How to Style a Console Table Like A Professional Designer

Styling a console table might seem like a simple task, but it’s much harder than it looks. Designers perfectly understand the balance between just enough styling elements, but never too much, and it always looks gorgeous. Luckily, (with some tricks) it’s really easy to recreate this professional look in your own home!

Today on the blog, I want to share all my tips to style a console table like a professional designer. With just a few key ideas and a little experimentation, you can create a look that is both structured and full of personality.

How To Style A Console Table Like a Professional Designer

Start with structure
Layer with purpose
Incorporate personal touches
Play with heights and textures
Experiment and rearrange

Start with Structure

When it comes to styling any surface, structure is your best friend. Just like with a coffee table, having a basic layout or framework in mind can make the process much easier. Console tables, which are often narrow and long, benefit from a mix of heights and shapes to keep the eye moving.

how to style a console table | black and white

For example, start by imagining an overall shape that you want to create. It could be a loose rectangle with taller items at the ends and lower items in the middle, or perhaps a more centered arrangement with items fanning out from the middle. Adding round objects, like a vase or a decorative bowl, can help soften the structure and prevent it from feeling too rigid or boxy.

Layer with Purpose

When you’re layering items on your console table, think about how they work together. Layering isn’t just about placing one item in front of another; it’s about creating depth and interest. You might stack a few decorative books (a great place for those coffee table books you love!) and place a small plant or sculpture on top. The key is to let each piece stand out without crowding the surface.

Just like with a coffee table, it’s important to leave some space blank. A cluttered console table can feel overwhelming, so make sure you’re giving each item enough room to breathe. Play around with the arrangement until you find a balance that feels right.

Incorporate Personal Touches

Your console table is a great place to showcase a bit of your personality. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a few framed photos, or a unique piece of art, these personal touches will make the space feel more like you. The console table’s narrow surface might limit how much you can display, but that’s not a bad thing. It encourages you to be selective and only showcase what matters to you.

Play with Heights and Textures

A successful console table arrangement plays with heights and textures. Tall lamps, medium-sized vases, and low decorative boxes or trays can all work together to create a really interesting look. Varying heights keep the eye engaged, while different textures add interest. Mix smooth, glossy items with more organic, textured pieces like woven baskets or ceramic sculptures.

black white and cheetah print console table decorations

If you’re ever unsure about the balance, step back and take a look at the table from a distance. Sometimes, seeing it from across the room can give you a better sense of whether the arrangement feels balanced or if something needs to be adjusted.

Experiment and Rearrange

Finally, remember that styling is all about experimentation. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. What matters is that the arrangement feels good to you. Don’t be afraid to move things around, swap out items, or even start over if something’s not working. Sometimes the best arrangements come from a bit of trial and error.

My Console Table Sources:

How To Style a Console Table Like a Professional Designer

Do you have any tips for how to style a console table that you swear by? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts: