Sometimes it happens that some necessary things do not have a permanent place in the house. In this case, the console table becomes the best solution to the problem of storing sunglasses, a phone, apartment keys or accessories. It takes up very little space and becomes a great place for the necessary little things, as well as decorative elements such as a candlestick, a lamp or a vase of flowers.
Combination of versatility and elegance
The console table will easily fit into the hallway of even a small apartment. And you don’t have to frantically look in your bag for the key to the front door to make sure you have it. After all, there will be a convenient place to store small, but so important items that should always be at hand and will be required when leaving the house. To avoid chaos and clutter, car keys, sunglasses, and other useful items can be hidden in a small box and placed on a console table next to a calendar, pen holder, and landline phone. The ensemble will be complemented by a clothes hanger and an elegant umbrella stand.
This piece of furniture is distinguished not only by functionality, but also by elegant filigreea view that pleases the eye and attracts the attention of guests. That is why it is able not only to help eliminate clutter, but also to become an accent in the decor.
Table as the main element of the interior
The straight-lined console table with narrow long metal legs is an elegant decorative item, especially with the addition of a designer lamp. A cozy look and charm can give the interior a shabby chic table with an accent on aged paint.
This table, if desired, can be turned into a mini-bar. It will become an unusual and stylish alternative to other types of bar and will provide an opportunity to profitably place your favorite drinks. A mirror placed above the surface will help in creating a club look.
Those who want to have a dressing table in the bedroom, but do not have the necessary free space, do not give up on their plans. The console table is an excellent solution for compact bedrooms, and with the addition of a velvet ottoman, a box for accessories and a mirror in the original frame, every girl will be happy with it.
A bit of history
During the reign of the Sun King came the peak of the prevalence of console tables. The Baroque era brought with it a commitment to pretentious forms and luxury. The interiors combined chic vases and exotic figurines, sophisticated mirrors and tall candelabra, rough oak frames and patterned bowls.
French king, being the founder of fashiontrends, collected an impressive collection of accessories and decor items, but did not find a suitable frame for his treasures. The design of several tables was developed by Ludovic Bourbon and entrusted the implementation of the royal project to his court master. So, the palace halls acquired beautiful stands with supports in the form of huge animalistic statues with gilded legs. Some museums today display the finest examples of the Sun King collection.
Types of consoles
Earlier, this elegant piece of furniture was available only to rich people, but today everyone can purchase a console table to their liking. The standard design has changed over time, other design elements and updated functionality have appeared:
- Hinged consoles. Visually, they resemble carved shelves on one decorative leg. They can be used as a stand for a landline phone or as a dressing table.
- Free-standing (independent) consoles. Narrow tables are installed both in the center of the room and along the wall. There are models with wheels that are used for serving a romantic breakfast.
- Add-on consoles. They differ from independent ones in the number of legs: a table that stands on two supports, and sometimes even on one, requires support. The console is attached to the wall and fixed with hidden fasteners.
Additional features
Console tables in the interior are capable ofdecorate any room, but mostly they are found in living rooms, dining rooms and boudoirs. The classic versions do not have a special functional load, they are luxury items - with mysterious shapes, gilding and intricate carvings. Modernized consoles look much simpler - these are tables made of lacquered MDF, glass or metal.
Console ironing table in the bedroom or dressing room combines beauty and functionality, while taking up a minimum of space. A curious transforming kitchen model will be the best option for a small room, thanks to the ability to hide a full-fledged dining table. In the living room, the console can act as an independent art object, as well as replace the usual coffee table.