have responded.

"When TVs first started getting smaller, we were selling credenzas with mechanical devices to raise and lower them into the cabinets, but they were very heavy," recalls Ms. Anderson.

The latest solution is the low- to medium-height console, which is not necessarily dedicated to the flat-screen television.

"A console or buffet is a great way to anchor the flat screen, as well as a place for storage. Nobody puts a flat screen in the corner!" Ms. Weiss says.

Almost all manufacturers have come out with something to put these new, slimmer sets on. Here is a cross section of what you'll soon be seeing. Red Egg's Double Happiness flat screen console is a modern interpretation of an Asian antique. It retails for about $2,400 and comes in a variety of lacquers and stains.

Going for a larger footprint is the 849-782 media unit by Century Furniture. This massive satin walnut veneered wall panel is designed to frame a mounted LCD or plasma television. Its long, low base features three drop-front drawers. Dividing the upper and lower pieces is a narrow ribbon of decorative trim in the customer's choice of polished stainless steel or bronze-finished metal. It also includes three tray drawers, a five-outlet receptacle with surge protection, cable connection and phone jack. The hardware can be finished in soft silver or bronze.

On the other end of the spectrum is the new solid wood mid-century collection Signature Line: Sputnik console by Central Station. The collection is designed by Paul Delaisse, who is also the company's CEO. The console comes in four woods; reclaimed teak, French oak, black walnut and African walnut. The price is based on size and wood selection. This low table with or without the simple metal legs is all hand-crafted in High Point.

"We have less clutter, which has eliminated the need for entertainment armoires," said Mr. Delaisse. "With the development of streaming technology, we no longer have stacks of CDs, DVDs or various electronic equipment to store."

For a traditional look with a modern application, tune into Lane Furniture's media dresser from its Mesa Verde collection. Complete with drawers designed specifically for electronic gadgetry, it is equally at home in the bedroom or family room and blends with classic or contemporary decor. It will go for about $1,299.

Finally, Vanguard Furniture debuted a new collection by designer and entrepreneur Annie Selke. She is best known for her fabrics and her companies, including Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rugs. Among the case goods she rolled out this market was the Piper Console, which is just perfect for a fabulous flat screen. Its suggested retail price is $4,047.