Console & Entryway Tables

Console Table Buying Guide

A console table is a piece of furniture whose major function is to add to the room’s beauty. It either does so by itself or by serving as a platform for other room beautification elements like the flower vase, pictures and others. It is mostly placed in the living room or in the hallway, depending on how much space is available for it. Console tables have many different types, styles and sizes. So, when you want to make your selection, there are important factors to consider.

Console tables are also known as sofa tables, because people often place them behind the sofa in the living room. If this is the case for you, please make sure the console table’s height is at most equal to that of the sofa’s back rest. It could be slightly shorter.

Style

You have at least five different great styles to choose from. The choice will not be difficult to make because these styles will be well explained to you here. Also note that the classifications of these styles do not put you in any box as to how they fit into your room. You can still mix things up and still be as creative as you want with them. You don’t always have to choose one that has the same look as your room, sometimes going for contrast can be a killer move.

Traditional

Traditional style console tables are typically made of wood. They feature a whole lot of decorations and elaborate, intricate designs. Sometimes, they come with curved edges and a host of other decorative features that make then have a grandiose aura around them. If what you eant is a vintage, classic, regal look, then you can give the traditional style a try. They also usually come in big sizes and appear quite formal.

Transitional

In the transitional style, the decoration has been reduced a bit more than the traditional style. It is not as elaborate or grandiose, but still retains some air of regality. It is mainly a blend of the traditional and contemporary styles. It features some of the intricate decorations found in the traditional style and combines it with the mostly linear shapes observable in the contemporary style. If you want the traditional style, but you don’t want it si pronounced in your room, the transitional style can be the perfect balance you need. You can call it a middle ground between functionality and aesthetics.

Contemporary

The contemporary style tilts more to the functionality side than the aesthetic side. Most of the shapes, lines and edges are straight, although sometimes the corners are rounded for effect. Most contemporary style console tables are made with light wood.

Material

Wood

Most console tables are made of wood. As usual, hardwood is advised, but softwood would be fine, too. Wood is generally long lasting, but you need to be sure it’s genuine because you don’t want your console table giving way after a few years. Quality wood will also make for some pretty good finishing.

Metal

Tables made out of metal usually have this sleek appearance. For your metal console table, you would usually only have to choose among aluminum, steel, iron and one or two other combinations of metals. Most metal console tables come with either a wooden top or a glass top. Sometimes it’s a combination of both. Metal console tables are easier to clean, especially if the top is made of glass. But then, if your console table is used properly, you shouldn’t be getting much stains on it, the major cleaning you’ll have to do is dusting. For a proper sleek outlook, you can go for a shiny metal side table with a glass top.

Glass

It’s not very likely you buy a console table with glass legs. Rather, you’ll get one with a glass top and wooden or metal legs. You need to take some extra care when selecting a glass console table. If you have kids or you often have kids over, please go for tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger and more durable than standard glass. Also, if tempered glass eventually breaks, it crumbles into very small fragments which are unlikely to be of major immediate harm.

Although not very popular, stone can be an exquisite choice for a console table. Stones that can be used as console table tops include marble and slate. Also, it can be used alongside wood by means of veneers. Console tables with stone finishing can make your room beautiful in ways you can’t imagine.

Types of console tables

Sometimes, you want your console table to do more than hold your decorative items and accessories. For instance, you may want your console table to double as a storage unit for some items. There are different types of console tables. They are classified majorly by their functions.

Storage Console Tables

A storage console table is one that has compartment to keep some items either to hide them or serve as platform to showcase them. If you do not have so much space in your room, this option can come in handy. A storage console table can include shelves, drawers or baskets, and it can be placed anywhere from the living room to the hallway or guest room.

Wine Consoles

This type of console table will mark you as the ultimate host or hostess to your guests. The wine console table is made with specialized compartments to store your wine collection. Some sizes can hold up to forty bottles of wine. Imagine how cool you’ll look when you slide to your console table and show up with a bottle of happiness for your guests. It’ll look like you’re always ready for them. You can use the top of the wine console table to pour and serve drinks too.

Convertible Console Tables

If you do not have so much space, but you sometimes have guests over for lunch or dinner, a convertible console table might just be what you need to flourish. It is a dual-purpose console table that can be flipped, raised or have its leaves pulled out to extend the table and use it as a dining table or other purposes.

Summary

Add that final touch of elegance to your home, and make your guests feel more welcome than ever. Purchase a console table today.