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Console table – Guaranteed to be the right choice
Categories :
Interior Furniture
, News & Updates
The right choice comes down to one simple point: finding a console table that is unobtrusive enough not to get in the way, yet practical enough to help organise the space on a day-to-day basis.
What is a console table and what is it used for?
A console table is a long, shallow piece of furniture placed against a wall to hold decorative items, keys or post without taking up too much space. Habitat et Jardin offers a selection of console tables designed for both classic and modern interiors, in sizes suitable for the hall, living room or corridor.
Definition and history of the console table
The console table takes its name from its original use, when it was used to hold dishes before they were served, as early as the 18th century. The distinguishing features often lie in its silhouette: a slim top, a light frame, slender legs and, in most cases, no doors or drawers, making it a natural choice for small spaces. To complement this historical overview, the ‘console table’ page traces its evolution.
- Empire-style base: four legs curving inwards in a volute, typical of the classical French style.
- Modern base: four straight, streamlined legs, suited to contemporary interiors.
- Ornamental crossbar: a piece connecting the legs to stabilise the whole whilst adding a decorative detail.
Once in place, this type of console table can be used to showcase a vase, picture frames or candles, as well as to hold everyday items. It is, above all, a piece of occasional furniture that defines the space without cluttering it.
Hallway console table to make the most of every space
The hall console naturally fits into a hallway or corridor. Its slim profile keeps the passageway clear whilst providing a handy place to put things down: keys, bags, post or items you’ll need when heading out.
Depending on the layout of your home, the console table can also be placed in the living room, bedroom, dining room or study. This flexibility makes it easy to reposition it should your needs change.
Dimensions and shapes of a console table
The most common dimensions range from 80 to 120 cm in length, with a depth that rarely exceeds 40 cm and a height similar to that of a table. Two models provide a concrete example: the Verona wooden console table measures 90 × 26 × 74 cm in black pine, whilst the Vien console table with mirror is just 15 cm deep in white, making it ideal for narrow spaces.
- Classic console table: a simple rectangular shape, easy to fit into most rooms.
- Half-moon console table: a rounded top with a more decorative look, ideal whenever space allows to enhance a recess or a feature wall.
- Corner console table: a design created to make the most of a corner that is often left empty.
A double-top console table adds an extra level of storage without taking up any more floor space. It’s ideal for organising books, accessories and decorative items whilst maintaining a narrow profile.
Styles, designs and materials for console tables
Making the right choice depends on how well the console table complements the existing furniture. A solid wood top, a metal frame or a combination of the two do not create the same effect: each material defines a style, affects the way light is reflected and also influences the price.
A black metal sideboard or an oak one – which style to choose?
A black metal console table with a dark wooden top embodies the industrial aesthetic. The look is structured and striking, well-suited to a living room or an office. Conversely, a console table in solid oak has a softer presence, with a grain that adds texture without overwhelming the space.
Oak is also available in a light wood finish, very much in keeping with the Scandinavian console table style. Depending on the layout of your space, this finish can lighten up a hallway or corridor, whilst a warmer shade creates a cosier atmosphere. Furthermore, designs combining metal and wood maintain a sleek silhouette whilst offering a sturdy top.
Whether industrial, Scandinavian or white, our console tables
The Scandinavian console table favours a natural look, with cane, light wood or sometimes pine, whilst the contemporary console table tends towards cleaner lines and white or brushed metal finishes. Other materials create a more distinctive look: rattan, marble or a travertine effect.
The vintage style is characterised by tapered legs, a light patina or handles in aged brass. The Vien console table from Habitat et Jardin is a fine example of this style: this white lacquered wooden model features a 40 x 80 cm mirror and a shelf, with a understated design ideal for a hallway or corridor.
| Style | Main material | Characteristic finish | Recommended use |
| Industrial | Metal + wood | Black metal, dark wood | Living room, office |
| Scandinavian | Light wood, cane | Natural, minimalist | Hallway, living room |
| Contemporary | Lacquered wood, metal | White, grey | All rooms |
| Vintage | Solid wood | Distressed, weathered finish | Bedroom, living room |
| Baroque | Carved wood | Gilding, lacquer | Hallway, corridor |
Quality of materials and durability of the corbels
The Verona console table from Habitat et Jardin is made from solid Atlantic black pine. This dense wood is resistant to damp and the knocks and bumps of everyday life; each piece is assembled using mortise and tenon joints and finished with oil. Each model comes with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Some products also use timber sourced from FSC®-certified forests, which is a useful factor to consider when making a more responsible purchase. In practice, durability depends on specific criteria: the quality of the joints, the stability of the structure and the thickness of the tabletop. The difference often lies in these details rather than in price alone.
Side tables with drawers and extendable side tables: how to choose the right one
A console table isn’t just for decorating a wall. It can also define an entrance hall, brighten up a corridor or provide practical storage in a small space. It all depends on how you actually intend to use it: as a simple storage tray, an extra surface or a piece of furniture that can be adapted to suit different times of the day.
The importance of the drawer in a console table
A console table with a drawer immediately adds to your everyday convenience. Keys, papers, your wallet or small accessories stay within easy reach without cluttering up the top.
The difference often lies in the interior layout: a single central drawer is sufficient for essentials, whilst multiple compartments make it easier to organise items. In addition, a low shelf or an open compartment allows you to store baskets, a few magazines or chargers, without adding too many openings.
- Central drawer: ideal for everyday personal items, particularly keys and post.
- Multiple drawers: useful for separating items and maintaining a more organised storage system.
- Open shelf: handy for frequently used accessories.
- Low shelf: ideal for shoes, a basket or storage bins underneath the top.
In the same vein, the console sideboard increases storage capacity with an elongated design that still fits neatly against walls. It readily combines a top, doors and a drawer, making a more striking statement than a narrow console table.
Extendable console table for small spaces
When space is at a premium, the extendable console table offers a very practical solution. When closed, the extendable console table maintains a discreet profile, often between 15 and 20 cm deep; when opened, it becomes a dining table or worktop, depending on the situation.
In practice, this type of furniture is particularly useful where every square metre counts: the console table avoids the need for a second permanent table, and is often better value than buying two separate pieces of furniture.
How to choose a console table to suit your needs
Depending on the layout of your space, a narrow console table is well suited to a hallway or a narrow passageway, whilst a wider model is better suited to a spacious entrance hall. A console table with a built-in mirror can also work well in a bedroom, provided it does not obstruct movement once in place.
The console desk is designed for multi-purpose spaces. It allows you to set up a laptop, a lamp and a few stationery items without cluttering the room, and can be tucked away discreetly at the end of the day.
- Cramped space: a console table 15 cm deep with a built-in mirror, such as the Vien model (82 × 29 × 15 cm), minimises visual clutter.
- Standard hallway: a 90 × 26 × 74 cm design with two storage levels is well suited to everyday use.
- Versatile use: a console desk or a console table with built-in storage allows you to maintain a usable surface area without making the room feel cluttered.
Habitat et Jardin structures its range around these uses, with finishes in black, white or natural wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which console table should you choose for a small hallway or a narrow corridor?
In a compact hallway or narrow corridor, the right choice comes down to depth: a console table should not exceed 20 cm in depth to ensure there is enough space to move around. The Vien model, which is 15 cm deep and features a built-in mirror, is well suited to this purpose: it provides a surface for placing items, a storage shelf and a touch of light without making the space feel cluttered. Depending on the layout of your space, a width of 80 to 100 cm is generally suitable for maintaining balanced proportions.
What is the average price of a high-quality console table?
The price of a console table depends first and foremost on the material, then on its dimensions and storage features such as a drawer. A model made of solid wood, oak or industrial-style metal is often in a higher price bracket. Conversely, a console table made of pine or with a white lacquered finish is more affordable, provided you check the quality of the construction and the warranty. The difference often lies in these details, rather than in appearance alone.
What is the standard width of a console table?
A console table is characterised by its shallow depth: a maximum depth of around 40 cm is generally recommended to maintain its functionality. Its length is usually between 80 and 120 cm, with a height of around 74 to 80 cm, comparable to that of a table. For a hallway, living room or corridor, these dimensions ensure the piece remains unobtrusive and easy to incorporate into the space.
