Step-by-Step Guide for Styling a Console Table

A gorgeous console table makes a perfect blank canvas for decorating. But where to start? Here, we’re outlining a simple guide for styling a console table. You’ll learn our formula for creating an expertly styled, magazine-worthy vignette—one that can be customized in infinite ways to achieve a look you love.

These are my “go-to” steps and anyone can implement these ideas when it comes to styling the console table, to not only give it more height and volume but make it more appealing to the eye.

Step 1: Selecting your Console Table

Any size or style console table will do, from a glamorous metallic model to a rustic weathered-wood design. Choose a color that is cohesive to your home and fits in with the decor style of your home.  Focus on functionality.  Do you need front entry storage?  You might want to add storage space ottomans to set underneath the console table. Another consideration, a lower shelf means double the styling potential, so consider how many pieces you want to display when choosing your table.

Step 2: Choose Your Anchor Piece

Choose a large or even oversized Mirror or Artwork. Anchor pieces should ALWAYS be placed at eye level and it should be less than the width of your table.

Step 3: Select your Light Source

Wall sconces and table lamps add height and visual interest to your space

Step 4: Accessorize

Bring the outdoors in (Plants, flowers, etc), Something loved (books, heirlooms, vases and vessels, antique pieces, and Something with Luster (Crystal, Pewter, Pieces with sheen or gloss, Candleholders etc)

Step 5: Create a Curated Look for your tabletop

Use accessories (or groups of accessories) that have different shapes, textures, and sizes.  Follow the rule of 3, which says you should have 3 different elements for the top of the console table.  If you have a large space, you could use 5.  Just never use an even number of elements.  Note, that the elements don’t all have to be single elements. A statue sitting on top of a stack of books counts as 1 element. If using more than one element in a grouping, they should be very close or touching each other, and clearly separated from the other elements.

Step 6: Create Different Holiday and Seasonal Looks

Wreaths, Ornaments such as a bowl of colorful tree ornaments could be placed on your console table at Christmas, Easter bunnies, or bowls filled with chocolate easter eggs are a hit for Easter.  I’ve seen hand-painted Easter Eggs in a crystal bowl that was truly beautiful. You could use your table as an entertaining station for family or holiday gatherings by putting a centerpiece in the middle of the table and using it for your beverages, punch bowls, bar glasses, etc.

Seasonal changes take some thought as the seasons vary depending upon where you live. Candles with a tropical scent could be used during the summer. Textures from each season might include rustic twigs for autumn, pine cones for winter, or freshly cut wildflowers for spring.

In closing, I’ll share some favorite things from our online store that look fabulous on a console table. We love hearing from you so leave us a comment below if you’d like. Also, I’ve put a couple of Pinterest Pins below. Feel free to share them with your Pinterest friends if you liked our post.

Until next time … Joy