From the time of a first dorm room, decorating a home is a lifetime occupation. No matter where we hang our hats over the years, we want the furnishings to reflect our style and serve our needs. That’s where a console table comes into play. Investing in this versatile piece is a smart idea as it can easily move with us from apartment to house to condo and serve a variety of roles.
What is a Console Table?
A console table is a long, narrow table, usually similar in height to a dining room table. Because a popular placement for console tables is behind a sofa, they are sometimes referred to as sofa tables. In this situation, they can serve as a resting spot for anything that someone sitting on the sofa would like to keep in easy reach. Sofa tables also work well to position favorite houseplants, curios, or photographs where they can be seen and enjoyed. For best effect, the sofa table should be no taller than the sofa back and at least one foot shorter in overall length than the sofa.
Other Uses for a Console Table
Console tables are very handy in hallways, and in foyers as their narrow design allows traffic to pass by easily. In these situations, their style and the objects they display give visitors a foretaste of your design aesthetic when they first step through your door. If the hallway table also contains drawers, it will be handy for hiding away the little objects like keys and umbrellas that are useful to keep near your door but aren’t attractive to display.
Another practical spot for a console table is in a dining room. These tables can serve as a buffet table or dessert table. Indoor gardeners also find these tables invaluable. Wicker console tables positioned beneath sunny windows and overflowing with greenery are design classics. Anywhere that you have items to display, there is a console table to fit your need!
Style Considerations
The overall feel of your home provides the key to the best style of console table for you. Is your home more urban chic? Maybe country casual, or something in between? Do you prefer furniture that gives a solid, substantial feel like a dark wood, or are you drawn to an airier option like an intricately woven rattan console table? If storage is needed, opt for drawers or cubbies. If the table will primarily display objects, then multiple shelves will be useful. Bear in mind that there is a use for a console table in every room of your home. The one you invest in today has the potential to be used in multiple locations over time.