Console Table Styling – The Do’s and Don’ts

A console table is a newly introduced piece of furniture that was not a part of the old furniture sets. But nowadays, your living room sets are incomplete without a console table, It’s an attractive element to add to your place. What we love about console table styling is that you can place it literally anywhere – entryway, living room, bedroom, or hallway.

However, all console tables do not deliver the required results. You have to style it in the best way possible. If your table is cluttered or it gives the wrong proportions, you will ruin the entire look. So, what is the best console table styling? Let us look at the do’s and don’ts of console table styling to make it a stunning masterpiece.

Do’s of Console Table Styling

Start by thinking about where your console table will sit. The spot you choose shapes how you style it. In an entryway, you want it to be useful, Think a tray for keys or a mirror for a quick glance before heading out . I love how a round mirror softens the sharp edges of a table and makes the space feel bigger. One customer Shared, “This round mirror is a game-changer for my entryway. It is sleek and brightens everything up!”[1]

For a living room console table, its all about showing off your personality. Looking for more ways to style coffee table books? Check out our guide on how to decorate a round coffee table for inspiration. Stack some coffee table books, add a vase with fresh flowers, or place a quirky sculpture. If your table is behind a sofa, try tall lamps or decorative pieces to add height and warmth. in a hallway, keep it simple to avoid blocking the path, A small plant or a single candle can do wonders. Wherever it is, make sure the styling fits the space and feels like you.

Next, pay attention to proportion.A console table that is out of balance looks off. if you put a tall lamp on one side, pair it with something like a stack of books or a medium-sized vase on the other. For a long, narrow console table, don’t just use tiny items—they will get lost. Mix in some larger pieces to give it weight. on a small console table, go easy with just a few items, like a vase and a decorative bowl. I have found that layering taller items at the back and shorter ones in front adds depth without feeling flat. Customers love tables with storage for this reason. One said, “This console table is perfect. It is stylish and the drawers keep everything tidy.“[2]

Then, mix up the heights. A table with everything at the same level feels boring. This layering technique also works well for floating shelves in the kitchen, where you can mix tall and short items effectively. Try a tall vase at the back, a medium lamp in the middle, and small items like candles or figurines up front. Playing with textures helps too—think wood, metal or glass. i once paired a smooth ceramic vase with a woven basket, and it brought the whole table to life. Its like telling a little story with your decor, making the table a conversation starter.

Finally, add a focal point. A big mirror or a piece of artwork above the table pulls everything together. Mirrors are my go-to because they reflect light and make a room feel spacious. If you can’t hang anything a large sculptural vase or a bold decorative object on the table works just as well. It is about creating something that draws the eye and feels intentional.

Don’ts of Console Table Styling

Don’t overload the table with stuff. I have made this mistake before, piling on every cute trinket I own, only to end up with a cluttered mess. Less is more. Pick a few pieces that work together and leave some empty space. it makes the table feel calm and inviting, not chaotic.

Also, don’t ignore the size of your decor. Tiny items on a big console table look lost, and huge pieces on a small table feel overwhelming. I once put a massive vase on a narrow table and it looked like it was about to tip over. Find a balance—mix sizes but keep them in proportion to the table and the room.

Lastly, don’t forget about function. A console table should look good, but its also needs to work for you. In an entryway, you might need a spot for keys or mail.Behind a sofa, maybe it holds a lamp for reading. Don’t let styling take away from usability. Add a tray or a bowl for small items, and if your table has drawers or shelves, use them to keep things organized.

Final Thoughts

A console table is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a canvas for your creativity, A quiet corner of your home that tells your story. Whether it’s greeting guests in your entryway or holding cherished books in your living room, a well-styled console table brings warmth and character to any space. As you consider where it sits, balance its proportions, mix heights, and choose a focal point, you’re not just decorating, You are crafting a moment that feels uniquely yours. I have poured my heart into styling my own tables over the years, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing it come together. So, pick a few pieces that speak to you , arrange them with care, and let your console table shine as a reflection of who you are.

Sources: [1]West Elm, [2] Wayfair