How to Buy an Ideal Console Table?
A console table is a skinny piece of furniture often used in hallways, living rooms, and even bedrooms, combining both functional and aesthetic value to provide decorative or extra storage space for a room. It boasts multifunctional advantages for a variety of scenarios. So how to choose an ideal console table, the following might provide you with inspiration for selection.
Positioning of the sofa table
First, learn about the multiple ways to utilize a sofa table and choose a sofa table based on where you will use it.
As an entryway table
An entryway table is usually placed at the entrance to a hallway as a functional table for storing small items such as gloves, keys, and wallets for easy access when you first enter the room. You can add trays, baskets, and other storage items to complement the table’s storage function.
Also, the space underneath the entry table board is often used with a shoe rack, where you can store shoes and backpacks.
Furthermore, hallway entryway tables are often used as a home décor statement when you enter your home, introducing you directly to the ambiance of your home. So how should you choose a suitable entrance table for your home?
Choose according to your house size
1. Limit house size: If you have a limited house, such as a single-friendly apartment with a crowded entryway, it is recommended that you use a compact entryway table, choosing a shorter length, usually 30 to 50 inches (76 to 127 cm), to fit into a smaller area without taking up too much space.
From the design perspective of the console table, a one-tier entryway table and semicircular console table help avoid the inconvenience of a multi-layer table that compresses the space in the entryway by eliminating its storage function. Its flat back and semicircular design make it a common choice for small houses.
2. Large Spaces: For a more expansive house, the length of it can go up to 60 inches (152 cm) or more.
3. Width of the console table in the entryway: Generally speaking, for entryways, tables come in narrow widths, 8-12 inches. You can use it with trays or baskets to hold keys, wallets, mail, gloves, and other on-the-go
4. Narrow Depth: For hallways or small spaces, depths of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) would be acceptable.
5. Socket Requirements: If there are socket outlets in the vicinity of your foyer, you may want to consider an entryway table with a power supply.
As a sofa side table
A modern sofa side table is usually placed behind the sofa against the wall. It is prominent in storage function and space-filling function.
Sofa side tables perform differently in large and small spaces, where they obviously increase the storage space of the house and fill the small gap between the wall and the sofa.
Size of the sofa table
If you are using it between a wall and a sofa, be careful to avoid extending the sofa table into the centre of the room to disrupt the traffic of people in the living room.
When used as a sofa side table, often placed behind a couch, it should normally be equal to or slightly lower than the back of the sofa. Typically, sofa tables are 30 inches tall. Generally speaking, the length of a sofa table is 2/3 of the length of the sofa; the overhang of the sofa table are expected to be about 6 inches to the left and right of the sofa.
As a living room dividing console table
If you intend to use it for a large living room, you can take advantage of its excellence in space division and temporary counter area function; they can act as both wall space division and two neighbouring zone connections, where you can place cross-use items from the two adjacent spaces. From a storage point of view, it's also a great place to organize your living room knick-knacks, such as scented candles, tissue boxes, lamps, remote controls, etc., a free coffee table, and end table space.
If you are interested in a great makeshift bar area for your living room where you can read and relax. A warm lamp creates a convenient resting area together with the behind couch table. A side sofa table with an electrical outlet will serve you well in this case.
As you will be working in the temporary bar zone, the width of the table for books and laptops is more obvious, and it is advisable to purchase a table with a width of up to 15 inches (38 cm) to accommodate PCs and books.
As a media console table
Sofa tables are sometimes used to store cable boxes, DVR equipment, and media so that you can reduce the amount of storage in your living room. In this case, it is often recommended that you prefer a multi-tiered entryway table with drawers and sockets to match your needs more easily.
As a Bedroom Decorative Table
If you are using your bedroom to store your valuables, such as jewellery, perfume, and beauty products, it is recommended that you purchase a wooden tabletop, which has more friction than a glass table, to avoid unnecessary damage from falling items.
Purpose of use
Depending on the purpose of your use, the sofa side table can play a variety of functions in different locations. A sofa table meets your control over the use of space.
As a storage console table
If you attach more importance to storage function of the console table, we recommend choosing a sofa table with shelves and drawers, which can serve as an ideal storage space for your belongings.
If a sofa table is lacking in shelving, you can still use the space on the table top and underneath for storage. Wicker baskets, rope baskets or wire baskets are generally recommended, and the sofa table can be bursting with colourful creativity based on your inspirations.
As a decorative console table
As an ideal stand, the sofa table can also be used to focus the attention of the eye on the objects on display by having the appropriate height. It will be the best display for a work of art and photos of life.
Based on such characteristics, A console table with a height of 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) is generally suitable for displaying paintings, ensuring the artwork is at an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing viewing height. Adjustments can be made based on the specific size of the painting and the height of the room's occupants for optimal placement.
If you use it for reading or work, its height should be similar to that of a desk, and it can be paired with bar stools for your convenience.
Material of the console table
Depending on your personal preference, choose the right material for your sofa table. Generally speaking, modern sofa tables are often designed with a combination of engineered wood and iron, or premium solid wood design of walnut and oak, or glass plus iron, marble top console table, acrylic+resin design.
Different styles of materials usually have different price. Generally speaking, the combination of engineered wood and iron is more versatile, suitable for multiple scenarios, and accepted by the public at a reasonable price. If you have the budget for it, a solid wood and marble designed entryway table is also a good choice.
Solid wood entryway table
If you live in a humid climate, it is not recommended that you buy a solid wood entryway table; wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, leading to problems such as loose seams, gaps, or misalignment. Also, you should factor in the possibilities of insect influence.
Acrylic and synthetic resin console table
If you care more about the brightness of the room, you can choose the table made of acrylic and synthetic resin; the transparent material will not block the space sunlight, giving a feeling of a large and bright space. But at the same time, if your house has a long time light, acrylic and synthetic resin tables will turn yellow with time passing by. Even some tables that have not been exposed to UV light for a long period of time will show natural aging signs and a cloudy/haze appearance.
Marble top console table
The marble-top console table is suitable for people who have an artistic taste for marble veneer. Every marble top is unique in its patterns. And it goes well with artifacts like paintings and vases. But marble-top console tables are easily tainted by drinks because of their porous structure. If you plan to use it as a bar zone, it might take you some time to clean it when drinks are spilling out of the tabletop.
Budget for different material console table
Engineered wood+iron frame entryway table: $60-200
Glass+iron frame Glass console table: $50-200
Acrylic+resin: $150-300
Marble top frame console table: $150-600
Solid wood console table: The price range is generally between $250-600
Decoration style
Traditional rustic style decoration is suitable for classical vintage wood sofa tables, and modern style design style is suitable for minimalist industrial style wood and metal frame sofa tables. Futuristic design styles are suitable for transparent acrylic sofa tables, and high-end luxury decoration styles are complemented by premium solid wood sofa tables. In short, you can match the right sofa table with your personal taste and decorating style at the same time.
In conclusion, the choice of sofa table needs to be decided according to your purpose of use, the characteristics of the house, your budget, and personal preferences. We hope this article can help you in your choice.