Console Table Ideas
Make the most of small spaces.
Whether you want to display your favorite piece of art or increase storage space, console tables are great additions that make the most of small spaces in your home. Typically placed in small areas such as entryways or hallways, console tables are long, narrow tables that can be used for decorative or practical purposes. Keep reading below for easy console table ideas to help you find the right one.
Things to Consider
When looking for the right console table, there are a few things to consider. We've gathered a few simple tips to help you determine which shape and size would be ideal for your space.
Choose the Right Shape
Base Type: Console tables typically have a base made with four legs. Other common types of bases include trestle bases and pedestal bases. A trestle base is made from two or three trestles connected with a horizontal bar or beam. Pedestal bases often have two pillars that support the top part of the console table.
Top Shape: Rectangular console tables are the most popular type of top shape. The slim profile of rectangular console tables works well in any space and comes in a variety of styles ranging from rustic to coastal. Other popular top shapes include free-form and half-moon styles. Free-form console tables often have rounded corners and symmetrical sides, while half-moon console tables are shaped like semi-circles.
Find the Right Size
Before choosing a console table, we recommend measuring your space to find which size would fit best.
Width: Standard-sized console tables typically measure between 42" and 53". Standard console tables work well in most spaces, while small console tables (under 42") are ideal for compact entryways or at the end of hallways. Long console tables (over 53") are great additions to larger spaces, such as dining rooms or living rooms.
Height: Most standard-sized console tables are between 30" and 35" tall. Unless you plan on pairing the console table with another piece of furniture, like a sofa, we suggest picking a console table with a height that you can comfortably reach. For console tables placed behind a sofa, we suggest choosing a console table that is about 1" shorter than the back of the sofa.
Depth: With a narrow profile, most console tables have a standard depth between 12" and 20". Standard depth works best in narrow areas like hallways and entryways. For larger, more open spaces, such as behind a sofa, deep console tables can offer more surface space for table lamps and decorative accents.
Think About Storage
For console table ideas, it's important to keep storage in mind. Console tables are often designed with practical features, such as drawers or shelves, to provide additional storage in compact spaces. Choose a console table with drawers to help organize mail by the entryway. Opt for a console table with shelves to keep board games tidy in the living room. Tuck a few wicker baskets on a lower shelf to store winter accessories with easy on-the-go access.
Console Table Ideas by Style
With plenty of different console tables to choose from, it's easy to find one that matches the style of your home. We've gathered a few console table ideas for you to experiment with different styles.
Traditional-Style Console Tables
Design an inviting entryway with a traditional-style console table. For this type of style, look for classic elements, such as turned legs and carved details, to elevate the space. Choose a console table with shelves to display a stack of decorative books and a pair of wicker baskets that keep important mail well organized.
Add a cozy vignette to a living room with a rustic console table. For console table ideas, pick a rustic console table with a natural finish that shows off the unique knots and wood grain. Or go for a console table with a dark reclaimed wood to add a bit of salt-of-the-earth style. Look for aged details, such as oil-rubbed bronze hardware or an antique-inspired distressed finish, to give the console table an heirloom feel.
Create a spot to keep important items organized near the front door with a convenient console table. For coastal console table ideas, we suggest opting for a light-colored wood or a whitewashed finish to match the relaxed seaside ambience. Choose a console table with antique-inspired hardware for a touch of classic coastal style, or pick a console with an open metal frame for a more contemporary beach-house look.
Keep high-traffic farmhouse spaces organized with easy console table ideas. For farmhouse designs, pick a console table with a simple silhouette and practical features, such as a lower shelf to hold a few woven baskets. Choose a console table that highlights the natural wood grain for an organic feel, or opt for a console table with industrial details to complement the bright farmhouse color palette.
Pro Tip:
Not sure how to decorate a console table? Read our guide Decorating a Console Table 8 Different Ways.
Ready to browse?
