A console table is a long, narrow, and stylish table-like piece of furniture often placed against a wall or a couch. They are usually about the height of dining tables and are found in entryways and living rooms. This allows them to serve as decorative displays, functional workspaces, or storage solutions.
Unlike regular tables, many console tables feature storage compartments and can be used to store or keep essentials out of view. Also, unlike most tables with four legs, the flat, top surfaces of console tables are supported by decorative brackets and corbels.
What Does a Console Table Look Like?
Console tables used to feature flat, rectangle-shaped blocks supported by two wall-mounted brackets and two legs. This made them stationary and incapable of being moved freely from one location to another.
Modern console tables are not supported by wall brackets or fixed in place. They have extra legs for support and can now be moved around. While they still feature bracket supports, these brackets play a decorative role rather than a functional one.
Instead of their usual rectangular surfaces, console table tops now come in shapes like rectangle, oval, half-moon, or free-form (any shape of your choice). Their base also comes in several forms, including four legs, cross legs, pedestal, sled, trestle, and frame.
In short, console tables:
- Have a long and narrow shape—usually around waist height—that stands against walls or behind sofas.
- Feature a flat surface for displaying decorative items.
- Are made of materials such as wood, metal, or glass.
- Come in design styles like traditional, modern, and industrial.
- Have optional storage features like drawers, cabinets, or shelves.
Height and Length of Console Tables
Typically, console tables measure anywhere from 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81cm) in height. This is about waist level or the height of a dining table.
With this height, you get easy access to the surface while standing or sitting down. Of course, console tables can always be taller or shorter than this, depending on personal preferences.
Lengthwise, console tables measure between 30 inches and 72 inches (76 to 183cm). The length of your console table will be determined by how much space you have and what purpose it will serve.
Why is it Called a Console Table?
Despite the ‘console’ in its name, this piece is not an emotional support furniture. The name ‘console table’ was derived from the French word ‘consolidate’, which means “to strengthen” or “reinforce”.
Their history can be traced to 17th-century France, where they were used by aristocrats to hold and show off valuables like timepieces, mirrors, and other decorative items. They were usually placed between windows, and in receptions or entryways where they were fastened in place with wall brackets.
Today, they’re being used for not just decoration, but also as storage, workspace, and more. They’re also no longer fixed in place, and their design has changed a little. More on that in the next section.
| Note: There are different types and styles of console tables. Find out more about them in our article: “6 Types of Console Tables to Consider for Your Home” |
What a Console Table is Not
A console table is often confused with a side table, but they’re not the same. A side table is placed beside sitting furniture like sofas, chairs, beds, or couches. They are used to hold items like drinks, remote controls, and books for easy access while sitting down.
While console tables can serve the same function, they’re more versatile. They can be placed against walls or be used as standalone furniture pieces.
The major differences between console tables and side tables are highlighted in the table below:
| Feature | Console Tables | Side Tables |
| Height | Taller, about 28 to 32 inches | Shorter, about 20 to 24 inches |
| Length | Longer, about 30 to 72 inches | Smaller, about 16 to 22 inches |
| Placement | Behind sitting furniture, against a wall, freestanding, in entryways, hallways, and more | Beside sitting furniture like sofas and chairs |
| Function | Storage, display, decoration, and workspace | Primarily for displaying and holding items |
| Note: Console tables and side tables are not the only storage units that are confused with each other. Credenzas, sideboards, and buffets are often mistaken too. Read more about them in our article: “Sideboard vs. Buffet vs. Credenza: What’s the Difference?” |
What a Console Table is Used For
Console tables are versatile furniture pieces with a lot of applications.
Decorative Element in Entryways
This is where console tables are used the most. Console tables can be placed in the entryway or hallway to create an inviting atmosphere for guests. In this application, the console table assumes the name ‘entryway table’.
Your console table can be used in the entryway to:
- display decorative items like artwork, trophies, and flowers.
- hold everyday items like bags, keys, and mail
- complement wall art by drawing attention to the pieces
- keep items out of sight with storage compartments
| Quick Tip: You can place fancy bowls or trays on top of the table to hold smaller items like loose change or sunglasses. |
To enhance the aesthetics and create a great first impression for guests, you can add a decorative mirror to the wall, just above the surface of the entryway table.
Home Workspace
By incorporating stools and chairs, you can convert your console table into a makeshift workspace. This setup allows you to create a space for reading, working, and more.
Besides using the surface as a workspace, you can also store work supplies in the drawers (if any), to keep your space organized and clutter-free.
To make the arrangement more conducive for working at home, we recommend adding inspiring artwork, plants, and lighting.
Decorative Display
The surface of the console table can be used to display pictures, artwork, books, and plants in any space. You can also put hooks on the wall above the table and use it to hang picture frames, coats, and other items.
When using a console table for this purpose, it’s important to arrange items strategically. You can choose to group similar items or place smaller decorative items in front of a flower vase. This creates a sense of balance, enhances visual interest, and maximizes the available space on the console table’s surface.
Extra Storage
Console tables are a great way to get more storage without having to invest in bulky furniture pieces.
By incorporating storage compartments like cabinets, drawers, and shelves, you’ll be able to create additional storage where you can toss in keys, clothes, and undesirables.
If your console table does not feature storage compartments, you can still use the space underneath the table to store items. Place a storage bin or container under the table, and keep your items in it.
| Note: Console tables are not the only storage furniture you need. Find other storage furniture in our article: “7 Types of Storage Furniture to Consider for Your Home” |
Other Uses of Console Tables
Console tables can serve a variety of purposes in the home. You can use them:
- As a media console or TV stand.
- Behind the sofa to hold lamps and other items. Here, they become sofa tables.
- To store DVDs, games, toys, cables, and electronics.
- As a minibar or buffet for drinks and snacks.
- As an accent piece to add character to your home décor.
You can also use console tables to divide rooms in open-concept homes, and as a dressing table, complete with a mirror.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
What to Read Next:
Main Photo Credit: Pexels
Related Posts:
