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Styling a console table from scratch can be overwhelming. The good news is that you probably already have some of the pieces you will need to decorate with. If you love coastal home decor, I’m showing you how I styled one of my console tables and sharing tips and tricks to help you style yours!
Whether you like a light and airy coastal look or have a more modern midcentury taste, these general tips will help guide you regardless of your decor style. I’m also sharing a few of my favorite console tables that will work in several spaces!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Easy Ways to Style a Coastal Living Room End Table
What Should You Display on Console Tables?
Depending on where your console table is located (entryway, living room, etc) will dictate what kind of decorative items you use. Since smaller tables require less decor than larger tables, keep in mind the size of your console table as well, especially if you still want it to be a functional space.
These are 3 of the more common decorative pieces used to style a console table because they are practical and pretty.
Lamps
There is something about picking out a new lamp that is so fun. I wanted something larger for this console table since it is so long and this designer-inspired Amazon lamp was the perfect fit! I plan to swap the shade for a fun patterned one, but I don’t mind the plain white either. It gives it a cohesive look since it ties in well with the mirror.
My number one tip for choosing a lamp for your console table is to use the right size. Choosing the right scale of items makes a huge difference in the overall look. The height and width of the lamp should be about 1/3 the height and width of the table. Interior designers also typically recommend only using 1 lamp for a console 60″ and under.
Depending on the size of your console table, you may not even need a lamp, however, I think they make a nice statement and can help simplify the rest of your decor. If you don’t have an outlet nearby, you can cut the cord (or zip tie it in case you decide to use the lamp somewhere else), and use one of these rechargeable bulbs.
Coffee Table Books & Trays
I don’t know why coffee table books are called coffee table books because I use them pretty much anywhere I have a flat surface – sofa tables, side tables, etc. Coffee table books are one of my favorite ways to add dimension and create a layered look.
Decorative trays are an alternative to coffee table books because they take up about the same space and can still be used to style other decor. I was a little stumped about what I would put on the lower shelf of my console table since it is pretty narrow and I love the pop of color this blockprint tray adds! It ties in well with the coffee table book I used on the first shelf, and now I plan to add a stack of books on the other side of the tray, and my console table styling will be complete!
Picture Frames
Picture frames are the best way to add personal style to your console table. I chose a picture of my dog when he was a puppy because it makes me smile every time I walk by. You could even swap out the pictures during the holiday season and display some of your family Christmas card pictures with your seasonal decor.
I also like to use picture frames as decor because they are one of my favorite ways to add fun details with scallop edges, metallic accents, or pops of color, like green and blue.
Tips for Styling a Coastal Console Table
When I started styling this console table in my entry hallway, I added each piece one by one and slowly added and subtracted things until I found a combination I liked. Sometimes you may already have all of the pieces you need on hand, but in my case, I purchased things I thought would work over time. Don’t forget to include something above and below your console table, like a large piece of art, a large mirror, storage baskets, or ottomans.
Once you have all the pieces you think you’ll need, here are a few easy steps to start styling. I like to start by positioning the lighting and then adding items of different heights and sizes, like stacks of books, decorative trays and dishes, and picture frames.
Flowers or fresh greenery are always a good idea, so that was one of the finishing touches I added to my console table that made it feel complete. If you still feel like something is missing, look at the textures and colors of the pieces. Are they too similar? Too different? Try incorporating details like scallops and metallic elements on decor pieces and frames.
It can take time to source the right pieces that work together, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
Favorite Console Tables for a Coastal Home
Need a new console table or want to upgrade yours? These are a few of my favorite console tables that will work in different spaces in your home, including a few of the ones I have and love!
1. Bassett Mirror Company Console Table in Beige Raffia Wrapped Wood
This is the raffia console table that I have in my entry hallway. Because of the size (it’s 60 inches long), it works best in a larger entryway or behind a sofa. I have a long and narrow entryway, so this console table was a great addition. I love the raffia wrapped wood – it reminds me of a much more expensive designer version. It is definitely a statement piece!
It’s made by a well-known and reviewed brand (Bassett Mirror Company) so I felt comfortable taking the risk of ordering it online without seeing it in person. It is currently available on Amazon, and the same collection also has a bookshelf that I love the look of.
2. Ogden Burled Wood Console Table
I also have and love this burled wood console table. I use this one behind the sectional in my living room, and it is one of the most asked-about pieces in my home! I love the lighter-colored burl wood because I prefer a more light and airy look, and it flows well with the rest of my coastal decor.
This console table is the perfect size for these velvet fringe ottomans which I also purchased from Target. They fit nicely underneath and are nice for extra seating or to put your feet up when you’re lounging on the couch!
3. Cabot Console
I have been eyeing this perfectly coastal console table, especially after I saw it at the Serena & Lily outlet! I have seen it used as both an entryway console table and a living room console table with a TV mounted above it. Since it doesn’t have closed storage, get creative with your decor. I recommend using decorative boxes or a stack of coffee table books to hide things like remote controls and to cover outlets and cords.
4. Celine 2 Drawer Console Table
This sage green console table is a great option for a small space. It is only 40 inches long and 14 inches deep. I love the sage green color, but it is also available in 6 other colors, including white. This option also has drawers which are great for storing keys, wallets, etc in an entryway. It could also be used as a small console table in a guest bedroom with a TV mounted above it.
5. Lamoni 39.4″ W Rattan Console Table
I have and love a similar version of this rattan console table that I purchased in the store at Ross a few years ago. When I think of a coastal console table, I immediately think of natural materials like raffia or rattan. I have also seen people use it as a bar cart, and I love that idea, too! It is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture, and I love that I can use it in other areas of my home. Another thing I love about this console table is that it comes fully assembled and ready to use.
Coastal Console Table Styling Inspiration
One of my best tips for styling a new space is to mock up a design on Canva. You can usually copy and paste the stock images directly from the retailer site, but you have to sign up for a Pro account to remove the background from the pictures as I have here.
Sources:
White Lamp // Gold Picture Frame // Round Mirror // Faux Hydrangeas // Console Table // Stack of Books // White Bowl // Storage Ottoman
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired or a little less overwhelmed now that you have these tips and console table decor ideas to help you get started. You probably have some of these items in your home that you can use to get an idea of what you may like on your console table. There are so many great options to shop for console tables and decor online, but I love shopping in person too. Some of my favorite stores to shop for decorative objects like a ginger jar, faux plants, and picture frames are HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and At Home, especially if you are shopping on a budget!
