What is a Console Table and How to Choose One

From dining with loved ones to relaxing in front of the TV, we spend a large portion of our lives within our homes – and that's why the occasional décor revamp is necessary.

In the world of interior design, a new table can work wonders. Whether that's a solid addition to your dining room for the family to gather, a useful surface for your bedside basics, or a valuable place to rest your coffee, the power of a table for a streamlined home is unmatched. But, what about console tables?

A console table makes a contemporary and trendy addition to any home, combining aesthetics and functionality. This modern table can transform your living space while also providing extra storage, turning it into a sleek and polished haven.

In this blog, we'll look at console tables in more detail, including what they are and how to choose the right one for you. We'll also explore the different ways you can dress them up to reflect your unique style.

What is a Console Table?

A console table is a narrow side table, also known as a sofa table or an entryway table. Designed to enhance a room or provide a handy storage solution, this sleek piece of furniture typically stands alone against bare walls or in hallways, adding a little extra to empty spaces.

Console tables come in a variety of styles and designs, meaning you can browse your options and find the right one to fit in your space. While some feature built-in shelves and drawers, creating a functional storage space, others tend to hold space for decorative features, like table lamps and flowers.

Console tables date back to the seventeenth century, where they were built in France. Since then, their design has changed, encompassing a wide range of styles and designs to suit modern trends in interior design.

What is a Console Table Used For?

A console table is a highly versatile item of furniture, serving both functional and decorative purposes. Generally, a console table has a flat surface and either a solid base or legs, and comes in a wide range of designs. By using different materials, colors, and styles to reflect a variety of home decor, you can find the right one to enhance your home and reflect your unique style.

Here are some uses of a console table:

Enhance Your Entryway

A lot of the time, consoles tend to be placed in foyers or hallways as a side table to create an attractive focal point. When guests first arrive, they're drawn to the entryway console table, especially if you've decorated it with photo frames, an eye-catching vase, or enchanting flowers.

This creates a visually appealing entrance to a home as soon as people walk through the front door, setting the tone for the rest of your home decor.

Spruce Up Empty Walls

Most of the time, a console table is placed in front of an empty wall and looks great positioned below a round mirror. This adds an element of vibrancy to a home, transforming an area with not much going on into a place of interest.

By making the most of a console table's narrow design, it'll seamlessly slip into any area of a home that needs some TLC. Essentially, it turns a bare, open room into a homely, eye-catching space.

Dining Room Buffet Table

If you're hosting a dinner party and you need extra space to hold overflowing plates or glasses of wine for guests, a console table makes a great addition to dining rooms. While acting as a useful side table, it also provides the valuable addition of drawers or shelves. Due to their narrow design, a console table is also ideal for slipping into a busy room and creating extra storage and space.

Create a Living Room Display

If you decide to add a console table to your living room, you can dress it up as a focal point or a place to display decorative accessories. Whether you want to showcase art, indoor house plants, or an arrangement of items, these side tables fit into narrow spaces and create an ideal space to show off your style.

Whether you're going for a modern farmhouse or industrial vibe, here are some ways you can use console tables in a living room:

• Use it as a media table: The technological world we live in means you'll always need a practical TV stand or somewhere to store devices. Console tables can offer both of these elements at once, providing a sturdy base for a TV, as well as having drawers or an open space underneath to keep other electrical accessories or gadgets.
• Use it as a sofa table: Console tables can also be placed at the back of a sofa. In this case, they're known as sofa tables and act as either a coffee table or a subtle way to divide a living room into different sections.
• Use it as an accent table: Accent tables act as a focal point in any room, letting homeowners use them to reflect their unique style or taste. Whether used for storing unsightly clutter or elevating the room with their unique design, a side table creates an excellent addition to the room.

However you decide to spruce up your living room, using a console table to enhance the space is a great idea, especially if you feel like getting creative with your designs.

How to Choose the Right Console Table for you

Deciding on the right console table can help to reflect your unique style and illuminate your space. So, if you want to choose the right console table for you, here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Consider Your Space

Before you choose a console table for your home, think about the space and the existing dynamics it'll be fitting into. For a seamless integration, understand the dimensions of your room and the part the surrounding furniture will play. 

By doing this, you can ensure you choose the right size table that'll fit into your space.

2. Think About the Table's Function

Are you using your console table for storage purposes or to present your artistic side at home? Knowing the ideal function of the table will help you choose the right one. 

If you want to prioritize function, you can opt for a table with drawers and shelves. If not, focus on finding one with a large surface area where you can get creative and dress it up.

3. Browse the Different Materials

With so many material options for console tables, from classic wood designs to marble, metal, and glass, it's important to look around and find the right one. Decide whether you want to complement existing furniture using side tables, or if you'd prefer your table to stand alone as a focal point within the room.

4. Decide On Your Personal Touches

Consider the different types of accessories you want to add to your table. For example, you might want to add photo frames, tabletop décor, or sentimental items for that personal touch. This could influence the style and size you ultimately opt for, especially if you plan to fill it with your unique personal items.

5. Determine How You'll Accessorize Your Table

If you plan to decorate the top of your console table, considering how you'll plant your personal touches before purchasing will help you choose the right one.

For example, you may want to use symmetrical placement, creating a visually pleasing balanced look. On the other hand, asymmetrical placement includes using an array of accessories, which works well with the rule of three. Do this by grouping three objects together to create a look of balance and feng shui.

By adding a touch of your personality, choosing a material that'll integrate seamlessly into your room of choice, and deciding how you want to accessorize the table, your search for your ideal console table will be more direct, focused, and clear.

At Viesso, we believe in the importance of maximizing your space in a subtle, stylish, and sleek way. Our range of console tables offers a variety of styles, meaning you can find the right one depending on the specific function and look you're searching for. Shop our comprehensive collection today, or contact us for more information.