What Is a Console Table?

Console Table vs. Side Table: Key Differences

A console table is a great accent piece for your living room, foyer or entryway. It can be styled with a decorative mirror, flowers or a lamp to create a welcoming ambiance for guests.

When styling a console table, it’s important to vary the height of your accessories. Tall items like vases, lamps, and taper candles can add an extra dimension to your display.

It’s a storage solution

A console table is a great place to hide away your odds and ends. It can also double up as a work station in an open-concept space. Look for consoles with built-in drawers and shelves to tame clutter and add extra storage. This allows you to keep important items within reach of sofas and armchairs, as well as allowing you to display decorative pieces.

Hallway Narrow Console Table With Drawers

Some console tables are longer than others, but you’ll find that most are narrow and slim in profile. This makes them ideal for framing artwork, sprucing up empty hallways and lining entryways. They also work well in front of a sofa or tucked behind an elegant chaise lounge.

Styling a console can be one of the most enjoyable decorating tasks. Table lamps, books, vases and smaller plants, statuettes and candles are popular choices for placing on a console. Some consoles have lower shelves that are ideal for storing items. You can even use a console as a way to showcase your collection of wine glasses or other glassware.

A console table can help declutter a coffee table and create an inviting entrance to your home. Consider a solid wood console with two or four drawers to make it more functional and versatile. You can even opt for a contemporary piece made from engineered wood, which combines wood fibres with resin and other materials to create strength and affordability.

It’s a decorative statement

A console table is a great way to add style to an entryway, living room, or dining area. This versatile accent piece offers plenty of storage for books and picture frames and can also be used as a temporary desk in an office setting. With its slim design, a console can easily divide a room without interrupting the flow of traffic. You can choose from a variety of consoles that range from traditional wood to modern metal styles.

When styling a console table, it is important to layer items of varying heights. This look is more interesting and visually balanced. Consider starting with a low tray or bowl, then adding stacked books and photo frames in the middle, and finishing off with a tall vase or lamp. Using decor items such as vases, greenery, faux stems and glass beads is a great way to add colour to the space.

Adding a mirror to the console is an easy way to make a statement in your entryway. This will help to reflect light and brighten the space. You can use a mercury glass frame or opt for a more modern rustic look with natural materials and neutral colours. Then, add a set of hooks to hang coats and shoes.

mirror above console table - orangme.com

A console is a great place to display decorative objects, such as ceramic vessels or collections of shells. Cluster these objects in groups of three or four to create balance and symmetry.

It’s a focal point

A console table can be a stylish and practical addition to the living room, serving as both a decorative accent and a storage solution. These versatile pieces are available in a wide variety of styles to coordinate with your existing furnishings and can help enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. They can also double as a display area for books and picture frames or a showcase of family heirlooms.

When styling a console table, the most important consideration is to establish a focal point. The easiest way to do this is by hanging a piece of artwork above the table. The piece should be narrower than the width of the console so that it doesn’t overwhelm the arrangement below it. A transporting seascape, a vibrant floral still life, or even a bold abstraction can all serve as an effective anchor for your console table decor.

Another great way to create a focal point is by grouping items thoughtfully. Try to limit the number of items you place on the table, and aim for odd numbers, as this helps maintain balance. Additionally, symmetry isn’t always necessary; if you want to achieve a more casual look, you can experiment with asymmetrical placements.

console table

Other decorative touches that can enhance your console table include a candle for scent, a tray or basket to corral keys and remote controls, and small sculptural decor items like greenery or faux stems. Alternatively, you can add a pretty table lamp for task lighting and to up the style quotient of your vignette.

It’s a versatile piece of furniture

A console table can serve many purposes, transforming an ordinary room into a stunning focal point. Whether it’s a sleek minimalist design or an intricately carved piece, it can become a work of art in its own right. With a wide selection of styles and sizes, you can easily find the perfect piece to complement your living space.

console table for living room

Unlike bulky cabinets and other large pieces of furniture, console tables are slim enough to fit into narrow hallways or alcoves without taking up too much space. You can use a console as a catch-all for keys, wallets, and purses in the entryway or as an elegant display for framed photos and family heirlooms in the living room. Some consoles even come with built-in stools or ottomans for additional seating when entertaining guests.

Some consoles feature drawers, providing plenty of storage for small items. This is a great way to keep your home organised and eliminate clutter. You can also add a decorative tray to hold pens and pencils and other office supplies. A well-styled console can be a striking accent in the dining room, serving as a temporary bar or buffet.

Styling a console can be difficult, but it is easy to get the look you want with the right accessories and placement. Try to avoid symmetrical arrangements, and opt for objects that vary in shape and size to create a more balanced look.

how to dress console table

 

What is a side table?

Side tables are versatile and adaptable pieces that offer convenience and style in a room. They typically sit beside chairs and sofas, offering a surface to rest a drink or remote control.

Their compact size makes them ideal for tight spaces. They can also be used as nightstands in bedrooms or accent tables in entryways.

Origin

The term side table has evolved in function and design since its origin in Europe's early Renaissance period. Originally, they were small tables placed beside seating areas to hold candles or drinks.

They now offer a convenient surface for storing everyday items or displaying decorative pieces like vases and picture frames. Their styles range from traditional to contemporary and are available in a variety of materials. They can also include options for storage like drawers or shelves.

Orangme's collection of side and end tables includes modern minimalist designs in neutral tones that work well with any sofa, sectional, or chaise lounge. We also have rustic end tables with farmhouse charm and mid-century modern options with tapered legs and clean lines. Whether you prefer a classic rectangular coffee table or something more unique, you'll find the perfect table to suit your space.

Stainless Steel Coffee Table | Sleek and Sturdy Style

Function

Designer side tables are more than just functional furniture pieces; they’re special design objects that add a je ne sais quoi to your space. Whether they’re used to showcase a beautiful artisan vase or accentuate a gorgeous piece of wall decor, there are endless ways to style these tables with your unique design aesthetic in mind.

Unlike end tables, which have a set spot beside sofas or chairs, side tables can be placed in many locations throughout the home. They are also a perfect solution for tighter spaces where a coffee table may not be feasible. In these cases, side tables can help to fill in the gaps with their compact nature and sleek design. This versatility is what truly sets them apart from other furniture pieces.

Style

Side tables are more visible in a room than end tables and often have a stronger element of style. Choose from tables with a modern edge like the metal-and-marble Hex side table or a traditional look that blends in with sofa and chair styles, such as the fluted pedestal of the Profile side table.

Finding the right side table for your home involves finding a height that matches the arm height of your chairs or sofas, a surface area suitable to your storage and everyday usage needs, and a design that works with your room's aesthetic. As technology continues to evolve, you can find side tables with wireless charging pads or built-in speakers that sync with devices or lighting systems. You can also discover versatile options like the C-table, which slides under seating and is easily accessible for drinks or snacks.

bedside table with charging station - orangme.com

Materials

Side tables come in a wide range of styles and materials, making them the perfect complement to any home. They are a great way to add texture and dimension to a room, as well as providing a surface for decorative items like picture frames and plants.

Unlike end tables, which typically have a specific spot to be placed beside sofas and chairs, side tables offer more versatility in placement throughout the home. They are often crafted from durable materials such as wood, metal, or glass that can withstand daily wear and tear.

wood and metal side table

They can also feature decorative storage boxes or trays to hide away remotes, chargers, and other everyday items, keeping the tabletop clean. Some models may even have wheels or casters for easy movement around the home.

Storage

Side tables offer valuable storage solutions to help keep living rooms clutter-free. Drawers, shelves, and hidden compartments allow you to store things like remotes, books, and small decorative items.

This side table with a woven cane drawer face and brass handles brings together natural beauty and modern style. Open storage on the lower shelf gives easy access to items that you need most, and a convenient drawer keeps miscellaneous items and clutter neatly stowed away.

The clean lines of this sleek white side table make it a flattering complement to farmhouse and cottage chic decor themes. A single drawer expands storage capacity, and cord management hooks built into the frame ensure a tidier charging experience for your electronics. This piece is also available in a deep black finish.

What Is the Difference Between a Console Table and a Side Table?

While they may look similar, console tables and side tables play unique roles in the home. These small tables define space in open floor plans by creating focal points and framing them with your sofa or tucked into an entryway.

To keep a decorated console table from feeling too bottom-heavy, vary the size and shape of your accessories. Try placing vases, candlesticks, and prints asymmetrically.

Function

A console table, also known as a sofa table, creates focal points in entryways and living rooms. Wider than side tables, these accent pieces elevate seating arrangements and display decorative items like vases or photo frames.

To avoid a bottom-heavy look, vary the size of your accessories when dressing a console table. Tall floor lamps or plants add depth to the space, while a low stack of books can balance angular surfaces.

For an elegant touch, hang a large wall fixture above a console to draw the eye up. Using a round mirror can make the space feel balanced and cohesive. If your console has an angular shape, a vase with a symmetrical design can add visual balance.

Style

Console tables tend to be taller and have more ornate designs. They can also be found in a wide range of styles, from traditional wood to modern metal.

Side tables are more petite and are designed to accompany seating, such as sofas or accent chairs. They are perfect for resting drinks and displaying decorative accessories like vases.

When choosing a console table, measure the height of your sofa’s back and choose one that is the same length or slightly shorter than the width of your couch. For a traditional look, try a high style with ornate detailing; for a modern space, select a sleeker profile. When dressing a console hallway table, avoid symmetrical arrangements; varying the size and shape of your accessories can make it feel more relaxed.

Size

Console tables come in a variety of sizes. Typically, they are wider than side tables and often feature an elegant design that stands out as a focal point. They can be crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, stone, ceramic, and leather. They can be traditional or contemporary in style, allowing them to blend seamlessly into any decor.

Entryway consoles are a staple in many homes, offering a way to store keys, dog leashes, mail, and other items that may enter the home on a daily basis. These tables are also used as decorative displays for things like photo frames and vases. They can be positioned on a wall or against a sofa as a decorative accent piece in entryways and hallways.

Materials

A console table can be dressed up with photo frames, vases, or other decorative items for a more personal touch. When choosing decor for the top of your console, consider symmetrical placement to create a balanced look. You can also try a trio-layer approach with a low tray, stacked books or staked plants, and a tall lamp for a stylish arrangement.

Also known as sofa tables, consoles are a versatile option for entryways, hallways, and living rooms. Some even provide extra storage space with drawers or shelves. To find the perfect console table for your home, start by deciding where and how you want to use it. This will help narrow down your options and make the shopping process more efficient. Using the right materials can also add to the functionality of your console.

Price

Console tables are usually a little more expensive than side tables. This is because they offer more surface space and are often higher in height. They are often designed to make a statement and reflect your personal style. They can be crafted from materials such as reclaimed wood for a rustic ambiance or a richly stained piece to complement formal traditional decor.

Side tables, on the other hand, are intimately associated with seating arrangements and offer a convenient place to rest a coffee cup or book. They are also the perfect spot to display accents such as house plants, vases, family photos, or catch-all dishes. They are also useful in entryways, allowing you to set down keys or mail before heading out the door.

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