Stunning Console Tables Designs & Ideas
Set up your entry for a dramatic (and useful) welcome
Lately console tables have been commanding my attention. Most often seen in entryways, they provide the perfect spot to set the tone for your home – and add style you can enjoy the second you walk in the door. Of course we also love their functionality; they can add light, provide storage, and ensure you’ll always know where your keys are. Let’s take a look at how you can arrange these tables to create welcoming spaces.
Use symmetry
Symmetry always adds balance to a space, especially with a long console table like this one.
Browse through images of console tables
Symmetry always adds balance to a space, especially with a long console table like this one.
Browse through images of console tables
Flank the table with chairs
It’s a great solution for where to put those extra chairs you only use when your dining room table has the leaf in.
It’s a great solution for where to put those extra chairs you only use when your dining room table has the leaf in.
Use the space underneath
Use the space under the table for a sculpture, interesting basket or stack of books.
Use the space under the table for a sculpture, interesting basket or stack of books.
This particular design really plays with proportion. On paper, I wouldn’t think this oversized sculpture would work with this slender table, but it does work. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
See these stylish sideboards and console tables
See these stylish sideboards and console tables
The space underneath can often hold stools and ottomans.
Don’t feel stuck inside the traditional console-table box
A cabinet or chest or drawers can also fit the bill.
Side note: This is a lesson in excellent interior photography. Mirrors can be tricky, but all this one reflects in this shot is a painting that adds to the scene. I also like the way it’s composed with the light fixture cut off at the top of the image and the rug cut off on the bottom corner.
A cabinet or chest or drawers can also fit the bill.
Side note: This is a lesson in excellent interior photography. Mirrors can be tricky, but all this one reflects in this shot is a painting that adds to the scene. I also like the way it’s composed with the light fixture cut off at the top of the image and the rug cut off on the bottom corner.
Anchor the ends with a pair of table lamps
This will add light to the space and give you a jumping-off point for adding other items.
This will add light to the space and give you a jumping-off point for adding other items.
Create a landing zone
This table has drawers on top and baskets underneath for throwing those “in and out the door” items like your keys, wallet, mail and shoes.
This table has drawers on top and baskets underneath for throwing those “in and out the door” items like your keys, wallet, mail and shoes.
Don’t despair if you have a narrow hallway
Even a tight space can handle a shallow table. This setup turns what could have been a humdrum hallway into a glamorous space.
Take a look at these design tricks for narrow hallways
Even a tight space can handle a shallow table. This setup turns what could have been a humdrum hallway into a glamorous space.
Take a look at these design tricks for narrow hallways
Add height with objects
The heights of the mirror and the tall hurricanes draw the eye up from this lower cabinet.
The heights of the mirror and the tall hurricanes draw the eye up from this lower cabinet.
Punch up a wall
This Chinoiserie table adds colour and personality to this eclectic hallway. It’s also functional; the lamp provides reading light to the windowseat next to it.
This Chinoiserie table adds colour and personality to this eclectic hallway. It’s also functional; the lamp provides reading light to the windowseat next to it.
Ground a piece of art
As seen in many of the photos here, a console table is a great way to give a work of art a base, so it’s not just lost on a sea of drywall.
As seen in many of the photos here, a console table is a great way to give a work of art a base, so it’s not just lost on a sea of drywall.
Let a table with exotic style inspire your collection
There is a wide variety of items all around this intricate Asian table, from a palm tree to gorgeous paintings; a Buddha to a golden horse. Somehow it all works.
There is a wide variety of items all around this intricate Asian table, from a palm tree to gorgeous paintings; a Buddha to a golden horse. Somehow it all works.
Use a piece with more depth in a vast foyer
This Parisian-style desk can stand up to the large scale of this entryway.
Check out these decor ideas for foyers
This Parisian-style desk can stand up to the large scale of this entryway.
Check out these decor ideas for foyers
Flank a console with sconces
This adds symmetry and lights up the space.
This adds symmetry and lights up the space.
Imitate the tablescapes you see around Houzz
When I asked this designer about arranging objects on a console she gave me some good advice: “The easiest way is to group things in threes, and I also create visual triangles and balance.” – Cristi Holcombe
Read more:
How to Decorate the Hallway Console
Tell us:
How have you created a dramatic scape with console tables? Tell us in the Comments below.
When I asked this designer about arranging objects on a console she gave me some good advice: “The easiest way is to group things in threes, and I also create visual triangles and balance.” – Cristi Holcombe
Read more:
How to Decorate the Hallway Console
Tell us:
How have you created a dramatic scape with console tables? Tell us in the Comments below.
A mirror with an interesting frame adds style and gives you a great spot to check your face before you dash out the door.