For the longest time, my console table sat completely empty—a blank, narrow surface that I wasn’t quite sure what to do with. I had bought it because I’d seen so many stunning entryway photos online.
You know the kind: a sleek table with a mirror above it, maybe a vase of fresh flowers, a stack of coffee table books, and a perfect balance of little decor pieces.
But when I tried to recreate that look, something always felt off. It looked either too cluttered or too bare.
So, I started experimenting. Some weekends I’d add candles and trays; other weeks I’d try plants, art prints, or even a lamp.
It took time, a few wrong combinations, and plenty of rearranging before I realized what truly made a console table work.
It wasn’t about copying what I saw online—it was about creating balance, personality, and flow.
Now, styling a console table has become one of my favorite parts of decorating a space. It’s where I can show off a bit of who I am—through colors, textures, and little pieces that tell my story.
Whether it’s in the hallway, behind a sofa, or tucked under a large mirror, a well-styled console table can instantly make a room feel warm, layered, and lived-in.
If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start, or how to make your table look intentionally styled instead of like a catch-all surface, this guide is for you.
I’ll walk you through how to style a console table beautifully, step by step—plus share the practical tips and styling secrets I’ve learned along the way.
1. Start with a Strong Anchor Piece
Every beautifully styled console table begins with an anchor piece—something that visually grounds the setup and defines the style.
Without it, the area can look unfinished, no matter how pretty the decor is.
How to Do It
Think of your anchor piece as the visual center. It could be:
- A large mirror that reflects light and opens up your space.
- A framed artwork or print that introduces color and personality.
- A sculptural wall decor piece that adds shape and structure.
Choose one that’s roughly two-thirds the width of your console table. If it’s a mirror, hang it or lean it about 6–8 inches above the table surface.
For art, you can stack multiple frames for a gallery look, but keep them cohesive in tone or color palette.
Pro Tip
If your entryway or living room feels small or dark, mirrors are your best friend. They instantly add brightness and depth.
For an elegant touch, go for a round or arched mirror—it softens the straight lines of the console and creates visual flow.
My Experience
I remember when I finally hung a large mirror above my own console table. Before that, the space always felt incomplete, no matter what decor I added.
But the moment the mirror went up, everything changed—it reflected my pendant light, made the hallway feel twice as large, and gave the table a real “purpose.” It was the missing piece all along.
2. Layer Your Decor for Depth and Balance
Once your anchor piece is in place, it’s time to build dimension on the table itself.
Flat arrangements are one of the most common styling mistakes I see—everything sits at the same height, facing the same direction, which makes the space feel static and lifeless.
Layering adds movement and depth. You want the eye to travel from tall to short, from front to back, creating a visual story as it moves across your console.
How to Do It
Start with your tallest items first. These might include a table lamp, tall vase, or sculptural branch arrangement. Place them toward one side of the table—usually the left—to create balance.
Then, add medium-height objects like candles, picture frames, or decorative jars. Finally, fill in with smaller items—trinkets, coasters, or a small dish for keys.
Stack books to add height where needed. A few coffee table books in neutral tones or subtle colors can act as platforms to elevate smaller decor pieces.
Use groupings of three—one tall item, one medium, one small—since odd numbers feel more natural to the eye.
Pro Tip
Think about negative space too. Every item needs a little breathing room. Leave some open space between groups to avoid clutter.
You can even shift your arrangement slightly off-center to create a more relaxed, modern look.
My Experience
I used to overcrowd my console table with decor because I thought “more equals stylish.” But the more I added, the messier it looked.
When I learned to create layers with purpose—taller objects in the back, smaller ones up front—it completely transformed how my space felt.
Now, my console tells a story from every angle, not just the front.
3. Add Personal Touches That Tell Your Story
A console table should look good, yes—but it should also feel like you. That’s where personal touches come in.
This is the stage where your console goes from being “decorated” to being “curated.”
How to Do It
Choose a few pieces that have meaning. Family photos in simple frames, souvenirs from your travels, or small heirlooms work beautifully.
Combine them with your decorative items so it feels balanced, not overly sentimental.
If you love plants, a small leafy cutting or a glass vase with fresh flowers adds an organic touch that softens everything.
Candles also bring warmth and scent—try grouping two or three in different heights for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Pro Tip
Mix old with new. A modern lamp beside a vintage photo frame, or a sleek tray with a rustic wooden bowl, adds richness and contrast.
Avoid overdoing the personal items—two or three are plenty. You want each piece to stand out.
My Experience
On my console, there’s a framed photo of my parents from their wedding day and a small ceramic bowl I picked up during a local market trip.
Every time I walk by, it makes me smile—it’s not just decor; it’s a piece of my story sitting right by the door. That’s what makes styling so personal and satisfying.
4. Play with Lighting for Mood and Warmth
Lighting is one of the most underrated parts of console table styling. The right lighting doesn’t just brighten a corner—it adds warmth, depth, and atmosphere.
Whether your console sits in a hallway, entryway, or living room, a light source instantly makes it feel intentional and lived-in.
How to Do It
If your console table is near an outlet, a table lamp is an easy way to create soft, inviting light. Choose one that complements your overall style—ceramic or stone bases for earthy tones, metallics for a more modern look.
If outlets are limited, consider battery-powered lamps or LED candles for a similar glow.
For a symmetrical look, use two matching lamps on either side. But if you want something more casual and modern, one statement lamp on one side balanced by decor on the other can look just as stunning.
Pro Tip
Warm light always wins. Avoid harsh white bulbs—they make the space feel cold. Instead, go for bulbs labeled “soft white” or “warm glow.”
They cast a cozy, flattering light that makes every piece on your console stand out beautifully.
My Experience
One of the best styling upgrades I ever made was adding a small lamp to my console table. I didn’t realize how much difference a simple warm light could make.
Now, every evening when I walk into the room, the soft glow makes the space feel calm and welcoming—like the light itself is part of the decor.
5. Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry
Balance is what keeps a console table visually pleasing. Too much symmetry, and it feels stiff; too little, and it can look messy. The secret is knowing how to mix both for a look that feels polished yet relaxed.
How to Do It
Start with symmetry as your base. That could mean two matching lamps, twin vases, or evenly spaced decor on each end.
Then, add a touch of asymmetry by introducing one or two unique items off-center—like a sculpture or a stack of books that breaks the pattern just slightly.
Think of your console table as a mini landscape. You want your eye to move naturally across it, resting on peaks and valleys of height and texture.
Pro Tip
Take a step back and look at your console from a distance. If one side feels heavier or too busy, remove or shift items until both sides visually “weigh” the same, even if they’re not identical.
My Experience
I once had two identical lamps on my console for months. It looked neat, but something about it felt too hotel-like.
When I removed one lamp and replaced it with a tall vase and greenery, it instantly felt more natural—balanced but not overly styled. That’s when I realized that sometimes, imperfection is the charm.
6. Use Trays and Baskets to Organize and Anchor
A console table can easily become a catch-all space for keys, mail, or random items. The trick is to use trays and baskets not just as decor, but as organizers that keep everything neat while still stylish.
How to Do It
Use a decorative tray to gather smaller items—candles, coasters, or a small bowl for keys. This creates a sense of order and helps the eye see one unified group instead of scattered objects.
Underneath the console, add one or two baskets for hidden storage. They’re perfect for holding blankets, shoes, or magazines while keeping the look tidy.
Choose woven or fabric baskets for a soft, natural texture that complements most decor styles.
Pro Tip
For a cohesive look, stick to one or two color tones for your trays and baskets—like natural rattan, whitewashed wood, or matte black. The goal is for them to blend into the design, not overpower it.
My Experience
My hallway console used to collect everything from loose change to sunglasses. Once I added a marble tray and two woven baskets underneath, it transformed from chaotic to chic.
It’s amazing how organization can also double as decor when done intentionally.
7. Refresh Seasonally for a New Look
Your console table doesn’t have to look the same all year round. In fact, changing it with the seasons keeps your space feeling fresh and exciting. Small updates go a long way—without needing a full redecoration.
How to Do It
In spring, bring in fresh flowers and pastel tones. During summer, switch to lighter decor—glass vases, seashells, or a pop of greenery.
Fall calls for warm tones, textured fabrics, and candles. Winter is perfect for metallic accents, evergreen branches, or soft lighting that adds coziness.
Pro Tip
Keep your base pieces neutral—like your mirror, tray, or lamp—so you can easily swap smaller seasonal items without starting from scratch. Rotate things like flowers, candles, or artwork to keep the look evolving.
My Experience
Every season, I spend about ten minutes updating my console. A quick candle swap, a vase change, or a new framed print completely refreshes the space. It’s an easy ritual that makes my home feel in tune with the time of year.
8. Step Back and Fine-Tune the Final Look
This is the step that ties everything together—the final edit. Once your console is styled, take a moment to step back and look at it as a whole.
How to Do It
Look for balance in color, height, and space. Remove anything that feels unnecessary. Try shifting an item slightly off-center, or even removing one piece entirely—sometimes less truly is more.
Walk around the space and view it from different angles. A well-styled console should look appealing from the side, not just head-on.
Pro Tip
Take a quick photo of your setup. Photos often reveal what your eyes miss—like too much clutter on one side or awkward spacing between items. Use that as your final styling guide.
My Experience
I always finish by snapping a photo of my console table, just for fun. Half the time, I end up tweaking something afterward—and that’s okay. Styling is never “done”; it’s a creative process that evolves as your home does.
Final Thoughts
Styling a console table is more than just arranging decor—it’s about creating a visual story that reflects your life and personality.
Once you understand the balance of proportion, light, and layering, the rest becomes fun experimentation.
My best advice? Don’t aim for perfection. Let your console table grow and change with you.
Add things that make you happy, remove what feels forced, and allow your creativity to take the lead. Because when a space truly feels like you, that’s when it’s perfectly styled.
FAQs About Styling a Console Table
1. What should I put on a console table?
Start with a strong anchor like a mirror or artwork, then layer in decor such as vases, lamps, books, and a few personal pieces.
Add trays or baskets for storage to keep it both stylish and practical.
2. How do I make my console table look balanced?
Use varying heights and group decor in odd numbers (like threes).
Keep taller items to one side, medium items in the center, and shorter ones on the opposite end for natural visual flow.
3. Can I style a console table without a mirror?
Absolutely! You can hang artwork, layer framed prints, or even use wall sconces for interest. The goal is simply to anchor your setup with something eye-catching.
4. How often should I change my console table decor?
Seasonally works best. Refreshing your console every few months keeps your space feeling updated and in tune with the time of year—plus, it’s a great excuse to try new color accents or textures.
5. What are the best colors for console table styling?
Neutrals like beige, white, and wood tones create a timeless base. Add accent colors through flowers, candles, or books for easy swaps that won’t overpower the setup.
