You Have 2 Seconds to Make a First Impression: Lead with a Console Table

One of my favorite décor pieces is the console table. These tables are perfect for redirecting a visitor’s eye when walking through your home. They are typically shorter than sofa tables but stand at the same height as a sofa table. Many choose to feature photos or grouping of collectibles as these tables lend themselves to a priority display touch.

Every room needs a place to display photos and the special objects you want to feature in your home. If you have a wide hallway a console table can even be used in the hallway. Perhaps the best location for a console table is at points of entry. The front entry deserves a beautiful wood inlaid demi lune style table whereas your kitchen entry needs a console table with drawers and a rugged surface to resist the beating it will get from tossing the dog leash on it and your keys and the groceries and . . . you get the idea.

One of the most active, functional home furnishings is the console table. What other style of table frequently showcases expanding tops, wood, glass, metal, the demi lune shape, rectangular, with drawers, without drawers and on and on, much like super end tables, but even better for singling out in showcase situations. Your entryways are where you have the opportunity to make a first impression. A unique console table whether it is traditional or contemporary will make the right kind of lasting impact. These are tables of high style and elegance.

These are not the kinds of tables to have around rowdy children and unless you get a very study version such as a mission style table, you would be wise to keep them out of the den and family room. When I enter a home and am greeted with a console table I know that my hostess (or host!) understands the message she wants to convey with the décor whether that be sophisticated yet simple elegance or ornate French Victorian. That table is the lead piece of the house and everyone knows it even if they do not realize they know it. It is something you just sense about a place when you enter.

It is very important that you carefully select your table as it really is THE first impression people will have of your home. Let your personality shine!

Since the materials and shapes available vary considerably, you should have no trouble finding what you ultimately want. The trouble is in deciding what you want. Some quick rules of thumb:

If your entryway/hallway is less than 4’ wide, a table will make the space feel cramped and may inadvertently cause injury, particularly bruises on hips.