How to Style a Console Table in Any Room
Console tables are one of the most versatile furniture pieces in home decor. Whether you’re enhancing your hallway, filling an empty wall in the living room, or adding charm to a bedroom corner, a well-styled console table can elevate the look and feel of your space.
If you’re wondering how to style a console table that is both functional and stylish, this guide will walk you through practical tips, layout ideas, and design tricks to master the look in any room.
Choose the Right Console Table for Your Space
Before diving into styling, it’s essential to pick a console table that suits your room’s size, shape, and overall design theme.
- Narrow for tight spaces: Slim tables work best in entryways or narrow halls.
- Chunky for large rooms: Go with a heavier piece in bigger areas like open-plan living rooms.
- With storage for functionality: Drawers and shelves come in handy for organizing keys, mail, or other home accessories.
Example: For a modern apartment hallway, a narrow console with a drawer and sleek metal legs offers a balance of form and function.
How to Style a Console Table
Start with a Focal Point
Every console table setup needs a visual anchor to draw attention.
- Artwork or mirrors: Hang a framed piece or mirror above your table to give height and focus.
- Wall baskets or tapestries: For a more bohemian or rustic vibe, woven wall art adds depth and texture.
Design tip: Ensure the artwork is about two-thirds the width of the console for a balanced look.
Layer Heights and Shapes for Visual Interest
One of the key elements in entryway table decor is layering different heights and shapes to keep the eye moving.
- Tall items: Use table lamps, candlesticks, or vases with long stems.
- Medium pieces: Think framed photos, plants, or stacked books.
- Short accents: Bowls, small sculptures, or decorative trays help ground the look.
Mixing vertical and horizontal lines prevents the arrangement from feeling flat or monotonous.
Add Practical Yet Stylish Home Accessories
Functionality doesn’t have to compromise aesthetics. Incorporate everyday items that look good and serve a purpose.
- Trays for corralling keys, sunglasses, or candles.
- Bowls or catchalls to toss loose change or mail.
- Baskets under the table for shoes, umbrellas, or dog leashes.
This blend of style and utility makes your console not only a design element but also a practical part of your space.
Incorporate Greenery and Natural Elements
Plants breathe life into any decor. Adding greenery to your console table instantly softens and refreshes the look.
- Fresh flowers for elegance.
- Succulents or small potted plants for low maintenance.
- Dried grasses like pampas or eucalyptus for texture and height.
Natural materials like wooden bowls, ceramic pots, and woven baskets complement plants beautifully.
Follow the Rule of Thirds
A tried-and-true design principle, the rule of thirds, helps achieve balance.
Divide your table visually into three sections and place decor elements accordingly:
- A tall anchor piece (like a lamp) on one end.
- A cluster of medium items in the middle (books, frames, candles).
- A shorter accent or tray on the other end.
This setup keeps the look dynamic and proportionate.
Match Your Console to the Room’s Purpose
How you style a console table will vary depending on where it’s located:
- Entryway: Focus on convenience—add a mirror, storage tray, and a small lamp for welcoming ambiance.
- Living Room: Use it as a media station or behind-the-sofa decor with books, sculptures, and photo frames.
- Bedroom: Treat it as a vanity or reading nook with a mirror, chair, and a few beauty essentials or novels.
Each room serves a different purpose, so let your table reflect that.
Recommendation
Gallery Wall Layout Ideas That Add Instant Personality
How to Use Wallpaper in Unexpected Yet Stylish Places
DIY Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas for Every Season
Cozy Winter Decor Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Warm
Laundry Room Makeover Ideas for a Functional Refresh
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to style a console table isn’t about following rigid rules—it’s about finding harmony between functionality and design.
Whether you’re creating a dramatic hallway entrance or adding personality to a bedroom corner, the right mix of entryway table decor and home accessories can turn a simple table into a standout feature.
FAQs
1. What should I put on a console table?
Start with a focal point like artwork or a mirror, then layer in decor like lamps, books, trays, and greenery. Keep a mix of heights and textures for balance.
2. How do I style a console table for a small space?
Choose a narrow table, use vertical decor like wall art or tall vases, and keep the surface minimal with a few curated items like a lamp, bowl, and plant.
3. Can a console table go behind a sofa?
Absolutely! It’s a great spot to place lamps, decorative trays, or even to display books and framed photos. It also helps define the space in open-plan layouts.
4. How do I make my console table look modern?
Opt for clean lines, minimal color palettes, and a balance of symmetry and simplicity. Use modern home accessories like metal accents or geometric decor pieces.
5. Should a console table have drawers?
Drawers can be helpful, especially in entryways where storage for keys, mail, or chargers is needed. However, open tables can look lighter and airier in smaller rooms.
