Even after you have redecorated, you can still sometimes feel as though something is missing from your house. Could the thing that will bring your design to life be a simple console table?
These pieces of furniture were first seen in the 17th Century but are still incredibly popular today thanks to their shallow tops that don’t jut out far from the walls.
Consequently, they are ideal for hallways, but also double up as bars, dressers or to place against the back of the couch.
The reason why console tables have stayed popular is because they are highly functional, providing a surface area for homeowners to place their keys, wallets and glasses without making a mess.
Alison Pickart told Elle Décor: “Bring in a beautiful seagrass basket for keys, change and your wallet. It’ll add texture and save your foyer from unsightly clutter.”
They also work well in dining rooms, as an extra surface area to put items that need to be cleared off the dining table or to store cutlery, placemats, and napkins. They double up as a bar, which is perfect when hosting guests.
Console tables might not be the first thing that springs to mind when designing a living room, but they are great to put lamps on or to place underneath big pieces of artwork.
Ms Pickart recommended using console tables to show off your favourite knickknacks, saying: “Layer with books, a tray, decorative boxes, and found objects to create an artful composition.”
Take a look at our black rattan console table and other styles for inspiration.