A console or sideboard is a great opportunity to get creative with styling. The best way to learn is just to get stuck in and trial and error, your instinct will tell you if you are on the right track or if something feels off. But if you’re just starting out and want some pointers here are some simple tips and tricks to get you going.
How to style a console table
1. START AT THE BACK
This is where you are going to use your largest piece and create a focal point. A mirror or a framed print is a perfect starting point. Make sure they are large enough to grab attention and that the size suits the proportions of the table you are styling.
2. ADD A LAMP
Table lamps are perfect for consoles for two reasons. Firstly they add height to the display which we need to keep the overall aesthetic looking interesting, you don’t want a short lamp. And secondly, they create a lovely ambient glow in the evenings.
3. USE VARYING HEIGHTS
You then want some vases or other decorative objects of varying height and shape. The tall vase with the green stems works perfectly with the shorter, round, textured vase. The photo frame works well next to the taller lamp. By mixing up the heights we stop the display from looking too linear and boring.
4. GROUP ITEMS TOGETHER
When arranging smaller items on the surface group them together. This creates more impact and also a more organic feel. Evenly spacing out items along a surface looks stilted and unnatural.
5. ADD BASKETS TO HIDE THE CRAP
Under the console is the perfect place to store stuff you don’t want on display. They’re great for slippers, flip-flops, dog lead and poo bags, gloves and hats, bags for life whatever you will find handy. And if you have a shelf you could always display some pretty books or a potted plant.
6. BALANCE
When arranging your items you should always be looking out for good balance. An easy way to do this is to create a symmetrical display, but this can be a bit formal and lacks imagination. So rather than going symmetrical just make sure whatever is on the left balances with what’s happening on the right.
You see every object has a ‘visual weight’ this can be dependent on how large the object is, what material it’s made of, and what colour it is. So in this example, the lamp on the left has a a lot of ‘visual weight’ because it’s Tall, wide and physically heavy. The two vases on the right don’t have as much ‘visual weight’ as the lamp, so that’s where the basket comes in, it just adds enough to balance things up.
NEED HELP WITH SOME STYLING?
I offer styling as one of many interior design services within the Hampshire area. If you need help styling your new kitchen or adding the finishing touches to your newly decorated living room then give me a call.
Sarah x
