The Ultimate Guide to Styling a Console Table Like a Designer
Styling an entryway can quickly become overwhelming without a clear guide to follow. Simply placing a few decorative objects and a table lamp won’t cut it. Before you know it, a console table that was meant to bring a designer touch turns into a cluttered collection of random pieces that lack cohesion.
That’s why I’ve curated the ultimate guide to styling a console table, one that ensures your entryway looks polished, cohesive, and effortlessly elevates your home decor. From selecting the right focal point to understanding key measurements, and from different styling approaches to choosing the perfect vase and lamp proportions, this guide covers it all. My goal is to make entryway styling simple, structured, and inspiring for you!
But before we dive in, if you haven’t yet, check out my post on how to choose the perfect console table. It is the essential first step in designing an entryway. It walks you through how to measure your space before investing in a piece that fits both functionally and aesthetically.
Let’s begin!
Establishing a Focal Point
Once you’ve placed a console table that fits your entryway space perfectly, it’s time to establish a focal point. In interior design, a focal point refers to an object that anchors the furniture piece or area, making it intuitive for other decorative elements to fall into place.
For an entryway console, the focal point is typically a mirror or an oversized framed piece of art. Whichever you prefer, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind when selecting your focal point.
Width: The width of the artwork or mirror (or the diameter if it's a round mirror) should be approximately 2/3rd the width of the console table. This ensures the focal point is well-proportioned and doesn’t overpower or underwhelm the space.
Height: If you opt for artwork or a rectangular mirror, the height should generally be 1.5 to 2 times the height of the console table. This creates a balanced and visually appealing arrangement that enhances the overall design.
By following these measurements, your entryway will feel intentional, stylish, and perfectly put together.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Mirror or Artwork
Since this post is all about helping you achieve a designer-style entryway, I want to steer you clear of common design mistakes that can easily throw off the look.
1. Avoid Overly Decorative Mirrors
Stay away from overly decorative mirrors, such as sunburst designs or beaded frames. These styles tend to look dated and can cheapen the overall aesthetic. Instead go for sleek, timeless frames like:
Black metal rims for a modern, sophisticated touch
Brass rims to add warmth and elegance
Wooden frames for an organic, natural feel
The simpler the design, the more elegant and high-end your space will look.
2. Choosing Artwork That Feels Disconnected
When selecting art, think of the tone and mood you want to set in your home. Since the entryway flows into the living room, ensure the artwork complements your overall decor style. An out of sync piece can make the living room and entryway feel disconnected.
Hanging v/s Leaning the Focal Point
When it comes to choosing between hanging or leaning your art or mirror, you have complete freedom! Typically, round mirrors are hung, while larger mirrors and artwork are often leaned against the wall for a more relaxed, designer look.
If you choose to hang your piece, be mindful of its placement. Hanging it too high can make it feel disconnected from the console table, creating an unanchored look. To maintain visual balance, ensure it is hung no more than 2-4 inches above the surface of the table.
This way, your focal point feels intentionally integrated into the overall styling of your entryway.
Choosing the Perfect Table Lamp
The next step is to add a table lamp to one end of the console table. Which side? That’s entirely up to you, go with whatever feels most natural for your space.
What’s more important is choosing the right lamp height to maintain balance and harmony in your entryway.
How to Choose the Right Lamp Height
The key is to ensure that the total height of the lamp (including the base and shade) reaches approximately the midpoint of the focal point you’ve placed or hung above the console table.
This proportion is crucial to get a well-balanced, designer look.
Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Table Lamps
If you’re aiming for a designer look, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
An organic, neutral lamp base, like a ceramic lamp, is a timeless choice that will last for years. Avoid trendy options, such as high-shine finishes or overly sculptural shapes, which can quickly feel outdated.
For lamp shades, white shades work best for casting a warm, inviting glow in the evening. My personal favorite is a tapered shade, but trust your instincts. Design isn’t just about following rules, it’s about reflecting your personality and style.
The most important detail is the bulb you choose. A soft white or warm white bulb is ideal, as the color temperature plays a major role in setting the ambiance of the space.
Balancing Out With Vase(s)
To balance out the height of the lamp, add a tall vase or a combo of a tall and a short vase on the other end of the table. I personally love layering vases. Mixing different heights just makes everything look more interesting. Plus, height variation is a big deal in interior design!
When picking vases, make sure they vibe with the other pieces you’ve already styled; the art or mirror, the table lamp, and the overall feel of the space. Earthy vases with organic textures always work best for that timeless, designer look, which is exactly what we’re going for here.
Just like with the lamp, make sure the tallest vase reaches about the midpoint of your focal point. Another way to gauge the right height is to have the vase be at least as tall as the base of the lamp. That way, once you add floral stems, the overall height will balance out with the lamp and its shade.
Pro Tip: Add faux floral stems to the tallest vase and swap them out seasonally to refresh your space. It’s an easy way to bring in a touch of the changing seasons without a big commitment. For example, cherry blossoms for spring, olive branches for summer, pampas grass for fall, and evergreens for winter.
Stack Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books are hands down the best way to let your personality shine through. Stack your favorite ones near the table lamp or the vase to add some layered interest.
A few things to keep in mind:
Don’t stack more than two to three books; too many can start looking cluttered.
Choose books in muted or neutral tones that complement the overall aesthetic of your entryway. The goal is to enhance the space, not overwhelm it.
A simple stack of beautifully curated books instantly makes your console table feel more intentional and designer-worthy!
Layered Art (Optional)
Interior design is all about layering. It’s what adds depth and visual interest to a space. In an entryway, you can achieve this by placing a smaller piece of art or a picture frame in front of your larger focal point, whether it’s a mirror or oversized artwork.
This trick works best if you’ve chosen to lean the mirror or art against the wall instead of hanging it, though it can still work in a hung setup. The key is to pick styles that complement each other. For example, if your focal point is an abstract framed artwork, layering a black-matted picture frame in front of it adds beautiful contrast and variation, making the space feel more thoughtfully designed.
It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in creating that effortless, designer look!
Adding Small Decor Accents
To finish off your console table styling, add a few decorative accent pieces; think a luxurious scented candle, a decorative bowl, or some stylish boxes to use as a catch-all. These little details not only add personality but also make the space feel more polished and functional.
It’s all about striking the right balance. Choose accents that reflect your style while still feeling cohesive with the rest of your home’s decor. A few well-chosen pieces can make all the difference in pulling everything together!
Placing Baskets or Ottomans
When it comes to choosing baskets or ottomans to tuck underneath, it all depends on the type of table you have. For a well-balanced look, baskets work best with a console table that has a shelf, as they help fill the space while keeping things organized. If you're opting for ottomans, a console table without a shelf is the way to go. This allows you to slide them in and out easily without obstruction.
Before you buy, make sure to measure the height of your table properly to avoid getting pieces that are too tight underneath. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 1 to 2-inch gap between the basket or ottoman and the surface of the table for a more polished look and hassle-free fit.
Taking these small details into account will make your entryway both stylish and functional!
Pre-Designed Moodboards
I’ve put together some modern organic entryway moodboards that you can shop. Check them out here!
Your entryway console decor is now complete! By following the guidelines I've shared here and in my previous posts, you'll create a beautifully styled entryway with a designer look, effortless and hassle-free.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. I'm more than happy to help!
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