Console Tables

Console Tables

What is a console table?

A console table is a slim table designed to sit neatly against a wall, giving you a useful surface without taking up the floor space of a larger table. You will often see one in a hallway, where it provides a natural place for keys, post, a lamp or a few personal pieces, but it can work just as well in a living room, dining area or behind a sofa. Some console tables keep things simple with an open design, while others include drawers, cupboards or lower shelves for extra storage. That choice depends on how tidy you want the surface to stay and what you need to keep nearby. You can also choose from warm wood finishes or more contemporary combinations of glass, ceramic and metal, so the table can either blend gently into the room or add a stronger design detail. If you are choosing several smaller tables for your living space, our occasional furniture collection can help you find console, coffee and lamp tables that work naturally together.

What size console table should I get?

The right console table should give you useful surface space while still leaving the room easy to move through. Start by measuring the wall where you want it to sit, then pay particular attention to depth. This matters in hallways and narrower areas, where even a few extra centimetres can affect how comfortable the space feels. Check the height as well, especially if you plan to place the table below artwork, a mirror or a window. A slim console can work well in a compact area, while a wider table can suit a longer wall and give you more room for lighting, storage and personal pieces. If the console is going behind a sofa, a height close to or slightly below the back of the sofa usually creates a balanced relationship between the two. Storage can influence size too, as drawers and shelves may be useful if the table needs to work harder. Measure first, then think about what you actually want the console to hold before choosing the proportions.

What do I put on a console table?

A console table is a great place to combine the useful things you reach for every day with a few pieces that make the room feel like yours. In a hallway, a small tray or bowl can keep keys together, while a lamp adds practical light and helps the entrance feel warmer. Framed photographs, flowers, books or ceramics can add character without needing to fill the whole surface. In a living room, you can take a similar approach and use the console as a quiet display area behind a sofa or against an otherwise empty wall. Varying the height of what you place on top usually feels more relaxed than arranging everything at the same level. It also helps to leave some clear space so the table remains useful rather than becoming another place for clutter to gather. If your console includes drawers or a lower shelf, use them for smaller items you want nearby but out of sight. A nearby lamp table can give you extra everyday surface space without overcrowding the console itself.