Console Table Buying Guide: Top Styles, Types, and More

Console tables are a great way to add extra storage and style to your home. They can also serve as an attractive accent piece in any room. And if you need to add storage and style to a small space, a console table is the way to go. They come in many different sizes, aesthetics, and finishes, so you can find one that fits perfectly with your décor.

A stylish console table has many functions. You might choose a console table to feature personal and decorative items such as candles, picture frames, and coffee table books. Not only is it a great storage option for extra dishes and serving ware, depending on where it is in your home, but you can also store extra clothes for winter and summer.

With so many options available, it can be hard to know how to choose the right console table for your space. We put together this buying guide so you know exactly what to look for when you go shopping for a console table.

Choosing a Console Table for Your Space

Before you begin your shopping journey for the perfect console table, get your measuring tape ready and consider the space you’re looking to place it.

Size

Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the right console table for your space:

• Where will you be using the console table in your home? The location of the table is crucial to your search. For instance, consider whether you’re placing it in the front hall for storage or in a dining room as a small sideboard for entertaining.
• Will it be placed near other furniture or décor pieces? For example, if a console table is being placed behind a sofa, the table should be as long as the back of the sofa, from end to end, and as high as the sofa frame's top. You should not choose a console table smaller than two-thirds of your sofa's length.
• What are the measurements of the area where the console table will go? Keep your measurements handy when you’re shopping to make sure the piece you choose fits. For example, if you are putting the console table in a hallway, consider the proportions of the room. Most hallways are about three to four feet in width, and console tables can average 11 to 13 inches, leaving plenty of room to pass by.

Storage

Next, you need to think about how you’re going to be using the console table. Will it be the front-door catch-all? Or perhaps it is serving as a complement to your sofa? No matter how it is being used, and where, you need to consider the function of your console as much as its style.

Where and how you use your console table will also determine whether or not you want open or closed storage.

After all, it can be nice to keep clutter hidden away. Other times, you want the display space for your favourite accessories. Consider this before you go shopping to make sure you are able to find a console that is not only stylish but functional.

Consult the table below to compare and contrast the pros and cons of open and closed storage.

Console Table Style

Choosing the right console table for your style is important. Find one that matches your aesthetic, through its finish, style, and colours to match your home's style.

Popular types of console tables include:

• Modern console tables
• Rustic Wood console tables
• Farmhouse console tables
• Mid century console tables
• Traditional console tables
• Minimalist console tables
• Boho console tables

Let’s have a look at some of our favourite choices for a stylish console table for your home! 

Console Table With Drawers

Foundations Console Table – Bernhardt

Looking for some good-sized drawers in a console table? This table is ideal for front hallways, thanks to handy drawers and room for large baskets underneath. We love the two-tone finish on this console table, with the drawer box finished in linen and the support panels and rails in a light shale. The drawers have soft-closing finger pulls for easy access. It's also available in two finishes light and medium gray.

Narrow Console Table

St. Armand Console – Hooker

For hallways and narrow spaces, a slim console table might be what you need. We like this narrow console table from Hooker Furniture, featuring a brushed pewter metal base and a solid acacia wood top in a casual black finish. The St. Armand console table is light, airy, and modern and despite only being 14 inches deep, this slim piece can be used in a wide range of spaces.

Black Console Table

Breakwater Console – Lexington

Sometimes a classic black console table is the answer to your design woes! With its natural stone top that mimics honed limestone and hammered metal base, this table has a classical and minimalist design. A console table of this size can be used as a sofa table, a serving station in the dining room, or as a signature piece in the entryway.

Modern Console Table

Chloe Console – Lillian August

When your space calls for a modern console table, this elegant and chic console table fits the bill. Brass-finished solid metal legs support a shiny white Carrera Marble surface, completing the look of a modern living or dining room. This console table is also functional whether to display accessories or for us while entertaining.

Small Console Table

Thin Metal Console – Hooker

Not all spaces fit or call for a long console table. Featuring a curvy steel base and Travertine marble top, this stylish thin metal console is an attractive option with a minimal footprint. Slim and elegant, this metal console fits perfectly in a smaller space.

Wood Console Table

Canto Console – Lexington

We love the look of this rustic console table from Lexington. A classic choice for a console table, and with its honey brown finish, this design is made from sawn oak veneers and select hardwoods. The bronze finish of the aluminum base complements the warm wood.

Mirror Console Table

Tria Console – Lillian August

A mirrored look is always a good choice to create a light airy space. This console table from Lillian August is a mirrored beauty with aged silver legs and frame accented by the mirrored top, making for a classic, timeless look.

TV Console Table

A Cut Above – Caracole

In compact spaces, or when you need your furniture to play two roles, a multi-purpose piece like this TV console table from Caracole is perfect! With both open and closed storage, you can hide media accessories while keeping your favourite items on display. By moving the doors to different sides, you can create unique looks if you’re feeling like a change so you’re able to switch it up. This unit is sturdy to support a TV but doesn’t feel overpowering or clunky.

Glass Console Table

Commerce & Market Console – Hooker

Offering a light, airy, and almost industrial look, this glass console table from Hooker is a fantastic choice. Its iron frame is topped with tempered glass, and the bronze metal finish has gold undertones that pair well with different colour palettes and styles.

Entryway Console Table

Adamo Cafe Console – Lexington

For your front entrance, you need a practical, yet stylish place for your keys and belongings. This entryway console table has four shelves and surfaces for trays, baskets, and boxes to keep your daily items organized and handy, and out of sight.

White Console Table

Paolo Console – Lillian August

This white console table from Lillian August is a stunning, minimal option for almost any room in your home. An oak frame with an amber gray finish supports a white concrete top stripped in aged brass to match the leg caps and hardware. The materials are natural and work well in modern and rustic spaces alike.

Console Table With Storage

Thorem – Colibri

When you need storage, you don’t need big and bulky. This console table with storage from Colibri is perfect for keeping everyday items out of sight to minimize clutter. It's also great for small spaces where you need functional and practical furniture pieces. roles. With its walnut veneer and grey MDF construction, the Thorem console is a standout piece that will enhance any interior.

Marble Console Table

Concentric Console – Caracole

When you're searching for an elegant piece for your space, look no further than this marble console table. This beautiful console merges glass, metal, and stone in one lovely piece. Despite its modern, airy silhouette, it makes a substantial impression.

Gold Console Table

Praetorian Console – Nuevo

Looking to make an impact in your space? Try a gold console table with a tapered pedestal base and contrasting tabletop for a bold, singular design. With a strong silhouette and eye-catching metallic finish, this is a console that makes a statement.

Console Hall Table

Biscayne Console-Peninsula – Century

Whether you’re looking for a console hall table for your waterfront property, or just dreaming of the beach, this option from Century is a coastal dream come true. With bamboo and oak accents, and a singular soft close drawer, this piece feels breezy and fresh and serves a practical purpose, too.

Acrylic Console Table

AHHHHH – Caracole

It’s pretty clear to us this acrylic console table is a great choice for modern, elegant spaces. Designed with a clear acrylic frame, this see-through piece adds modern charm to any room. The golden caps on its acrylic legs complete this console table's elegant look.

Farmhouse Console Table

Woodlands Console – Hooker

When your space calls for a rustic, rough-hewn look, look no further than this farmhouse console table. It works great with farmhouse décor because of its retro-inspired industrial chic vibe. Oak and primavera veneers contrast beautifully with metal legs and stretchers. An open and airy design adds flair to the shaped top and base.

Waterfall Console Table

Ponte Console Table – Colibri

A waterfall console table allows the material from the tabletop to fall over the edges continuously. This console from Colibri is the ideal elegant piece for your home, it features beautiful porcelain and clear tempered glass in a minimalist, Italian design.

Long Console Table

Aria Console  – Century

In bigger spaces with high ceilings, opt for this long console table from Century. Coming in at 96 inches, this console is not only substantial but stylish, too.

Half Moon Console Table

Berkshire Console Table – Bernhardt

We love this half-moon console table from Bernhardt! Its compact footprint makes it perfect to tuck away into entryways or hallways, and with stylish finishes, it makes an impact, too. The aged Pewter finish on a steel frame with stretchers, paired with a laminated white travertine stone top feels classic and timeless.

Metal Console Table

Tom-Tom Console – Century

With no shortage of shelf space, this metal console table is great for keeping everyday items at hand or displaying your favourite décor pieces on the glass shelves. There are rails on either side of this console, making it easy to use as a shelf or bar table as well.

Mid Century Console Table

Chiavari Console – Lexington

Mid-century modern is a popular style we see today, almost as much as its first incarnation in the mid-twentieth century. We appreciate the walnut and mahogany finishes and gold accents on the feet, as well as the two drawers for storage options, too.

Round Console Table

Vida Console Table – Bernhardt

A perfect addition to a front entryway or hallway, this round console features cast concrete with a shallow basin-shaped top with a smooth surface and a textured base in a sand grey finish. The best part - this console table looks natural like a sculpture or piece of art.

How to Style a Reading Nook Console Table

Console tables are style yet multi-purpose furniture pieces to add to your space, especially a cozy reading nook. Incorporating a console table in your dining room or office can lay the groundwork for entertaining or displaying favourite accessories, while a console table in a front hall makes for a practical style statement.

But how do you style your console table like a professional?

Just follow a few key steps, and you’ll have a balanced, stylish, and functional console table in no time.

Here’s our simple “recipe” for styling console tables in your home:

• Ground the open console. To balance visual weight, use more substantial items such as large vases, stacks of books, or a pair of baskets at the bottom of the console table.
•  Bring your eyes up. A large piece art of art or mirrors above a console table will create a focal point, drawing the eye in and balancing the rest of the design.
•  Create depth with your larger accessories. Take a step back and assess how to balance after bringing in your biggest pieces. It should look like both sides of the console are evenly anchored by different, but equally sized pieces.
•  Add finishing touches. Incorporate a tray, candles, or small photo frames.

As you’re choosing the right console table for your home, consult design professionals like our team at Home Evolution for help! We know how to choose the right console table for your space, and can help you find accompanying pieces to bring your whole room together.

Console tables are elegant and versatile pieces of furniture that can be used in almost any room of the house. Whether you're looking for a dining room buffet table or an entryway table for coats and keys, there are many styles to choose from. There's also no shortage of finishes available to match your style – from wood to metal, marble, or glass tops. You can even find console tables with built-in storage compartments.

Still feeling stuck on console table choices? Get in contact with our team at Home Evolution to help you find the perfect solution for your space.