How To Accessorize a Console Table

When accessorizing a console table, consider its location first and its personality second. Is it up against a wall or is it behind a sofa or loveseat that is free floating within the room? Is it an entryway console table or part of your everyday living space?

If your console table is up against a wall in the entryway, a must-have for the console table is a buffet lamp. Buffet lamps come in all décor styles and, depending on the size of the table, can be paired, one on each end of the table. If you have a small entryway console table, one buffet lamp offset by a wall hanging or picture and accessorized by a decorative bowl of orbs in a complementary color that can be changed seasonally as the holiday dictates is a classic combination. Entryway consoles are often the temporary gathering place for keys and mail, so less is best for the entryway.

If your console table is located behind a seating unit that free floats in the room, again lighting is an issue for those who wish to read. The buffet lamp is the lighting of choice but usually only one so as not to interfere with line of sight.  Your console table has now become part of your everyday living space, so it's time for some wonderful picture groups in attractive frames. A grouping of three 5x7, 4x6, or a combination, of favorite photos sitting under your lamp lets family and friends enjoy the best of the best. Offsetting this arrangement, on the other end of the table, a mid-size floral arrangement, about ½ to ¾ of the height of the lamp, will allow you to keep up with the seasons by changing the flowers and greenery to reflect the holiday.

There are furniture layouts that just do not lend themselves to electric lighting. In that case, a grouping of three pillar candles on holders of varying height is a great stand-in for the lamp. If candles are not an option, try this layout: a book stand with either your favorite literature opened to a special page or a plaque with your favorite saying positioned on one end of the console table. Offsetting this could be a stack of attractive hardbound books, spine side out, on the other end with an antique magnifying glass or antique granny glasses on top of them. This arrangement also works when the buffet lamp is added beside the open book.

Accessorizing your console table is all about location, personalization, balance, and minimal clutter. There is nothing more boring than one lone floral arrangement on a console table. Think of your console table as a one-line descriptor of who you are and what you love. Then have some fun.


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