To style under a console table, use decorative baskets for storage, add small lamps for soft light, or place low-profile ottomans or poufs for seating. Always ensure items fit the table’s height and complement the room’s overall style for a balanced, functional look.
Choosing what goes underneath a console table can feel tricky. You want that entryway or hallway space to look tidy and stylish, not cluttered. If you leave it empty, it often looks unfinished. If you fill it wrong, it looks messy fast. Don’t worry! We will walk through simple, foolproof ways to decorate that space. You will learn easy tricks to add function and beauty without needing fancy design skills. Let’s make that awkward space look amazing!
Console tables are fantastic pieces of furniture. They are slim, long, and usually sit against a wall in an entryway, hallway, or even behind a sofa. Because they are narrow, they don’t take up much floor space, but the area underneath them often becomes a decorating dilemma. Should it be empty? Should it hold shoes? Should it have art?
The goal is always balance and function. Think of the area under your console table as a small stage. The items you place there need to be proportional to the table and match the feeling of the room. This guide breaks down the best, easiest, and most stylish options for beginners.
Understanding Console Table Placement and Scale
Before you buy a single decorative box, you need to know what you are working with. The best items depend heavily on where the table lives and how tall it is. A console table in a busy entryway needs different items than one in a quiet dining room.
Measuring Twice, Buying Once
In decorating, measurement is your best friend. You don’t want items so tall that they hide the legs of the table or look cramped under the apron (the frame directly under the tabletop). Here are the quick measurements to take:
- Table Height: Measure from the floor to the underside of the table. This tells you how much vertical space you have.
- Table Width: Measure the length of the table. This helps you decide if you need one large item or two smaller, matching items.
- Depth: Measure how far the table sticks out from the wall. This is crucial—you don’t want items sticking out into the walkway.
Safety First: In high-traffic areas like hallways, keep the floor underneath clear of tripping hazards. Low-profile items or items that sit flush against the wall are always safer choices.
Top 6 Functional & Stylish Items for Under the Console
When deciding what to put underneath, think in terms of layering: storage, lighting, and soft texture. These three elements cover almost every decorating need.
1. Decorative Baskets and Bins (The Storage MVP)
This is the number one recommendation for practical decorating. Baskets hide clutter beautifully while adding texture. They work in almost any style, from rustic farmhouse to modern minimalist.
What to store in them:
- Entryway: Mail waiting to be sorted, reusable shopping bags, gloves, scarves.
- Living Room: Throw blankets, children’s toys (a lifesaver!), magazines.
- Office Nook: Extra printer paper, charging cords, office supplies.
Pro Tip: Choose baskets made of natural materials like woven seagrass or rattan for warmth. If your style is very sleek, look for woven fabric bins or solid metal containers.
2. Small Accent Lighting (Ambiance Makers)
If your console table is in a darker area, like a long hallway, adding a small light source underneath creates a warm, welcoming glow—called “uplighting.” This is much softer than overhead light.
Good lighting choices include:
- Small Table Lamps: Choose lamps with short bases and shades that are less than 10 inches tall, so they don’t feel too heavy under the table.
- LED Puck Lights or Strip Lights: These are battery-operated and can be stuck discreetly to the bottom shelf or frame of the table, aiming light downward or outward.
- Battery-Operated Lanterns: These add a charming, classic touch, especially around the holidays or in a farmhouse setting.
When selecting electrical lighting, ensure cords are neatly tucked away. For safety and peace of mind, consider looking into low-voltage LED lighting options, which run cooler than traditional bulbs. You can find great resources on safe home electrical placement from organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy.
3. Ottomans, Poufs, or Stools (Comfort and Seating)
If your console table is in an entryway, having a place to sit down to put on shoes is incredibly useful. Ottomans or poufs tuck neatly underneath when not in use.
Key Consideration: Make sure the stool or pouf is shorter than the underside of the console by at least two inches so it slides in easily and doesn’t scrape the table when you pull it out.
This option works best when the console table is not pressed flush against the wall (i.e., if it’s used as a sofa table). In a tight hallway, this is usually not a good idea as it impedes traffic flow.
4. Decorative Stacks (Layered Height)
If you prefer a clean, minimalist look, you can use height to fill the space without adding bulk. Stacking items creates visual interest by varying the height.
Ideas for Stacking:
- A stack of large, beautiful hardcover books, topped with a small sculpture or bowl.
- A flat tray holding a couple of candles and a small succulent plant.
The key here is to limit the stack to one area under the table, leaving the rest of the space open to keep the look light.
5. Artwork or Mirrors Placed on the Floor
This is a trendy, less permanent choice. Instead of hanging art above the console, lean a large framed piece of art or an attractive floor mirror against the wall directly under the table.
Why this works:
- It adds immediate scale and color.
- It’s perfect if you rent and can’t drill into walls.
- It allows you to easily swap out the art when you change your decor scheme.
If using a mirror, ensure it is stable and cannot easily tip over, especially if children or pets are around. Always lean large mirrors safely against a sturdy wall.
6. Pets’ Resting Spots (For the Furry Friends)
If the console table is in a living room or family room, turning the space underneath into a cozy, designated spot for a small dog or cat bed is a brilliant multi-tasking move.
Tips for pet integration:
- Use a low-profile pet bed that fits snugly.
- Choose a bed in a neutral color that matches your existing decor.
- This keeps the pet bed contained and out of the main traffic path.
Matching Your Decor Style: What to Choose Where
The best item to place underneath depends heavily on the style of the room and the console table itself. A heavy, dark wood table needs something substantial underneath, while a light, airy metal table needs airy accessories.
Here is a quick comparison table to help you match the style:
| Decor Style | Best Item Under Console | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Modern/Minimalist | One large, simple metal bin or nothing at all (clean floor space). | Emphasizes clean lines and avoids visual clutter. |
| Farmhouse/Rustic | Woven seagrass baskets or stacked wooden crates. | Adds natural texture and warmth. |
| Bohemian (Boho) | Textured floor poufs (knit or macrame) or colorful trays. | Incorporates soft fabrics and global textures. |
| Traditional/Formal | Matching dark wood storage boxes or small leather ottomans. | Maintains a polished, symmetrical, and tailored look. |
The Importance of Symmetry vs. Asymmetry
When you place items under a console table, you have two main layout choices: symmetry (matching things on both sides) or asymmetry (different things on each side). For beginners, symmetry is the safest bet for an instant look of order.
Symmetrical Layout (Easy and Formal)
This means placing two identical items evenly spaced beneath the table. This works best if your console table is centered on a wall or in a wide hallway.
Examples of Symmetry:
- Two identical woven baskets.
- Two small, matching storage ottomans.
- One tall stack of books centered on the left, and one tall stack of books centered on the right.
Asymmetrical Layout (More Dynamic, Requires Balance)
This means using different items on either side. This is better for breaking up a long, monotonous wall, but you must balance the visual weight.
Balancing Visual Weight:
If you place a tall, dark item on one side (like a tall lamp), the other side needs something that feels equally heavy, even if it isn’t tall. For example:
- Side A: A tall, skinny floor lamp.
- Side B: A stack of three heavy, dark-colored storage boxes.
The height of A is balanced by the visual weight (darkness and volume) of B.
Things to Avoid Putting Under a Console Table
Just as important as knowing what to put there is knowing what to leave out. Some items create instant clutter or look unsafe.
1. Excess Shoe Clutter
If your console table is in your main entryway, resist the urge to dump every single pair of shoes there. This quickly looks messy and unprofessional. If you must store shoes:
- Use a closed storage unit (like a narrow cabinet) tucked under the table, OR
- Use lidded, uniform baskets dedicated only to seasonal footwear.
2. Clutter That Doesn’t Fit the Room
The items underneath should always relate to the room the table is in. If the table is in your dining room, don’t store dog toys under it. If it’s in a hallway, avoid storing craft supplies unless they are perfectly hidden in attractive containers.
3. Items That Block Airflow or Access
If you have heating/cooling vents near the floor, do not block them with large items. Furthermore, if the console table is against a wall where there is an outlet, ensure your items don’t crush or fray any necessary cables running to the table lamps above. Always respect necessary utility access.
4. Items That Are Too Close Together
Avoid crowding the space. If you have a 4-foot wide console, and you put two 1.5-foot wide baskets side-by-side, you have zero breathing room. Always leave a few inches between items or a small gap between the item and the table leg for a finished look.
Console Table Styling Checklists for Different Rooms
To simplify things, here are two quick checklists based on the most common placements for console tables.
Checklist A: Entryway/Foyer Console
The entry needs to handle “drop-off” items—things you carry in and immediately need to put away.
- Base Layer (Function): Two matching, lidded baskets for keys/gloves or one slim shoe cubby.
- Mid Layer (Texture): A small, flat doormat or runner placed centrally under the table (only if the table is very high and the mat won’t block the view of the baskets).
- Visual Trick: Keep the floor mostly clear to maintain a clear pathway.
Checklist B: Living Room/Sofa Console
This area is for softer textures and ambient lighting, as function is less critical here.
- Base Layer (Comfort): Two soft, textural floor poufs that can be pulled out for extra seating.
- Mid Layer (Light): One small, upward-facing uplight or a few decorative, tall candles in sturdy holders.
- Visual Trick: Use items that pull colors from your sofa or rug to tie the space together.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Under-Table Areas Neat
Adding items underneath is only half the battle; keeping it tidy is the long game. Since this area can easily become a dust trap or clutter zone, a little routine maintenance goes a long way.
Simple Maintenance Schedule:
| Frequency | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Quick Sweep/Vacuum | Get all dust bunnies and debris from around the legs and under the items. |
| Monthly | Basket Audit | If using storage baskets, quickly check contents to ensure nothing is out of place. |
| Seasonally (4x per year) | Deep Clean & Style Check | Wipe down the table legs and any hard items (lamps/trays). Re-evaluate if the layout is still working for your needs. |
When dusting, you might need a long-handled duster or a specialized attachment for your vacuum. Keeping the space clean shows off your thoughtful styling choices!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I leave the space under my console table completely empty?
A: Yes! If your console table is visually interesting (like one with beautiful carved legs or an open metal frame) and the room already has plenty of storage, leaving the area empty keeps the space feeling airy and clean. This works best in very small entryways.
Q2: How deep should the items be so they don’t stick out?
A: The items should never stick out past the front edge of the table itself. Ideally, they should sit back far enough so that when you walk past, you won’t accidentally kick them. Always check your table’s depth measurement first.
Q3: Should the items on either side match exactly?
A: Not necessarily. Matching exactly (symmetry) is the easiest way to look polished. However, using two different items that share a color, material, or height often looks more curated and interesting. Just make sure they have similar visual weight.
Q4: What if my console table has a solid bottom shelf instead of open legs?
A: If it has a shelf, you have built-in storage! Use attractive, uniform storage boxes that fit the shelf perfectly. Decorative storage boxes are better than open shelves here, as they hide the contents and give a solid, custom look. You can find great tips on maximizing shelf space by checking out general organization guides, like those published by university extension programs focusing on home efficiency.
Q5: Is it okay to put actual shoes under an entryway console?
A: It is okay if you have a dedicated, neat system. For instance, use narrow, tilting shoe cabinets designed to fit tight spaces, or use matching, sturdy baskets that close. Piling loose shoes creates an immediate mess.
Q6: How do I choose the right height for lamps or objects underneath?
A: Aim for a gap of at least 3 to 4 inches between the top of your item and the bottom of the console apron. If the item is too tall, it visually weighs down the whole piece of furniture. Shorter is usually better for this location.
Conclusion: Confidence in Your Console Styling
Tackling the area under your console table doesn’t require an interior design degree—it just requires a little planning. Remember the three main goals: add function (storage/seating), add light (ambiance), and keep the scale appropriate for the space.
Whether you opt for cozy woven baskets that hide clutter, a pair of stylish stools for quick sitting, or simply keep the space clear and lean a piece of art against the wall, every choice you make should serve your room’s purpose. Start small: measure your space, pick one functional item like a basket, and see how it feels. You now have all the tools to transform that awkward, empty patch of floor into a deliberate, stylish, and useful part of your home decor!
