Consoles, much like coffee tables, serve functional purposes in a room. They enhance the overall look of a well-designed space. These versatile pieces are perfect for filling dead spaces in narrow hallways, behind sofas, or on either side of a fireplace.

Adding a console table can create a perfect area for a vignette, showcasing your favorite treasures. Your home should be filled with things you love—items that evoke special memories and bring you joy.

Here are ten things to keep in mind as you choose the right console table for your home and how to style it.

Tip 1: Go Unconventional

Console tables come in all shapes and sizes. Why not try something a bit unconventional, like a zebra hair-on-hide upholstered version? A custom touch goes a long way in showcasing your personality and style.

The one shown above is from The Veronica Solomon Style Collection. You can custom order it in your choice of fabric, leather, vinyl, or hide, and select your dimensions. Reach out to learn more!

If you like the idea of unconventional but prefer a classic detail, consider a Greek key design, like the one shown below.

This hair-on-hide option in black is a bit more subdued than the wild zebra print.

Tip 2: Go Skirted

Skirted tables aren't as popular as they once were. Traditionally, round skirted tables filled corners, adorned with beautiful trinkets. Nowadays, people often use plants or floor lamps to fill empty corners.

But what if we made skirted console tables trendy again?

With a skirted console table, you can introduce gorgeous fabric, adding patterns to a maximalist space. The best skirt is tailored, like the box pleat version above, also available from The Veronica Solomon Style Collection.

Be sure to place a piece of glass on top to keep your decorations stable and protect the fabric from dirt and stains.

Tip 3: Choose A Console With Shelves

I love having multiple surfaces to display my collections. A console table with shelves offers extra display space for showcasing special treasures.

Here, we used an antelope-pattern upholstered console from The Veronica Solomon Style Collection as a bar in a dining room. Even with a sideboard in the room, it still felt incomplete. This console filled the wall beautifully and provided room for displaying barware.

Tip 4: Use A Bar Cart

The small bar cart above was on its way to storage due to lack of space. I had a clever idea to use it as a console table in an awkward area near my home's entry.

The space was too small for traditional furniture but felt too open. The perfect solution was to use this rarely used doorway to a closet as a wall.

Instead of bar paraphernalia, I displayed some of my treasured vintage books. The cart rolls away easily when we need to access the storage underneath the stairs.

Beckett Bar Cart | Cosmopolitan Bar Cart | South Seas Rattan

Tip 5: Skinny Hallways Deserve Console Love Too

Did I mention that consoles come in all shapes and sizes? This one is only about 9" deep! It was perfect for the wall in front of my son's bedroom.

The slim clean lines and glass top create an open feel, avoiding a crowded look. It fits perfectly behind this closet door in the narrow hallway.

Check out my Amazon Shop for a variety of skinny consoles HERE.

Tip 6: Go For The Unique

The console table itself can bring personality into a space, not just the decor you use to style it.

We used this one-of-a-kind piece in our client's living room. The soaring ceilings and fresh white color palette benefited from the heavier feel of the media center and console table.

The legs are made of iron, and the top is a chunky slab of wood with wormholes. Check out the bolts used to attach the top to the legs—fabulous!

Black Pagoda Console | Bixby Console | Tria Gray Marble Console | Inverse Marble Console

Tip 7: Materials Matter

In each space I design, I aim to incorporate a variety of materials. A diverse mix helps the room feel more collected and storied—opposite of catalog decorating, which I wrote about not too long ago HERE.

In this modern and neutral room, the materials played a crucial role. They brought texture and depth to the space. The base of the table is French brass, and the top is chiseled Agaria marble. It’s a stunning piece that anchors a floating sofa perfectly.

Tip 8: Opportunity For Extra Seating

If you have a small space and seating is limited, a console table with an open base allows for additional seating—even if it's just garden stools.

We strive to incorporate as much seating as possible in our designs. There’s never too much seating, as long as it’s well-planned and fits the space.

Tip 9: Dressers and Credenzas Work Too

I love using dressers, credenzas, and sideboards as consoles for extra storage.

They can visually anchor or add weight to a wall.

In the image above, we used two credenzas on either side of a two-story fireplace wall. We wanted to maintain a light feel in the room, so we chose a two-tone credenza with a mostly white finish.

Hale Canvas Sideboard | Brentley Marble Top Sideboard | Autumn Shagreen Sideboard

Tip 10: Styling Your Consoles

Depending on the console table's location and the room's function, you can decorate it in various ways.

We even turn them into bars, as you saw above, so there are no limits to how you can style your console tables. I believe function should come first when deciding what decorative pieces to add.

Whatever you decide to include, layout matters to avoid a cluttered look. If your console is against a wall, it’s a great opportunity to hang a beautiful piece of art or a mirror above it. Mirrors are perfect for consoles located in entryways.

I also love to include a lamp on one side of the console for additional lighting.

I prefer a more asymmetrical arrangement, so I usually avoid matching pairs of lamps on each side.

If A Console Table Is Against A Wall

As mentioned, if the console table is against a wall, I add a piece of art or a mirror above. I choose a vibrant piece of art whenever possible. While the mirror should be functional, it can have an elaborate frame or unusual shape to feel like an art piece.

I’ll add a lamp, plant, or larger object on the left side. I usually place the tallest object on the left, as that’s how the eye naturally views an asymmetrical arrangement.

On the right side, I’ll add the second-largest piece—perhaps a sculpture, temple jar, or floral arrangement. I love including florals or greenery to soften a vignette.

Depending on the console's width, you may be able to add a few more objects in the center. I prefer something lower but proportional to the other items. Typically, I’ll stack books with a jar, box, or object on top.

I like to overlap pieces to add dimension and show relationships between them.

The photo above is a great example of how I style a console.

Here are a few of my favorite accessory items perfect for styling your console.

Scroll to see them all. You can purchase right from the link.

If the console table is behind a sofa or not in front of a wall

You need to be mindful of the height of the pieces. Anything too tall could easily be knocked over by kids jumping on the sofa or block the view of the television from another area.

Lamps are usually not practical because there may not be floor plugs, or they could be too tall. If you decide to use lamps, opt for something no taller than 28 inches.

Here are some great lamps to inspire you.

Scroll to see them all.

Of course, you want to measure your space before choosing a console table. They come in various widths (roughly 60, 64, 72, 84, 88) and depths (12, 16, 18, 22, 24). These are not standard measurements, but they are close to what we often find.

The height should be no less than about 28-30 inches if it will be placed against a wall, but lower is preferable if it will be placed behind a sofa. Be sure to measure the height of your sofa's back with cushions to ensure your console isn't too tall. That can create a disproportionate look. Keep in mind that modern and mid-century style sofas are usually lower than most.

Take a look at some of my favorite consoles.

Scroll to see them all. You can purchase right from the links.

Now that you've learned all about choosing and styling your console tables, how will you style yours? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to share a photo with us if you like!

If you need help with some finishing touches, take a look at our Finishing Touches service.

Wishing You Boldness & Great Style!

Veronica