Do you ever feel that something is missing in your room? It’s probably a console table! A console table is a great piece of furniture for creating an attractive display area. With a console table, you can transform a previously unused or awkward space into a stylish focal point of your space.
In this guide, we’ll give you some of our best sizing and styling tips so you can get the most out of having a console table in your home.
Know your measurements
The shape and size of most console tables means that they are designed to be placed against a wall. This style of table is usually thinner in width and therefore benefits from having wall support for leaning against it, props and style items.
Placing a console against a wall is a great opportunity to display some of your favorite pieces of art.
This is a handy trick if rented accommodation means no nails in the wall!
If you are planning to place a console in your hallway, space awareness is key. You don’t want guests walking into your house and bumping straight into your table! Remember that the average hallway width is about 90 – 100 cm, most console tables measure between 30 cm and 40 cm deep. Based on this measurement, it allows plenty of room to walk past, but it’s always important to check.
If the table has a shelf, it is also good to check the height and its weight bearing. This is so you know whatever you want to display will fit nicely in the available space.
Top Tip
Console tables have much less storage than sideboards due to the slimmer nature of the design. If storage is a must but you don’t have space for a storage unit, you can always store items in the open space below, either stacked or neatly in stylish boxes.
Console is over
When choosing a table finish material, it’s a good idea to consider what flooring your space has. For example, if you have tiled or wooden floors, a chrome, glass or mirror, the finished console table will be ideal for adding a crisp and modern look to the space.
Colored or patterned carpets and rugs as well as chrome finishes are great as they will reflect the colors beautifully. Gloss fits into a range of interiors but will add a nice sleek look when placed over a colored carpet or coordinated tiling.
Glass:
A glass console table is ideal for a small space as the transparency of the glass really helps create the illusion of more room.
Glass is visually very light, making it something to really consider if you’ve already got a lot of color and design in your space.
The combination of a glass and chrome console is great for adding a hint of contemporary design and blending seamlessly with a range of finishes within your existing interior.
Gloss:
A high gloss console table will allow you to add a smooth and wonderfully reflective finish as well as brighten up your space.
Depending on which color finish you choose, you can style, coordinate and really modernize your space. Bright colors are perfect for adding a fresh and vibrant feel, so consider what atmosphere you want to create in your space to help you choose your color.
A white gloss finish will instantly add a clean, crisp and modern luxe look while a touch of dark color like this will add a warm and tactile feel.
Wood Veneer:
A wood veneer will bring such a tactile and inviting feel, making a great first impression if you’re planning to place your console in your hallway or entryway.
Rich wood finishes like walnut are perfect for coordinating with more modern materials for a really on-trend, mixed-material look. Walnut looks especially good with dark lux finishes like black chrome.
A white or gray oak veneer finish has a wonderfully tactile and textured quality as you can see the gorgeous wood grain running throughout. Oak veneer finishes are much less reflective than gloss, making them a great option for having a bright, shiny finish in your home.
Work your space
One of the great features of a console table is that they are not confined to one room. If you’ve got an empty space in your home, a console table will fill it nicely! If you’re stuck for ideas, here’s a selection of ideal console table placements:
Hallway:
If you place a console table in your hallway or on your landing, it will instantly make a useful trunk for your keys, purse, letters and a variety of miscellaneous items.
Bedroom:
A console table can also be used to create a decorative display in your living room setting by incorporating mirrors and table lamps. Its size means it won’t take up much of your space while making a big style impact in your interior. Style a console next to or behind your sofa for an extra but slim surface.
Canteen:
In a dining room, a console table can be a useful place to display your favorite china or crystal glass. Having a console in your dining space is an ideal place to store unused extra dining chairs around your dining table. This way, the chairs will not look lost or clutter the space but will create another stylish seating area.
Bedroom:
You can use a console table as a streamlined dressing table by simply placing a mirror in the center. It can also be used as a desk which is ideal in a bedroom as its slim shape means it won’t take up too much of your room. Place desk joists and organizers on and around the console to create convenient storage space, just remember that a console will be taller than your average desk.
Console table styling
Now that you know your shape and finish, it’s time to think about styling! We’ve compiled a list of simple yet super effective styling tips that will have your console table looking at home in no time:
1) To stop the console surface or shelf from becoming cluttered or cluttered, place a box or divider on the surface to organize the types of items you want to keep on it.
2) A decorative plate or tray is a quick fix to help prevent minor stains and scratch marks from someone dropping their keys on the table surface.
3) Baskets, boxes and even plants are a great way to fill the empty space under a console table. They will help add another element of style, color and texture. Practical and handsome – what more could you need!
4) A stack of books is a great way to use up some of the console surface space. Old or new, books will give the surface a stylish yet homely feel.
Also Read: How to choose a dining table: a buying guide
5) Placing a mirror on a table against a wall will create a lovely decorative feature. It’s also great for bringing light into your space.
6) Use the wall above your console to hang your favorite artwork or family photos. Positioned under the table is a subtle but effective way to draw attention to the frame.
7) A practical designer trick is to use a pair of lamps on either side of an oversized mirror or photograph vignette. This is a simple but very effective way to create an impressive look.
8) Small stools and ottomans are a great way to create a clean and symmetrical look. This arrangement will also provide a convenient space when you have to seat more people.