What are Console Tables Used for?

Console tables are incredibly versatile pieces of furniture and can go into just about any room in your home. That doesn't mean you should go buy four of them today, though! Take a little time and think about where and how you can use one in your home décor.

In this article, we're going to show you:

• The five most common uses for a console table
• Quick tips for how to style console tables

We'll also point you towards some extra resources you might enjoy for even more inspiration.

What exactly is a console table?

A console table is a long, narrow table that is about 30" high. Some are a little shorter and some a little higher, but 30" is about average. Some tables come with drawers for extra storage. Most designs feature open space underneath, but you can easily find a table with a handy shelf for shoes or decorative accessories.

In interior design, a console table is used to provide a welcome in the front hallway and set the tone for the space. In living rooms and dining rooms, a table can be used to create interest or as decorative storage for little bits in the home.

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Classic Entryway Console Table

Adding a console table to your entryway is a great way to set the tone for your entire home. Introduce guests to your decorating style, bring in the main colors of your design, and welcome people with an interesting and warm display.

Of course, since it's by the door, you may also want to use this as a landing pad or launch pad. We love a large round mirror above the table for a last minute fit check. Adding drawers or cute storage boxes can help reduce unsightly clutter when you dump all the random items from your pockets.

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Sofa Table for the Living Room

Sofa tables are a great alternative to a side table. They serve a slightly different purpose, though. A side table is used to store things you want to pick up, like your coffee or wine. A console table in your living space becomes part of your decor. It can even take center stage if you pair it with the right accessories.

You'll only want to use a sofa table when you have a floating sofa. That's one that is not parked against a wall. The console table behind the sofa will give you space for decorative pieces, add some visual weight to the space, and stop the path behind the sofa from being just a walkway.

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Dining Room Console Tables

Dining rooms can be great spaces for a console table, with one caveat: you must have enough room. Consoles tend to be narrow, so you can always find one that is small enough to fit in without feeling like everything has been squashed into the room.

You can use your dining room console table as extra tabletop surface area for side dishes that won't stay on the main table. It can work beautifully as a buffet for people to help themselves. Or, turn it into a temporary bar to hold the drinks. A drawer or two will give you somewhere to store nice cutlery when it's not out on the dining table.

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Focal Point Console Tables

In living rooms, family rooms, and other places, you can use a console table to add interest if you have a blank wall. Choose a console table that fits your space and then add the decorative pieces you want to turn it into a focal point for the room.

Table lamps are absolutely perfect for console table decoration. They add light and can become the mood setters for your room when you don't want to have the "big lights" on. Another option is to move some coffee table items here and showcase travel books, family albums, and other beautiful living room items.

Bedroom Console Tables

Using a console table in your bedroom is a little different. Most beds work great with side tables, so how does a console table even fit? Unless you have a small space, a console table can be great for additional storage on a dead wall. You could also use it under a wall-mounted TV to hide the DVR equipment.

For example, if your bed and side tables are against one wall, your dresser or chest of drawers might be opposite. That leaves two walls to decorate. Many people have windows on one of those walls. So, use a console table on the other wall to showcase family pictures, create a device storage area, or snag a console table with an open design. Pair that with a cute stool for a nice place to sit with a drink and do a little extra work or household planning.

How to Style Your Console Table

While a console table is a truly versatile piece of furniture, there are definitely some things to do and not do when you are settling on your design.

Here are three top tips to keep in mind for your decor.

Don't cram too much into small spaces

We love console tables! That's why we have an entire website about them. But, sometimes, less is more. For really narrow spaces, such as a 36" hallway, a truly narrow piece could be used. But then you will want to be very careful with the decor. Adding a mirror and lamp will help the space feel bigger. Tall accessories will work much better in a small space. If you use wide or round furnishings, you can make the space feel even smaller.

The wall is as important as the table

The narrow body of the console table doesn't create a big raised surface. So, the wall is where you can add the most interesting features. Think of your table as the frame for whatever you want to put on the wall. This might be a gorgeous piece of artwork, a beautiful mirror, or even a photo gallery. Whatever objects go on the wall, make sure the table and accessories match their look and feel.

Make your table functional, too

Console tables can be TV stands, shelves for books, or a crash pad for your keys and dog leash. Whether it's next to your front door or tucked behind your sofa, consider what you do with your table. Drawers will make almost any table more useful. A small shelf could be a good place for your house slippers or hat boxes.

Learn how to do even more with our helpful article: What to Put under a Console Table

Final Thoughts

The main difference between a console table and other tables is size. Console tables are narrow, so they fit into smaller spaces. But they aren't just functional like side tables. They can be used for decor, entertaining guests, and more. Wherever you have some space for a little extra, a console table could be just what you need to really make your space beautiful.