What to Use Instead of a Console Table?

Don't have room for a traditional console table, or want a more unique look? There are endless ways to add storage, personality, and practical surface space to your home without relying on the expected!

If you're still looking for your table, browse our selection of beautiful handmade wooden console tables.

Upcycled and Unexpected Finds

Sometimes the best interior design solutions come from what you already have. There are so many different styles you can add to your home. Get creative with repurposing these items for a fresh take on the traditional console table.

Desks and Dressers

Old desks offer charming, built-in storage with their drawers and cubbies. Choose a desk with a height that suits your space and personalize it with a fresh coat of paint or updated hardware. Similarly, a slim dresser functions just as well as a console table, with the bonus of pretty hardware. Use the top for art, a mirror, or curated décor.

Benches and Stools

A stylish bench with hidden storage brings function to hallways and entryways. Choose a style that complements your decor and look for options with lift-tops, drawers, or built-in cubbies. Upcycled wooden stools are a charming choice – just top them with a decorative tray to hold daily essentials and create a cohesive look.

Bookshelves and Trunks

Turn a narrow bookcase on its side for instant shelving and display that's ideal in tight spaces. Taller bookcases can even become room dividers! Vintage trunks hide clutter, offer a touch of history, and make unique coffee tables when not used in their console table role.

DIY Creativity

Feeling crafty? Design a custom piece that fits your unique needs and style.

Floating Shelves

Sleek floating shelves are the perfect solution for areas where floor space is limited. Arrange them at varying heights for a curated display area and choose wood tones or colors that complement your existing décor. Experiment with asymmetry for a modern touch.

Shop for a beautiful floating shelf at Artisan Born.

Repurposed Drawer

Don't discard old furniture drawers! With a coat of paint and the right mounting hardware, they become whimsical wall storage. Use a drawer to store keys, sunglasses, or any small items that tend to get lost in entryways or bedrooms.

Wood Crates and Ladders

Stack stained or painted wooden crates for a touch of rustic charm and storage. Opt for sturdy crates that can support heavier items and leave some open for a more airy look. Wood crates can also be used for shoe storage since they can stand up to the abuse. A decorative ladder leaning against the wall creates effortless vertical storage. Use the rungs to hang scarves, blankets, or baskets with a cool, functional vibe.

Multi-Purpose Pieces

For smaller spaces, pieces that serve multiple functions are your best friend. You want something that gives you a little extra storage and a spot for a little home decor.

Bar Carts

Designed for beverages but useful everywhere! Slim and often wheeled, bar carts organize books, houseplants, office supplies, or décor anywhere you need extra space. They are great in small spaces since you can easily move them if they are in the way for some reason.

Small Buffets & Sideboards

Don't limit yourself to the dining room! Sideboards and small buffets often offer the perfect depth for an entryway or behind a sofa. Look for pieces with drawers and cabinets for bonus storage, and don't be afraid of mixing old and new styles.

Find unique handmade wooden bar tables in the Artisan Born shop.

Architectural Smarts

Use your home's built-in features to your advantage, adding storage and display space without bringing in more furniture.

Window Ledges

Wide window sills are like ready-made shelves! Arrange potted plants, books, or framed art for a bit of natural décor. Add a cushion to a deep window ledge, and you've got a cozy reading nook with storage below for books and cozy blankets.

Radiators

If you don't use your radiator, top it with a wood shelf for an instant, unique table. Opt for a wood that can tolerate heat variations. Many companies sell radiator covers that instantly transform them into usable surfaces with a decorative flourish that seamlessly blends into the rest of the room.

Alternatives by Purpose

Not all console table needs are the same! Consider what you want most out of the space and choose your alternative accordingly:

I Need Storage!

Benches with storage compartments, sideboards, desks, dressers, bar carts, and more can give you storage choices. Pick one and decorate it to fit into your home instead of console tables.

Display Focused

Floating shelves, repurposed drawers, window ledges, leaning ladders, architectural elements (mantelpieces, etc.) Showcase your treasures with options that create visual interest but don't take up valuable floor space.

Defining Space

Narrow bookcases turned sideways, bar carts (can be moved around easily), benches, decorative screens. Use these items to carve out distinct zones in open floor plans or to fill empty corners with a sense of purpose.

Something Unique

Trunks (bonus points for doubling as a coffee table), repurposed ladders (hold blankets AND look quirky), bar carts (they work everywhere!). If your goal is to showcase your creativity and add personality, these options make your space undeniably "you".

Alternatives by Room

Let's take a room-by-room look at how to replace that small console table with something perfect for your specific space.

Entryway

Focus on "drop zones" for keys and mail near your front door. Floating shelves, repurposed drawers, radiator covers, and benches with storage work in a small space. Make the most of wall space to keep the floor area clear.

Living Rooms

Address awkward corners with narrow bookcases, add décor to spacious rooms with floating shelves or a leaning ladder, or use a bar cart behind the sofa for serving or display. Choose options that complement the room's existing style and overall flow.

Bedrooms

Instead of a nightstand, try a repurposed stool or crate to save space. A narrow bench at the foot of the bed adds storage, while a slim dresser with a mirror becomes a vanity. Look for pieces that provide the functionality you want and complement the overall aesthetic of the room.

Dining Rooms

Need a buffet replacement? Try a long, low bookcase for dishes and linens. For occasional serving space, a bar cart or vintage trunk can be brought in and out as needed. Opt for solutions that don't crowd the dining table permanently but enhance the space on special occasions.

Finishing Touches

There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding creative console table alternatives! Consider your priorities, let your personality shine through, and have fun with the process.