Creating The Perfect Console Table In 4 Easy Steps

When I posted this photo on Twitter and Facebook, I got so much love it was a bit staggering (of course, this isn’t even my photo—My friend Jen took it!).

Okay, for the record, I can’t blame people for going crazy over this vignette. It really sings, doesn’t it? But then it occurred to me—hello, people, all of us can recreate this console table look! Decorating doesn’t always have to be a mystery, and I’m happy to report that there is a formula for a perfect entry or hallway console table. Here it is, in four easy steps—ready?

Place a simple console table next to a wall.

Put something big (like a mirror) on the wall and center it.

Add two tall, sculptural lamps.

Put something cool like cubes, benches, or baskets, underneath it.

That’s it!  Four easy steps and you have design genius. I was so excited, I quickly sketched out a diagram:

Now let’s see this four-step formula in action. Ready?

This one is straightforward: console table, mirror, lamps, benches! Next!

Once you have the formula down, you can, of course, start to riff on it. No tall lamps around? These guys used sconces to compensate and add some height to the vignette. Brilliant.

No lamps? No problem. Achieving height with orchids and art, leaning a big mirror on the wall, and placing two stools underneath the table makes the formula complete.

So, are you inspired enough to try it? Do you have a hallway, entryway, or dead wall space that’s begging for some furniture? I swear, if you pulled together a console table vignette using these four steps, people will think you hired a professional designer.

For more console table magic, visit Return to Home Interiors‘ Pinterest board.

Lorri Elder Dyner is an interior designer and blogger who believes in the power of “decorating for the rest of us.” Using clever, accessible, and affordable ideas, she brings us insider tips and tricks that make our living spaces feel pulled together. Lorri resides in Westchester with her husband and two small children. Visit her at returntohomeinteriors.com.

The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Westchester Magazine editorial staff.