Interpreting womens taste is extremely dangerous, and stupid to attempt, but I think small, well finished and unnoticable are some key ordered factors. The women in my family have commented on how furniturally acceptable my Audio Physic Virgo speakers are. They hated my vandersteens 3A's. Another area that you might want to look at is distance from wall. AP's need to be out a bit to sound good (easily slideable). British speakers: Rogers and Linns tend to be small, and sound very good even when placed right against a wall (their backs). I've never heard them, but NHT's are supposed to be quite good, and are made to have their backs right against a wall. A little big, but they might fly if placed on either side of a television.
WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor)and Speakers
How important is the fabric on speakers to their sound? If I changed the covers of my speakers to a more decorative fabric to please my girlfriend, would that really be a big deal? Obviously, I wouldn't cover them with wool blankets, but would, for example, a light silk really sound that much different than whatever the manufacturers use? Given that many audiophiles think that the shape of their AC cords dramatically affect the sound, it is interesting that no one seems to discuss this topic. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.