First introduced in France in the 17th century as a rectangular slab supported by wall-mounted brackets, console tables have evolved quite a bit. Today, they are typically 30 to 36 inches high and feature wide, shallow tops—they’re usually square or rectangular, but demi-lunes are an elegant alternative.
.To keep ultra-tight spaces as airy as possible, go for a console with an open-legged base, says San Francisco–based interior designer.
.Especially in an entryway, consoles tend to be catchalls. Keep it classy, people. “Bring in a beautiful seagrass basket for keys, change, and your wallet,” Pickart says. “It’ll add texture and save your foyer from unsightly clutter.
.For an entryway or hallway, the narrower the better—“figure 12 to 15 inches deep at most,” says the St. Simon’s–based interior designer
.Just because it’s slim doesn’t mean it can’t have big style. “Go bold with interesting details like turned legs or a unique finish like cast resin.
