I usually host a monthly Q&A session on my Instagram stories where anyone can ask me any decor related queries they might have. One of the the questions I got on that recently was how to style a console table. Though I did answer it in a few short sentences, it got me thinking.
How To Style A Console Table
Firstly, that styling a console table isn’t that difficult. I have shared 50+ pics with you in this post, and you’ll see that there are just a handful of concepts that are followed every time.
Secondly, that these very easy concepts are better explained in pictures than words. And so this post today on how to style a console table. Let’s get to all the very easy ideas very quickly.
Start Simple
First things first. Any console or sideboard that you are styling will most likely have an empty wall above it. The first step would be to create a focal point there. The simplest way to do that is to place a mirror or artwork above your console. Make sure this is in proportion to the size of the console.
Next you start with the console itself. If you are unsure of what and how much to put, start simple.
A single, crystal candelabrum right in the centre of the console above makes for ‘simply’ beautiful styling.
A single large plant on one end works just as well.
If using smaller items, use a collection of them. Remember, you can rarely go wrong with sets of three.
Make sure that the three are of varying height. If at least one of the three can be something organic – a plant, flowers, dried flowers or stems – it’s an added bonus!
Or use both ends of the table to create a simple, symmetrical vignette.
A pair of identical lamps is an easy go-to.
And the ‘something organic’ will always up the style quotient.
Style The Console Symmetrically
If you were to ask me how to style a console, my first answer would be, “Symmetrically”. Because that’s quite the easiest way to do it.
And as we’ve seen above, using identical lamps on either side is a great way to start. Here below is a great example of how to add height to a space. A slender console with well defined, vertical legs, two tall and slender lamps and artwork piled on top of each other, again in a tall, slender fashion. Notice also, how the symmetry is continued below the console with two identical stools placed there.
Now you can begin to add layers to your symmetry. Like these pair of candles to go next to the lamps on either side.
An oval shaped mirror to add interest here, along with fresh flowers in silverware for the ‘something organic’.
Our candelabra and silverware, both get more elaborate. And notice the addition of the fourth layer with the silver birds.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t style a console without lamps. It’s just a pair of birds here, with a large arrangement of orchids in the centre. Notice how you can use a really large centre piece when you have a mirror behind it. The mirror reflects the centre piece and adds more depth to the space.
While if you’re have a piece of art on the wall, I would keep the centre piece low so as not to cover it.
Don’t want to use decoratives? See how the speakers and player of this sound system have been laid out symmetrically to style this unit. Notice how the books too, are stacked almost symmetrically in the shelves below.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can make your symmetry as ‘complicated’ as you like. Add on layers of artwork on the walls and decoratives on your console on either side.
As you get braver, you can also begin to experiment with what you use as decor, both on the walls and on your console.
Add On An Asymmetrical Element
Going symmetrical is really easy, and almost a no brainer. You can’t really go wrong. But you don’t necessarily have all your decor in pairs. Allowing yourself to place an odd item here and there gives you more flexibility with your styling.
So keep the symmetrical artwork and a pair of lamps, and a centre piece… and then a bunch of flowers to one side maybe?
Make your centre piece asymmetrical as in this arrangement.
Or do away with a centre piece. A flower arrangement on one side, balanced nicely by a flat bowl on the other.
Remember how we styled this crockery cabinet? We have a single box on one side, and a triad of books, candle and planter on the other.
Here the symmetrically laid out artwork and lamps are given an ‘off’ with the tall dried stems on one side and a shorter plant on the other. Also, there’s nothing symmetrical about the centre piece.
The symmetry of this entire vignette, right down to the chairs on either side, is broken only by the three elements on the console.
When adding asymmetrical items, remember to vary the heights to keep it visually interesting.
Also remember to maintain a visual balance in spite of the asymmetry, so that neither side looks ‘heavier’ or ‘lighter’ than the other.
Style The Console Asymmetrically
I can see your confidence growing with every word you read and every picture you see. So how about trying your hand at asymmetrical styling now?
To start with, let’s keep the mirror or artwork in the centre. As I share more pics, notice how most of the asymmetrical styling is done in the shape of this sideways ‘V’.
We’re still going to use the same decor elements – lamps, books, candles, flowers and plants. Only we’ll be using them singly and not in pairs.
A lamp on one side and a plant on the other works beautifully around the mirror on this side board.
While a plant and candle work on either side of the mirror here. I’ve further added to the asymmetry by placing a tall plant on the floor to one side. The height of this plant, is taller than the tall side of the sideboard elements. And so placing it along the short side helps balance this set up. The smallest element, the magazine rack, is on the tall side of the cabinet.
The sideways zig-zag continues like this. Imagine the same set up with the tall plant and the magazine stand having swapped places, and it wouldn’t look as balanced.
A plant on one side with another layer of artwork on the other always work well too.
You can also add a centre piece to your asymmetrical styling.
The asymmetry can extend to the wall above the console too. Here we have stacked vertical pieces of art on the right of the mirror and a single piece to the left. The taller decor on the console is on the lighter side of the wall. The shorter decor on the console is along the heavier side of the wall. This gives the vignette the visual balance we’re looking for.
A whole array of elements has been used to style this console, maintaining the visual balance.
Off Centered Focal Point
Another way to create asymmetry is to not have the focal point on the wall in the exact centre of your arrangement.
Or to not have a symmetrical focal point. These three paintings, for instance, are not arranged symmetrically. But notice how the tall lamp is placed on the opposite end of the sideboard from the tall side of the wall art to balance it.
Similarly, the oddly placed second mirror is balanced by the tall flowers on the opposite side of this console.
Styling Longer Consoles
The basics of how to style a console remain the same even when you are styling longer consoles and sideboards.
You could continue to stay simple. In case your artwork or mirrors are too small for the entire length of your console, use more than one.
A symmetrical set up always works. All you have to do is spread it over the length of your console.
You could go asymmetrical with your set up around the central focal point.
Or use an asymmetrically placed focal point like we did for regular consoles above.
Using Windows As Your Focal Point
Once again, the basic concepts of styling a console will remain the same, except here you have a window as your focal point instead of a mirror or a piece of art.
Doesn’t this remind you of the vertically styled console we saw right at the beginning of this post?
This window works almost perfectly like a work of art.
The drapes frame this window beautifully to make it the focal point for this console.
You can even place a console in front of a window wall and style it similarly.
Using Architectural Elements As Your Focal Point
A niche in the wall makes a good focal point around which to style your console.
Don’t you just love the simplicity of this one?
Wallpaper and a mirror has been used to make this niche a piece of art.
While stenciling on a distressed finish has been used over here.
Styling A Console With No Focal Point
And then, you wonder how to style a console table with no focal point at all. For example, when styling a console behind a sofa.
Once again, you can keep the styling simple and symmetrical.
Or choose to use asymmetrical elements.
The same basics of keeping the visual balance will apply.
And once you realise that, you’re suddenly not afraid of how to style a console table where ever it might be!
I hope this post has removed any hesitation and fear you might have had about how to style a console table. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, which is why I have put in so many pictures in this post. Though every console and each space is so different, if you now go through the pictures again you’ll see the basic thread of similarity that runs through all of them.
And once you can see that, you realise this isn’t rocket science at all.
So brush off the doubt and get started. Start with the simplest steps and gradually build on them. And you’ll have your own pretty consoles set up in no time at all.
Let me know how it goes.
Such a wonderful post Rittika 👏👏the pictures with your eloquent explanation of them are very interesting and inspiring 👍
Interesting, practical and simple ideas. Very do able.
This is such a unique and most engrossing post Rittika. It’s a post to be saved and referred to. Want to go through it several times. Very well curated.
Thank you Rashi!