A console table is one of those pieces of furniture that can make an empty space suddenly feel considered. It can give keys and bags a home near the front door, fill a bare hallway wall, sit neatly behind a sofa or simply provide somewhere to display a lamp, artwork or a few favourite pieces.
But because console tables are designed to fit into relatively slim spaces, getting the size and placement right matters. Too deep and you could find yourself squeezing past it every day. Too small and it can look a little lost against the wall.
Here’s what to consider before choosing one for your home.
Start With the Available Space
Before looking at styles, measure where you actually want the table to go. Check the width of the wall, how much depth you have without interrupting foot traffic, and the position of nearby features such as light switches, power points, artwork or mirrors.
In a hallway, aim to leave at least 90 centimetres of clear walking space in front of the console. You may have more flexibility in an entryway or living room, but the table shouldn’t make people change direction or turn sideways to get past.
A handy trick is to mark out the dimensions with painter’s tape before buying. For a better sense of how much space it will occupy, you can even create a simple cardboard template.
How Big Should a Console Table Be?
There isn’t one perfect console table size. The right dimensions depend on where you’re putting it and the furniture around it.
Behind a sofa: For a standard or modular sofa, choose a console that is roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the sofa’s total length. A very small table behind a large sofa can look out of proportion.
In a hallway: Depth is particularly important. A console around 30 to 40 centimetres deep will usually provide useful surface space without extending too far into the walkway.
In an entryway: Choose a size that feels balanced against the wall, leaving some breathing room on either side rather than filling the entire width.
Height: Most console tables sit between 75 and 85 centimetres high, which generally works well behind a sofa and provides a comfortable height for lamps, bowls and other decorative pieces.
There isn’t one perfect console table size. The right dimensions depend on where you’re putting it and the furniture around it. When comparing different console tables, look at the overall width, depth and height rather than choosing on style alone.
Choose a Style That Works With Your Home
Your console doesn’t need to perfectly match the rest of your furniture. In fact, a room can feel more interesting when everything isn’t from the same range.
Instead, look for a material, colour or finish that connects with something already in the room.
Light timber, rattan and softer finishes can work beautifully in relaxed, beachside-inspired interiors. Clean lines, oak and matte black metal tend to suit contemporary or minimalist homes, while marble, brass details and more decorative legs can sit comfortably in traditional spaces.
Repeating one element, such as the timber tone of your dining table or the metal finish of nearby lighting, can be enough to make the console feel like it belongs.
Where Should You Put a Console Table?
Where you place your console can make just as much difference as the table itself.
Entryways and hallways: A long, uninterrupted wall is often the ideal spot. Adding a mirror or piece of artwork above the table can help give the area height and make it feel more complete.
Behind a sofa: If your sofa sits away from the wall, a console can make use of the otherwise empty space behind it. Just make sure there is still enough room to comfortably move around the furniture.
Living and dining areas: A console can help define different zones in an open-plan space or make use of an empty wall beside a staircase or dining area.
Try not to squeeze a console into a spot simply because it technically fits. If it’s difficult to access or interrupts the natural walkway through the room, chances are it won’t be particularly useful.
How to Style a Console Without Making It Look Cluttered
Once you’ve found the right table and position, resist the temptation to cover every centimetre.
Start with one larger piece, such as a lamp, vase, mirror or artwork. Add one or two smaller items, perhaps a tray for keys, a small plant, books or a decorative bowl, then leave some of the surface clear.
Odd-numbered groupings of three or five pieces can often feel more relaxed than perfectly symmetrical arrangements, but there are no strict rules. The goal is simply to give everything a little room rather than filling every available space.
If your console sits near the front door, it is also worth leaving some genuinely usable surface space. A beautifully styled entryway isn’t quite as helpful when there’s nowhere to put your keys.
The Final Check
Before committing to a console table, consider three things: does it comfortably fit the available space, does it work with the furniture already in the room, and will its position actually be useful?
Taking a few measurements before you shop can save a lot of rearranging later. Once the proportions are right, you can have a little more fun choosing the finish and styling it to suit your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should a console table be?
Most hallway consoles are around 30 to 40 centimetres deep. In a particularly narrow hallway, look for a slimline option and make sure there is still enough room to comfortably walk past.
Can a console table be used as a TV unit?
Yes, provided the table is wide and strong enough to safely support the television. Always check the manufacturer’s dimensions and load capacity before placing heavy equipment on top.
Should a console table match the dining table or sofa?
Not necessarily. Using a similar timber tone, finish, colour or design detail can help connect the furniture without everything needing to match exactly.
How much space should be left in front of a console table?
Aim for at least 90 centimetres of clear walking space in a hallway so people can comfortably move past.
Do you need a console table in a small entryway?
No. If floor space is limited, a narrow wall-mounted shelf or particularly slim console can provide somewhere for everyday essentials without taking up as much room.
