8 Great Ways of Designing the Perfect Console Table

Who doesn't love a console table?  It's such a useful piece of furniture, it adds storage and style to a narrow space in a foyer or tucks up nicely behind the back of a sofa. I rounded up several favorite examples of console tables that add both beauty and practicality to space. I noticed many commonalities in the way that they’re styled with layered objects, here’s a list of “no-fail” objects to gather on yours too.

Branches or Botanicals. One of my favorite things from nature to add to any vignette are branches. In any season, they are tall and sculptural and reach up high into vertical wall space adding organic appeal. But anything botanical works on a console table and adds that “something living” element such as a small vase of flowers or a collection of succulents or a just a few yard clippings from a favorite perennial.

Baskets. Baskets fill the negative space below a console table and add desirable texture. They also bring the benefit of extra storage: linens in a dining room, wood in a living room, shoes in an entry. etc.

Lamps. Singular or in pairs, lamps add the obvious: light! Or better yet, dimmer light than overhead chandeliers for greater ambiance. A great lamp will also be statuesque on your console if its base is curved, faceted, colorful, or alluring in some way. 

Books. New or old, a stack of hardcover books is always appealing on the interesting topics of travel, architecture, history, or design. In a community space, make them ones that visitors will want to thumb through during their stay.

With mutually enriching juxtapositions of refined and ordinary pieces with a master of illusion, the artist illustrates, once again, that deceptive appearances can be unexpectedly exciting. I love having a lamp to turn, place to put our keys, light a candle so it smells yummy when you walk in, and a little space to decorate when the holidays approach!  So here's the final outcome....

Mirrors. If your console table is against a wall, prop it with a mirror or hang one above. Mirrors serve two functions, they’re decorative and they pull light into space, win-win! 

Art Collection. Variety is the spice of life as they say and it applies to the gallery wall too. A collection of art puts your personality on display and allows you to get creative by varying both the frames and/or content above your console table.

Distinctive Pieces. A console is a great spot for your unique pair of carved animals or an interesting collection of objects art, they’ll be visible to admire for all who pass by.

Personal Mementos. Your home is your haven, it should reflect who you are and the life you lead. Lamps and books and art are all lovely but it’s those little things like family pictures that make a house a home. Include them in your console table styling!