via Domino
Okay, so you have a beautiful console or credenza, now what? To be honest, styling small objects doesn’t come easiest to me. I have a tendency to go overboard and really have to hold back. Today, I’m going to share with you the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years and teach you how to style a console in 5 steps.
First off, is there an empty wall in your home that needs some love? Consoles and credenzas are the most under utilized pieces of furniture, in my opinion, but they are so, so valuable. If you have an empty wall, throw a console on it for a perfect little design vignette. Need storage too? Make it a credenza instead of a console.
One of my favorite accounts featuring colorful and creative styling is Society Social. Roxy, the owner, is the cutest southerner turned New Yorker with the happiest furniture selection )you can check out her furniture here). This girl knows how to style a console spectacularly and mixes pattern, color, trends, and so much love.
How to Style a Console in 5 Steps
The main purpose of these tables is to provide a place for special decor like pictures, art, books, and sculptures. They are perfect in their simplicity and add so much to a space. Learning how to style a console properly will give you a delicious focal point in your space that is full of so much character and beauty! As far as functionality, it provides a place for extra lighting, storage, and special items you want to display.
via Lonny / via Viva Decora
I’m going to go over general guidelines if you want a console or credenza that is full of interest and style. This does not mean that you cannot have an asymmetrical table with large decor items only on one side–people do this a lot with a grouping of 3 large Chinese ginger jars. If minimalism is your thing, embrace it! If maximalism is your thing, flaunt it! The main point is to read these guidelines and tweak them to your liking, like you would a recipe.
You can choose to style your console or credenza minimally or you can fill it with items of interest; both options are equally beautiful. You can go for color or neutrals, but if you go for neutrals, make sure you include natural textures like a grasscloth console, woven baskets, textured lamps, branches, etc. If you don’t want color, you add interest with texture; if you do want color, you also add interest with texture. Texture, texture, texture!
1. Vary the height
via Dream Green DIY / via Society Social
Start with the largest objects to place first. For example, I like to start with lamps. Here’s the things about lamps: their size should go with the size of the space. For example, really tall lamps look really odd in my small 1 bedroom apartment. On my console table flanking the wall, I prefer medium sized lamps that can be propped up with books for extra height. So select either medium or large lamps depending on the size of your space.
Then you want to add in other objects of varying size, shape, color, and texture. You want to go for items that aren’t too similar but can still be part of the same family. Get an assortment of small and medium objects and move on to step 2.
2. Work with General Symmetry
via Viva Decora / via Gregg Irby Gallery
If you’re a traditionalist or are OCD, you like symmetry, and I get it. There’s no right or wrong way to style, so don’t really worry about that. The only “right” way is the way you like. You can have perfect symmetry with lamps on opposite sides of the table and some sort of stack right in the center, or you could work with general symmetry, which is what I prefer to do.
General symmetry is just as pleasing to the eye as absolute symmetry, but it’s more interesting. You notice the general size and shape of objects and try to repeat that on both sides. For example, if you have a “visually heavy” object (say, a large piece of pottery), you want to make sure there is another heavy object on the other side to balance the scale. You want to pair items up along the console or credenza, but the pairs will be on opposite sides of each other. One side of the table shouldn’t be a mirror image of the other; what I’m saying is that you want the sides to be sisters, not twins (like eyebrows).
Learning how to style a credenza is all about proper placement of objects so that they don’t compete or overpower each other. You want each item to be seen on its own. Think of it like you are creating a city skyline; think about the outline your objects create as if they were buildings. This prevents you from creating a mountain-like zig zaggy skyline that looks like a heart monitor output or, God forbid, a flat line.
3. Stack and Group
via Domino / via BHG
You don’t want your items to be lined up in a row, so let’s add some visual appeal! Use the rule of threes and make small groups of interesting objects. You can stack objects on top of books, group together pottery and architectural objects, whatever you want! Remember that opposites attract within the groups. You can have a round item, a square item, and an architectural item. It doesn’t have to be “matchy matchy”. In fact, the less it perfectly matches, the better, because it looks real.
Fun fact: plants also count as an architectural item because they vary in shape.
4. Repeat Colors
via Society Social / via Society Social
Take the credenza in its entirety and think of that as your palette. Worry more about matching the colors of different groupings together than about matching the colors within the individual group. Let’s say you have a red vase, then maybe an object in another group could have a pop of red to establish continuity. The way you can make sure one item isn’t standing out too much is to look at your console and squint. Does anything stand out too much that it doesn’t belong? Color repetition is the key to creating a harmonious style.
A note on color repetition: exact color matching isn’t necessary, and would be incredibly maddening to style. Work with generalities like blue, green, pink, navy, etc. You don’t have to pin down exact colors like “royal blue”, “sea foam green”, “baby pink”. The same color can appear in different tones and be just fine. Learning how to style a console table is a balancing act for sure, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Be fluid with your decisions.
5. Add Some Quirk
via Gregg Irby Gallery
Quirk is my bread and butter, friends. Know how to style a console isn’t just about getting things to look perfect, but about making it look like you. The quirk on my credenza comes in the form of DIY objects, Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog figurine, and a nude torso painted pastel colors. Quirk could also be a large string of wooden beads, a funny picture, anything that makes you smile and makes people think this is absolutely your style.
You can add something colorful, something vintage, something handmade; the options are endless. It should be personal. It can even be a small succulent in a vase you hand painted. The point is, it should be surprising; something that you wouldn’t just find in any home. That’s why it is your home. Make it look like you and be proud! I’m going to say it again: don’t worry about perfection. Perfection is “meh”.
Go with personality over perfection every.single.time.
Extra Credit
6. Style Around the Table
via Shannon Claire Interiors / via Style Me Pretty
There are many areas of opportunity for styling around the table, so don’t neglect these design nuggets. For example, hang a large art piece on the wall behind your console or have it casually leaning against the wall atop your console. You can also place benches, poufs, ottomans, or storage baskets under the table. Bonus points if you put the console table on an accent wall covered in a fun wallpaper or paint color.
via The Classic Outfitter
The point is, to be mindful of balancing shape, color, and height, and to make it fun. Approach styling with abandon and then edit until you get the look you want. Once you understand how to style a console or credenza, you can apply this technique to so many other areas in your home! I did a post a while back on coffee table styling and how to design a cool entryway; both of these will also be helpful if you want more inspiration.
-Kristen
You might also like…