A console table is an extremely versatile piece of furniture that can be used in most rooms and can perform various different duties. This flexibility makes them a very attractive option and this timeless piece of furniture has gained in popularity over the past decade.

What is a Console Table?

A console table is essentially a long narrow table. They originated in XVIIth Century France and were mainly used by wealthy French aristocrats. Traditionally, a console table had two legs and was supported by brackets. They were most often used in the foyers of mansions and palaces and were designed to fit against the walls.

What is the Point of a Console Table?

Today, most modern console tables have developed to have four legs, although they are still most often used against the wall. They are also still primarily used in entryways and hallways but they can actually be used in most rooms around the home. As would be expected, they are used to provide an extra surface and extra storage space.

Console tables are the perfect piece of furniture for small spaces where furniture with a small footprint comes in handy. This may well explain the surge in popularity over the past decade as we have witnessed an equal rise in the interest in tiny homes.

When it comes to choosing the perfect console table for your home there are a few criteria that you can use to help you find the best fit for you and your needs. Let’s take a look.

1. Location

So, firstly, you will need to decide where you will be using your new console table. Location provides the perfect starting point for narrowing down your search. This will dictate a lot of the other criteria that we will use to choose.

So, let’s dive into the various locations that console tables can be used around the home.

Hallway or Entryway

Fulfilling their initial mission, console tables are often found in hallways and entryways because of their narrow dimensions. Most new homes don’t have expansive hallways so narrow tables that sit flush against the wall and don’t take up too much floor space are ideal.

Behind the Sofa

Some people also use console tables in the living room, most often behind the sofa. You may hear them referred to as sofa tables in this case but it’s essentially the same thing. Console tables are ideal for placing behind the sofa because they are generally quite long, narrow and tall. They can be used to fill the awkward space behind the sofa. They can also be used to style the area behind the sofa and keep things that you may need to hand.

Over a Radiator

In modern homes radiators are often placed in quite inconvenient locations and make it quite difficult to add furniture to the room as you should not place furniture in front of a radiator. This is where console tables can come in handy. They are often tall enough to be placed over the radiator. In this case they act like a radiator shelf which helps to direct the heat back into the room instead of straight up to the ceiling.

The tabletop can also be used to display or store items that are needed. For example, in an entry way you could place a basket or box on it for keys, wallet and other items that need to be kept safe.

Dining Room

Dining rooms are also great locations for console tables, especially if space is at a premium. They can be used to provide extra tabletop space so that you can keep items within reach of the dining table when needed rather than cluttering the main dining table.

They can also be used as a bar where there isn’t sufficient space for a sideboard or instead of a bar cart.

Bedroom

Console tables are also a great addition to the bedroom. They can be used as a vanity table if you are short on space as they don’t take up as much space as a dressing table. By downsizing the vanity you can still get all the benefits of a dressing table but with a much smaller footprint.

2. Size

The next consideration, once we know where we will be using the console table, is to work out what size we need. If it is going behind the sofa or over a radiator, we simply need to take the measurements of those two items to make sure that it will fit. If it is going anywhere else, we simply need to measure the space where it is intended to go and make sure that there is adequate clearance around it for the flow of traffic in the room.

3. Style

Now we need to narrow down our chosen style to make sure that it is a good fit for our home and the space that it will be used in.

Glam

Do you want to add a touch of glamour with your console table? In this case choose something with a sophisticated silhouette, possibly in a highly polished metal with glass or marble accents.

Mid-Century

If mid-century is more your style, opt for something slightly more minimalist that features clean lines and streamlined forms, and that has a lack of embellishment.

Industrial

Maybe industrial is a better fit for your home. In this case, you might be looking for something a bit more rough and ready. Think strong steel frame, possibly black, an oak top, maybe with a rustic distressed finish.

Farmhouse

Perhaps French Farmhouse is more fitting? In which case look for something more natural and rustic, preferably wooden, with sturdy spindle legs.

Art Deco

Art Deco is another option where the console will probably have symmetrical or angular lines, sweeping curves or incorporate things like stars or sunbursts.

4. Material

The style may well help you to choose the material that you want your console table to be made from so this consideration is actually quite effortless.

5. Storage

The style may also dictate the storage that comes with the console table. But if it doesn’t, you simply need to decide whether you want it to include drawers or shelves. This will depend on what you intend the role of your console table to be in the given room.

For example, if it will be used in the hallway, it could be handy to have a drawer for storing post and a low shelf for storing shoes. If used as a vanity table, a drawer could be useful for makeup supplies. But if used over a radiator a lower shelf may not be possible and a drawer may not be practical.

6. Price

And finally, think about your budget. There are console tables at all price points so look for something that feels like good value for money for you.

Here at Honeypot Furniture, we have a wide selection of console tables in all styles to choose from and at varying price points, so you’re bound to find something that works for you.

If you’ve bought a console table from Honeypot Furniture, we’d love to see how you’re using yours. Please share on Instagram and tag us with @honeypotfurniture and use our hashtag #BuzzingWithStyle so we can see.