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.

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.