Finally! A Formula For How to Style A Console Table Perfectly Every Time

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How do you make a console table look nice?!

If you’ve never decorated a console table before, then this is probably the burning question at the front of your mind! Styling a console table (or any large, empty surface) from scratch can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. The great news is that with a little bit of knowledge, anyone can excel at creating a stunning console table arrangement.

*The post was kindly sponsored by Wayfair and The Collective Voice*

It’s worth learning how to decorate a console table because it allows you to showcase your unique style, it adds personality to your space, and it creates a visually captivating focal point that will catch the eye of anyone who enters the room!

No Fail method: How To Style A Gorgeous Console Table Every Time!

I really struggled with styling initially, but after practicing, and analyzing about 2 million (figure of speech but not that far off) beautifully styled consoles and various other surfaces, I’ve come up with a fail proof formula that works every time! So read on if you want to learn how, too!

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Ok so first, some very brief info about console tables: a console table is a type of narrow and typically elongated piece of furniture designed for use in various rooms of a home. It’s characterized by its shallow depth, which allows it to fit comfortably against a wall or in narrow spaces such as hallways, entryways, or behind a sofa.

Here are some common features and uses of console tables:

1. Shape and Size: Console tables are often rectangular or semi-circular in shape. They are generally taller than coffee tables and side tables but shorter than regular dining or kitchen tables. The specific dimensions can vary widely.
2. Location: Console tables are versatile pieces of furniture and can be placed in various areas of a home. Common placements include entryways or foyers for decorative purposes, behind a sofa to define a living room space, or in hallways to display artwork or decorative items.
3. Functionality: Console tables can serve both functional and decorative purposes. They often feature a flat top surface that can be used to display decorative objects, hold lamps, or provide a surface for placing keys and mail. Some console tables may also have storage shelves or drawers for added functionality.
4. Materials: Console tables come in a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, glass, or a combination of these materials. The choice of material can greatly affect the style and appearance of the table.
5. Style: Console tables are available in various design styles, from traditional and ornate to modern and minimalist. The style of the table should complement the overall decor of the room in which it is placed.

Step 0. Pick a console table

So let’s assume you don’t have a console table yet. If you do, skip to step 1 below!

If you don’t own a console table already, here are some basic tips to keep in mind if you’re shopping:

1. Consider the size of your room and find a console table that will fit comfortably in the space.
2. Choose a style that complements your home’s decor. Look for console tables with interesting details or unique shapes to add interest and character to the room.
3. Consider the material of the table – wooden, metal, glass, etc.. Make sure it is durable and able to withstand wear and tear over time.
4. Think about the finishes available on the console table. Ensure they match your existing furniture pieces to create a unified look in your home.
5. Keep in mind that a console table doesn’t have to go strictly in an entryway. It can go anywhere in your home!

I’ve picked some of my favorite console tables from Wayfair, and linked them for you in the widget below! Wayfair is offering up to 60% off of entryway furniture.

Decorating Tips to keep in mind before Styling Your Console

Hold on, hold on!! You won’t want to miss out on these super useful tips before you dive into styling and decorating your console:

1. When arranging items on your console, aim to create a relaxed triangular composition. If you style clusters of items on the table, keep those triangular in shape as well. Triangular compositions not only adds balance but they also enhance the overall visual appeal of the design. Check out the image below for a better understanding of what I mean:

2. Height Variation: Another important aspect is to have different height variations to add depth and dimension to your console vignette. This can be achieved through the items you choose to decorate with, which we’ll discuss below, such as tall vases, lamps, candle holders, or decorative sculptures.

By applying these simple techniques, you can create a visually appealing and well-styled console that reflects your personal taste and style. Ok let’s get into the styling now!

Step 1. Choose Your Anchor

Before we dive in, if your table was previously styled, remove everything so you can start fresh. Then make sure your console table is clear of dust before you begin styling!

Now that your console table is clean, you’re ready to start decorating and adding in elements.

I recommend choosing your largest piece of decor first. This is your ‘anchor’. It is also referred to as a focal point. Call it whatever makes sense to you!

Your anchor should be the biggest and tallest thing in your console composition. So unless your console table is under a window or behind a sofa, normally the largest piece is going to be your mirror or a large piece of artwork. It could also be a gallery wall, which in the context of styling a console, would be considered as a single large element.

So, the anchor is the element which is on the wall above the console table.

Console anchor styling tips:

• unless there is a very good reason for it not to be, your anchor (wall art or mirror) will generally be hung in the middle of the console table – it should be centered to the table. As mentioned above, if your console table is under a window then you can ignore this – consider your window your wall focal point!
• if you are unable to hang your anchor piece on the wall for whatever reason, you can place it directly on the console table and just lean it on the wall instead.
• make sure your art or mirror is not too small in proportion to your console table – about 2/3 the width of your console width. And try not to hang it too high – if your art or mirror is large enough and correctly proportioned to your console, then the bottom of the mirror or picture frame should be about 6″ to 12″ from the top of the table.

Next, let’s talk about what goes on the actual console table itself.

Step 2. Add your lighting

The second item I would add to a console table would be a table lamp. It brings warmth and intimacy into any space and helps establish comfort within a room very quickly!

If you don’t want to use a lamp, then a large vase will work just as well.

Console table lighting tips:

• a lamps or vase can be placed at one end of your console table to create a sense of asymmetrical harmony while also creating visual interest.
• if you are going for a more traditional, symmetrical look, you will want to have two matching lamps or two matching vases and place one at each end.

The two examples above don’t show any lamps but they still give a basic idea of the difference between symmetrical styling versus asymmetrical styling.

I like substantial, sculptural table lamps. Pick whatever type of lamp style and shape speaks to you most. I’ve shared some of my favorite lighting options below.

Lighting is up to 65% off right now with the Way Day sale!

Step 3. Add a nice Large vase With Greenery

Next, add a substantial beautiful vase on the opposite end of your lamp (if you’re not doing symmetrical lamps or vases).

This is also where you get to add your greenery. Fill the vase with an arrangement of fresh flowers or seasonal greenery. Use faux if you prefer.

Typically you only need the greenery on one side of the composition. If you’re decorating a console table under or in front of a window, the arrangement might look better in the center, as shown in the image above. Play around!

This simple addition will help to soften the space and you’ll start to notice that triangle composition I was talking about earlier start to take shape.

Step 4. Add decor

At this point, in between your lamp and your vase (or your two lamps, or your two vases), you can add some decor. This is a great opportunity to add texture into your styling, which is why I recommend adding a stack of books, and then a tchotchke or two on top of it. Or a nice scented candle!

Make sure not to overcrowd your space too much, as this will make it cluttered and difficult to appreciate any individual item within your design composition. Imagine each object needing to have a bit of breathing space.

If your console table is not very wide then you could do one triangular, cluster-type composition in the middle of the table, layered over your wall anchor, as opposed to having decor at either end; here’s what I mean:

Step 5. Incorporate Extra Texture

Console tables are different from buffets or sideboards in that they don’t actually come with much storage space; at most, console tables will have some drawers, or sometimes a lower shelf.

If your console table has the space beneath it, consider placing a couple of lovely woven baskets or storage ottomans underneath it.

I would say this last step is optional but it really helps add that extra bit of interest to your console table styling! Of course the fact that it’s also functional in that it gains you some extra storage is a total win!

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There’s no wrong way to style a console table but following these guidelines should ensure that every attempt yields successful results! Choose your focal point, add a light source for warmth and atmosphere, add a vase, then some simple decorative accents, incorporate texture variation, & enjoy! 😎

With this fail-proof console styling formula, anyone can become an expert at styling their own console tables like a professional designer in no time!