How To Decorate A Console Table

Whether it’s the focal point of your hallway or a useful extra surface in your living room, a console table is a versatile piece of furniture that can be styled in so many different ways.

Not quite as big as a sideboard but with more presence than a side table, a console table is a need for modern interiors. Decorating a console table can be a tricky business; since they’re so slim, it’s important to not overload them with decor. We’ll take you through some easy ways to get your console table looking incredible, without feeling cluttered!

9 Ways To Decorate Your Console Table

1. Use Some Greenery

A classic way to add a bit of natural style to your console table is to include a house plant on top of it. But you don’t have to stop there; you could add two house plants, one on either side of the console table’s surface, with different heights to add some visual contrast. Keep the space between them empty for a more minimalistic approach, or fill it with books and other ornaments to give it a more homely feel.

2. Display A Painting

If you either can’t or don’t want to put a framed painting up on your wall, then a more adaptable option is to put it on top of your console table, leaning back against the wall. No damage or alterations to the wall needed, and if you change your mind, all you have to do is grab the painting and move it - no fuss!

Try not to crowd the space in front of the picture frame with other decorations. You can arrange your painting so that it takes up the left or right space of your console table, and then reserve the other side for some additional decor, like a house plant.

3. Light Up Your Space

A traditional way to style your console table is to add a table lamp to the top of it. This adds a little height to your console table, and also a softer lighting option in your hallway (or wherever your console table is). Try to complement your console table with the table lamp, such as the Harrogate Painted Console Table above, which has been paired with the Chania Ceramic Table Lamp in white.

4. Book Storage

A console table might not be your first thought for book storage, but a small, neat pile of books can add to the cosiness of your room. Make sure your choices feel intentional and limit yourself to just two or three books. One book on its own might just end up looking lost on its way to the bookcase, whereas more than three can end up looking a little bit too unwieldy for an intentional design choice.

5. Include A Bowl

If your console table is in your entryway or hallway, then one useful tip is to place a decorative bowl on top of its surface. It’s a prime spot for keeping your keys visible and easy to access when you’re heading out, and you can match the bowl’s style to your console table and general interior aesthetic. 

Plus, it takes up very little room, so you can easily combine this idea with some others, like adding a table lamp or some book storage. A great tip is to position a desk lamp over the bowl; this way, you can quickly turn on the light to grab your keys, without having to turn on the ceiling light. Great for early morning commutes!

This simple white ceramic bowl matches perfectly with the white Palermo Wooden Pebble Wall Mirror, as well as the White Magnolia in Pot. Contrasted with the dark oak Miami Wooden Console Table, it’s a light yet visually interesting aesthetic that works together perfectly.

6. Combine Books & Ornaments

Another way to bring together some design elements is using a short stack of books like a stand for your other ornaments, such as small figures, vases or plants. You add a little bit of height to whatever you’re putting on top of the books, and bring in some extra interest by layering up the decor.

7. Keep A Blanket Close

If your console table is in your living room, then you might want to consider folding up a blanket and keeping it stored on the table, especially if it has a lower shelf like this Coniston Painted Console Table. That way, the blanket can be kept neat and out of the way, adding a little warmth to your room’s aesthetic, while not taking up too much space on the top of the console table. This also means it’s close to hand in case you get cold - practical!

8. Style With Mirrors

A setup with three mirrors around your console table like the one above might be a little too much, but it shows three great ways to style a console table with a mirror. A large floor mirror like the Palermo Wooden Curved Floor Mirror, placed alongside a console table, can brighten the space and help to draw your eye toward the table.

Alternatively, use a smaller mirror like the Palermo Wooden Pebble Wall Mirror or the Palermo Wooden Curved Wall Mirror. With these more adaptable pieces, you can either place them on top of your console table, leaning against the wall, or mount them on the wall above it. Both approaches give your console table nook a more complete feel, as well as adding some extra light.

9. Keep It Simple

Perhaps the most important tip to remember when you’re decorating your console table is to keep it simple. If you have a smaller console table like the one above, it’s perfectly fine to just use one item for decor, like a house plant. 

You can match the table with other pieces of furniture too, like the complementing brass shades between the console table above and the Tristan Tripod Floor Lamp. That way, you don’t have to overload the console table to try and bring in some more cohesive design elements. Remember, for console tables, less is more!

Style Your Console Table Your Way

A console table has so much interior design potential, which is impressive for a relatively small piece of furniture! But it’s that size and adaptability that makes it such a great choice for modern households, because you can really make your console table your own with your decor choices.

For some more inspiration to help with decorating another small but useful piece of furniture, see our guide for how to decorate your bedside table. Or, if you need a little more inspiration for including mirrors in your interior design, see our advice on mirror shapes and how they can open up your room.