How To Style A Console Table; Dissecting The Design

Breaking Down The Details of a Beautiful, Functional Console
Filed Under > Living

How To Style A Console Table, Waiting On Martha Blog

A styled console table, whether that’s in the entryway, hallway, or living room is one of our favorite times form meets function in every home.  So we thought we’d spend today breaking down just how to style a console table.

The console table pictured above, as well as the console table seen here, are some of our top-pinned images of all time!  In order to achieve a pin-worthy and truly functional space, it’s helpful to understand the different components of console table decor.     

When it comes to the actual “how” in how to style a console table, think outside the box. And let’s not forget what a console table can actually do for your home. The possibilities are truly endless; in fact MKR’s favorite version of a console table is actually used as a bar in her home and a coffee bar in the office.

Similar to the endless possibilities of what a console table can do for you is the decor that a console table can hold.  Trays, flowers, candles and art; the styling combinations bring beauty and organization together in one easy sweep.  

Balance is key.  Varied height with table lamps, accents and plants, along with bold accents and multiple dimensions all work in tandem to unify the design.  And while this space can be completely customized to show off your personality, it lends itself to frequent redesign with a simple edit of accents.

To go into a bit more detail, below we’ve broken down all of the design elements that make this space beautiful.  We’d love to know if you love a console table as much as we do and how are you using your console table?! Cheers, Kat

SHOP THE STORY  / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE


  

Safavieh Ambler Clear Console Table

Overstock, $238.49

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The Surface
By starting with the surface, you’ll determine how big of statements you’ll use for the rest of the decor and accents.  Here, MKR has utilized the modern, clean design of a glass console table as the blank canvas to allow room for a show-stopping lamp, colorful art and statement stool to really shine. 

Other gorgeous options include ornate tables like this blue raffia, this natural grasscloth, and this bone-inlay console table.

One thing to consider: some console tables like this one have a lower, second shelf.  This will allow for more styling space, but will limit the use of stools and ottomans. 

Fashion-Walk by Ana Gaion

Minted, $178

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Art
Think of oversize wall art as the anchor of this space.  A bright, bold piece centers the vignette and gives it the dimension it deserves.  

Don’t want to invest in an original piece just yet?  Check out Minted and One Kings Lane for beautiful options for framed prints and printed canvases.  

Dixon Table Lamp

One Kings Lane, $599

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The Lamp
The next piece is a no-brainer; the lamp.  Not only will you want a lighting source on in this styled vignette, you will need the added height and interest it brings.  A table lamp instantly unifies the art and the styled items on the table.  MKR incorporated a stunning Mary McDonald statement lamp to great effect. 

More gorgeous options include this gold bamboo table lamp, this gilded beauty by AERIN, and this simplistic, and really reasonably priced, white table lamp

Perry Pillow-Top Ottoman, Beige

One Kings Lane, $795

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Stools & Ottomans
This part is what makes the space so pin-worthy!  Stools and ottomans are the perfect marriage of form and function, and they really take the vignette to the next level. 

Whether that’s a Moroccan leather pouf, a set of X benches, the White Hand Stool from Waiting on Martha as pictured above, or two chinoiserie garden stools, this detail always helps tie the space together.  Not to mention, it gives you a place to set your bag in the entryway! 

The Big Book of Chic

Amazon, $75

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The Book Stack
A stack of books instantly delivers the balance on the table that you’re aiming for; arrange 1-2 stacks with a variety in sizes—they don’t have to be perfect!  Have fun with your book selection, picking out titles and covers that show your personality and interests.  And MKR always reminds us to incorporate a pop of red in a vignette; here she used Art of the 20th Century to do the trick. 

Book stacks also act as the perfect pedestal for your favorite accents like a balloon dog, these geometric objects, a brass skull or this gold urchin

28" Cymbidium in Pot, Faux

One Kings Lane, $99

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Something Fresh
You can never go wrong with fresh blooms or greenery in a styled vignette.  Here, an orchid provides another point of interest and added height.  If you find yourself with a green thumb, having a live plant gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy this styled space throughout your week!  And if you can’t ever keep a plant alive, consider a beautiful faux option like this one

Gold Banana Palm Leaf Large Tray

Waiting on Martha Home, $58

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For the Trinkets
When you’re considering how to make this space as functional as it is beautiful, don’t forget a place to stash your car keys, especially if the console table is in the hallway or entryway. Decorative boxes and trinket dishes, like this one and this one, are the perfect additions to your book stacks and accents. 

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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