All About Console Tables

Important tables in any location

All tables are not created equally. Console tables, in particular, don't even always have the proper number of legs. Even though console tables seem a bit like misfits, pushed to the side of the room and not usually its main focus, console tables don't need to be outcast tables. They serve the duty of standing guard. It's true. Unlike most tables, console tables do not always have four legs.

Anything but …

Console tables can have two, three, or four legs. When only two-legged, a console table is usually attached to the wall by supportive brackets. With three legs, a console table has a middle leg that lends support to the console table, still attached to the wall in some way. Once set up, console tables are the tables that appear as if they always belonged in their location — as if the wall without that table or the table without that wall is inconceivable. Not misfits at all!

What shape!

Although only two main shapes of console tables exist — rectangular console tables and half round console tables — the license taken with these shapes seems unlimited.

From base to top … to table

Basically composed of a base and a top, like most tables, console tables offer endless options in styles and materials.

Console table bases:

1. Styles. Choose from legs that are ball and claw, bowed, cabriole, curved, or straight. Instead of legs, the occasional table base may be a succinct pedestal form.

2. Materials. Base materials range from organic materials of wood, natural fibers, leather or suede, and ceramics to harder, more industrial metals and glass to more modern and highly versatile synthetic materials such as plastic and fiberglass.

Console table tops:

1. Styles. Tops of occasional tables are usually simple and functional or more ornate and decorative.

2. Materials. Occasional table top materials include wood, metal, glass, synthetics, natural fibers, leather, stone, and ceramic or glass tiles or mosaics.

Beyond choosing the base and top style and material for the console table, feel free to decide on some bonus features that may be available such as adjustable height, decorative accents, veneers, display shelves, doors, drawers, drop leafs and extensions, and inlay.

Some console tables are even convertible into a small dining table or a desk.

Now that you know what a console table is

Console tables provide space for items that are:

Functional. Such items include mail, keys, purse, hat, or anything else that needs a temporary home when entering or leaving the house.

Decorative. These objects may be special to you and your heart or touchstones of place and encouragement. Framed photos; dried or live flower arrangements; potted plants; sculpture, art pottery, or other artwork; and candles would be included here.

A final touch idea: Hang a mirror above a console table, and add the effect of greater depth and size to any room or hallway.

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