Console tables are not just handy from a functional perspective. They’re also integral tools when it comes to framing a space, defining distinctive zones, and creating a finished feel to a design scheme. At their core, console tables are narrow, tall tables which allow you to create beautiful vignettes throughout the home. Their practical use will vary depending on where you choose to place them, and which design you select for the job. So, let’s get into the details of how to get the most out of a console table…

 

Where to Place a Console Table

At the Perimeter of a Room

 

There really are no cut and dry rules to good interior design. That’s what makes it such fertile ground to let creativity run wild! However, we do have a few suggestions for getting started when it comes to placing a console table. One setting in which they do particularly well is around the perimeter of a room. They work beautifully centred against a long living room wall which perhaps feels a bit bare. You’ll often see them nipped against a bedroom wall as well, adding a bit of intrigue and a spot to place a lamp or vase of flowers, for example. Any wall which could use a design-forward addition will be a great spot for a console table. Just be sure to settle on the right proportions for the table ahead of time, as you’ll want to confirm that you can still move by it freely and without a sense of being cramped.

 

 

In an Alcove

 

An alcove also offers an ideal spot to place a console table. These recessed spaces can prove to be a design challenge, easily becoming dead space. They may be a bit small or shallow, making it difficult to settle on what, exactly, to place in them. A console table is the perfect piece for the job. Ours are customisable, not only in terms of materials and finishes, but also dimensions. If you’d like to discuss a bespoke console table, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to build one that’s uniquely suited to the job. When selecting a console table for an alcove, it typically works well to opt for a strong and sculptural design. This will help to bring life and intrigue to that space, keeping it from falling by the wayside. We’d recommend a classic like our Capricorn, for example.

 

By a Window

 

In the case of particularly modern homes with great expanses of glass, a console table can really help to break up the scheme. If you have a wall of glass, for example, you can add a hint of functionality and variety of materials with a console table. You’ll do well to select a design which doesn’t disrupt any views too much, or limit natural light. Consider a minimalist, open design like our Edge, which will add a sleek yet striking bit of variation to your space.

 

In an Entryway

 

Placing a console table in an entryway adds a real sense of occasion to coming home. It will help to create a welcoming feel, especially when adorned with a few personal artifacts. You might also wish to pair the console with a mirror, where you can give yourself a quick once-over before striding off into your day. The console will also act as a go-to spot for quotidian essentials like keys, wallets, and sunglasses, giving it a functional edge.

 

In a Hallway

 

Console tables are great for dressing up a hallway and breaking up the monotony of a long, uniform thoroughfare. Their slim proportions maintain an easy flow of movement down the hall, while bringing a lift to the environment. We’d select opting for intriguing materials, choosing a light, patterned marble for the top and perhaps a hand-painted specialist finish which will add life to the base.

 

Framing a Fireplace

 

From a decorative standpoint, console tables can help to create a sense of balance. If you’re after a particularly polished effect with a hint of grandeur, we’d suggest a pair of matching consoles to create true harmony. Try placing them on either side of a fireplace for maximum ‘wow’ factor.

 

How to Use a Console Table

A Place for Daily Essentials

 

When it comes to the purpose of a console table, the options are wide open. From a functional perspective, they are an excellent place to keep everyday items which might otherwise get lost in the shuffle or left lingering on the floor. You can leave a handbag at the ready on a console table, alongside a catchall for smaller sundries like keys and so forth. The result will look polished, while helping you to keep on top of you everyday necessities. For added functionality, consider a console table with drawers like our Albany. It comes with up to three drawers where you can hide away any clutter for an especially clean and orderly effect.

 

 

A Platform for Art Objects

 

Consoles are excellent platforms for art objects as well. We also make a range of plinths for the job, but find consoles work beautifully in spaces which could do with the addition of elongated, horizontal proportions. Our designs tend to skew toward the sculptural, themselves, allowing them to tie in harmoniously with artistic displays. We can custom make yours to suit the adornments of your choice, as well as suggest the ideal tabletop materials for the task.

 

A Decorative Statement Piece

 

Many of our creations – like the Skye II and Eclipse, for example – approach the realm of art furniture. Tom often looks to art as inspiration for his furniture designs, imbuing a creative character which will draw the eye time and again. This makes them excellent statement pieces, allowing them to stand alone as decorative objects in their own right.

 

 

How to Choose a Console Table

Size & Proportions

 

When choosing a console table, it’s helpful to start by defining how much space you have for it. Measure out the ideal dimensions you’d like it to occupy and consider blocking out that space on the floor to get a true sense of how the sizing will feel. You can then begin to think about the ideal size and proportions for your console table.

 

Function

 

You can then move on to what sort of role you’d like it to play. Are you looking for a sleek platform to display decorative items? Perhaps you’d do well to opt for a minimalist design like our popular Flint console table in order to let your objects do the talking. Are you after for a place to hide away a bit of clutter? We’d suggest a console table with drawers or perhaps a secondary shelf.

 

Style

 

Finally, the fun part is settling on the right style for you. Our collection of console tables ranges from strong and sculptural, to sleek and simple, to bold and contemporary. Explore all the options and peruse our finishes and materials to make them your own.

 

 

Once you’ve settled on the right console table for you, we’d suggest a considered approach to styling it. For a bit of direction, you can look to our Journal entries on How to Dress a Console Table as well as An Illustrated Guide to Pairing Console Tables and Mirrors. As ever, we’re happy to advise along the way, or work together on creating bespoke pieces for your project. Please do get in touch if there’s anything we can do to spark inspiration or make your design process smoother.

 

 

 

Text by Annabel Colterjohn