Where to Put a Console Table in a Living Room

A console table is the unsung hero of the living room. It can effortlessly blend style and function, serving as a decorative focal point or adding a much-needed surface for storage and display. Whether you're seeking a space-saving solution, a way to define zones within your living room, or simply want to enhance your décor, a console table is one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can choose.

Get ready to discover the ideal placements and styling tips to transform your living room with this versatile piece.

General Rules for Using Console Tables

Before we get into specific placements, let's cover a few essential guidelines. These will ensure your console table looks fantastic and functions exactly how you need it to.

Still looking for a table? Browse our selection of handmade wooden console tables.

Before we dive in, we have other guides, too. If you're looking at another room, check these out:

• Dining room console table guide

• Entryway console table guide

Now, let's look at the guidelines you can follow to get the most out of your table.

Rule 1: Consider Proportions and Scale

Console tables work best when they match the size and proportions of the room. The ideal size complements the nearby furniture and the size of the room overall. A massive console table will visually overwhelm a smaller space, while a tiny table could feel out of place in a large, open living room. When used as a sofa table, the perfect height is level with the sofa back or slightly shorter. You also don't want the table to extend too far beyond the sofa's edges.

Rule 2: Functionality Matters

Ask yourself how this console table will make your life easier (and prettier!). Do you long for hidden extra storage to tuck away remotes? A dedicated place to showcase treasured photos? Maybe you're dreaming of a side table with the perfect spot for a table lamp to add soft lighting. Once you know its main function, choose a console table with the features to match.

Rule 3: Designate a Purpose

A console table works best when it has a clear job. This keeps it from becoming that random spot where clutter piles up. Will yours be the welcoming centerpiece of your entryway, complete with a mirror and a spot for keys? Perhaps it's the designated minibar for hosting, or the perfect place to display a statement lamp and your favorite artwork. Having a defined purpose will guide your styling decisions and make it shine.

Four Smart Places to Put a Console Table

Ready to discover the perfect spot for your console table? These four smart placements offer a blend of style and practicality, allowing you to transform various areas of your living room.

Sofa Table: Anchor Your Couch

Placing a console table behind your sofa is a design mainstay for good reason! It breaks up an open-concept living room, offers a surface for display, and can even incorporate storage to keep things tidy.

Styling tips: A pair of lamps adds pleasing symmetry and extra lighting. Leave space in the center for eye-catching décor. Hang artwork or a mirror above table lamps to create a layered, dynamic focal point.

Focal Point Table: Liven Up Dead Wall Space

If you have a blank wall or an underutilized corner, a console table transforms it into a captivating design feature. Select a console table decor, with a bold color, unique shape, or interesting material to command attention.

Styling tips: Embrace visual drama with an oversized piece of art, a collection of decorative accessories, or an arrangement of tall candlesticks. Let the background play a role too – a vibrant accent wall, gallery wall, or textured wallpaper will further elevate the impact of empty space.

Welcome Table: Create a Welcome Zone

A console table placed near your entryway creates a welcoming first impression for your living room while doubling as a practical landing pad for daily essentials. It's the perfect spot to drop keys, mail, or those last-minute items as you head out the door.

Styling tips: A mirror allows for quick outfit checks and reflects light. Include a tray or decorative bowl for smaller items, and a potted plant or flowers add a touch of nature. Remember, functionality can still be beautiful!

Boundary Table: Separate Zones in Your Room

In a large living room, a console table cleverly defines distinct areas. Place it behind a floating sofa or use it to visually separate a cozy seating arrangement from a reading nook. Living rooms with lots of open space can use a console table to create interest, separate zones, and provide visual interest with coffee table books, framed photographs, or other decorative items.

Styling tips: Consider the table's height and design—a taller piece or one with an open shelf design keeps the space feeling airy. Baskets below provide storage, and placing lamps on top of sofa tables adds task lighting for specific activities.

Console Tables for Popular Decor Schemes

Now, let's find the console table style that speaks to your unique design sensibility! We'll explore some of today's most popular interior design trends and how to select a console that complements each one perfectly. Even if you're not an interior designer, you can follow these tips to create a great room.

Modern Farmhouse: Rustic Meets Refined

The vibe: Modern Farmhouse style takes classic rustic charm and updates it with clean lines and a neutral color palette. Think exposed beams, shiplap walls, natural linen textures, and accents of black or matte metal.

Your ideal console table: Choose a table made of warm wood with a simple design. It can have a slightly weathered finish for character, and minimalist metal hardware adds a touch of modern edge. Styling is key here—baskets for storage space, simple vases with greenery, and vintage finds create that laid-back farmhouse feel.

Japandi: Minimalism with Warmth

The vibe: Japandi blends the serene principles of Japanese design with the cozy hygge aesthetic of Scandinavia. There's a focus on functionality, natural materials, and a calming color scheme with touches of black. This is a great choice for a small space because it makes everything seem a little calmer and more chill.

Your ideal console table: Look for clean lines, uncluttered designs, and warm wood tones. A low-profile table emphasizes the minimalist aspect, and subtle curves add a touch of softness. Decorate your narrow console table with simple pottery, a single statement plant, and perhaps a stack of carefully curated books.

Coastal Chic: Beachy Vibes

The vibe: Coastal Chic evokes the breezy lightness of seaside living. Picture airy spaces, light blues, sandy neutrals, and touches of natural textures like woven rattan and wicker. Nautical accents like stripes and other decorative objects and oars add a touch of playfulness. This is a great style for creating a lived in feel in your seating area.

Your ideal console table: Opt for light woods, painted finishes, or pieces with woven textures for a beachy feel. Open shelves keep the look breezy, while a distressed finish adds a touch of weathered charm. Styling should be fresh and simple – think coral sculptures, clear glass vases filled with sand, and framed botanical prints.

Grandmillenial: Vintage-Inspired Elegance

The vibe: Grandmillenial celebrates a love of traditional patterns, rich textures, and the collected look of vintage pieces. Think floral prints, needlepoint accents, chinoiserie, and antique furniture finds. You can upcycle an antique console table to fit your home.

Your ideal console table: This style welcomes ornate details, polished finishes, and tables with a touch of antique charm. Curved legs or gleaming brass hardware fit right in. Style it with a mix of patterns, layered accessories, and perhaps a vintage-style lamp with a patterned shade.

Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

The vibe: Biophilic design centers on creating a calming connection to nature. It features plenty of natural light, plants, wood and stone elements, and colors inspired by the outdoors.

Your ideal console table: Choose tables made from natural wood with organic shapes or live-edge details. A simple, unfussy design lets the material shine. Style the surface space with lush potted plants, textural baskets, and earthy ceramics to enhance the connection to nature.

Time to Transform Your Living Room

Whether you're drawn to the warmth of Modern Farmhouse or the tranquility of Japandi, there's a perfect console table to elevate your living room's style and functionality. Remember, let the placement and design choices reflect your personality and practical needs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and arrangements – sometimes the unexpected solutions are the most rewarding!