Jul 24
photo credit highfithome
In a recent post I outlined some of the immense variety that is associated with a console table. We considered the various materials used to manufacture it such as wood, glass and wrought iron. We reflected on the variety of uses it could have in a home such as functional or decorative. We also started to look at looked at the variety of rooms in your home in which you could place a table. We noted that it can be very useful in a hallway, a bedroom, a dining room and a lounge. In this post I want to continue to explore the amazing versatility of the humble console table.
Half moon, demi-lune or drop leaf tables work perfectly well as a bar table. Either free standing as a four legged table or attached to a wall as a two legged table, they can serve a useful and practical function as a place to serve drinks as well as snacks at a party. A table used in this fashion takes up far less space and is way less obtrusive than a round table and can even accommodate a bar stool. Similarly this style of table can be used effectively as a bistro table. They will often fit snugly in places where larger round bistro tables will not fit go. Contemporary console tables especially fit this purpose.
Their versatility is quite remarkable. They can be useful in rooms as diverse as your bathroom, study or basement. In your bathroom they can double as a vanity whilst in your study they can be easily utilised as a small desk. Rather than throw out an old worn out table why not put it in your basement where it can be used as storage or work space?
Of course they do not have to be used for only utilitarian purposes such as I have outlined. They are also very successful in adding a touch of class to your home. The Tuscan or Tuscany console table has a reputation of classy elegance and exclusive Italian style. They are not cheap but you generally get what you pay for in life so be willing to pay the price if you want add this level of flair to your home. They are a blend of grace and functionality and certain designs even evoke a French country style. Some are entirely constructed of wood whilst others utilise hand-forged iron bases. Also you can get a glass console table.
Quite amazing isn’t it? The humble console table has such a range of applications.
Tagged with: bistro table • demi-lune console table • drop leaf console table • glass console table • half moon console table • hallway console table • Tuscan console table • Tuscany console table
Jul 24
Console tables come in a wide range of varieties. First there is the two basic materials that are used in its construction. Console tables are primarily made of wood. You will rarely see a console table made of plastic basically because plastic furniture is reserved for outdoors or children’s rooms. Secondly a console table can also be made of wrought iron. Whilst not as popular as wood wrought iron is nonetheless is loved and appreciated by many people and looks fantastic in the right setting. Glass is also used as a top in a glass console table and adds an elegant class to any table although its functionality may be reduced if utilised in a home filled with boisterous children!
photo credit nic joly
There also a multiplicity of styles when it comes to a console table. In a bedroom a small oak console table with an attached mirror makes an ideal place for applying makeup. In a hallway a two legged mission console table becomes a holding place for car keys, mail, magazines, phones and more. Alternatively this style of console table can be purely decorative with a vase of fresh flowers brightening up the hallway. On the other hand it can be used as a display place for family photos. Of course a two legged console table will need to be fixed to the wall for stability. Also these types of hallway console tables do lend themselves to having a mirror placed above them. This becomes very handy for checking your appearance before running out the door or for just creating a bigger sense of space in a narrow hallway. Mirrors are certainly ideal for giving the illusion of wider spaces.
A console table can also be used very effectively in a dining room. Again it can be entirely for decorative purposes complementing the dominate dining table and chairs. However it can easily double as a serving table when you have a large dinner party or for when the extended family gathers for a meal. Likewise in the lounge room a console table can serve the very practical purpose of being a room divider. When a sofa serves this purpose a console table can be placed behind it and used with great effect to enhance the sense of division in the room. For instance, a lamp with an exquisite lamp shade can be placed on the console table and act as a visual divider. This also serves to enhance the ambience of the room.
In our next post we’ll consider other ways in which a console table can be used to add to the beauty and functionality of your home.
Tagged with: dining room table • glass console table • hallway console table • oak console table • serving table • wrought iron console table
Jul 24
As we have seen console tables can add so much to a home in functionality and style. So when it comes to buying one follow this simple ten step plan to ensure you end with the tables that will meet your demands.
photo credit highfithome
Step 1
First work out how many tables you are going to buy and where you will place them in your home. Figure out whether their purpose is decorative or utilitarian. Will it complement a study table or serve as a dining bench? Also consider how complementary the tables need to be.
Step 2
Work out a budget. Allow more for the decorative items like a Tuscan console table that will be a feature piece. Consider low cost tables for bathrooms and studies. Putting a boundary on your expenditure before starting your search will help you avoid any spur of the moment decisions that will prove costly in the long run.
Make a decision as to how high your tables will be. Take into account the other furnishings in the room where your table will be placed. Make sure you keep the table in right proportion to the rest of your furniture.
Step 4
Measure the footprint of the areas where your console tables are going to be placed. Get an accurate assessment of the size of table you need to find.
Step 5
Give some thought to the colors of your tables. Will you paint them? Will you prefer to stain the wood a certain color? What colors in the room do you need to match or contrast? You will want to avoid a major clash of colors.
Step 6
This next step is very important. What shape do you want? The options are many and include half circle, square, rectangular, round, v shaped for a corner or straight back for a wall. What will suit the room and the feel you are looking to produce. Also factor in the shape of the legs. Some legs are ornate, others plain.
Step 7
Now consider the material. Do you want wood, wrought iron or a combination of both? Do you want a glass console table or one with a marble top? What will suit the furnishings in the room?
Step 8
We are getting close to the end of our process. If you want decorations to be on the table whether they are flowers or artwork choose a table that will go well with the decoration.
Step 9
Ask some of your friends where they bought their tables and follow their recommendations. Also search the net and discover the different options for purchasing.
Step 10
Now hit the shops and enjoy buying those well designed tables that will add beauty and functionality to your home.
Tagged with: buying console tables • console table • demi-lune console table • glass top table • half moon console table • marble console table • ornate table legs
