When it comes to accessorising, placement and balance is key when dressing shelves, mantles and consoles. They are all features that attract attention, and so should be carefully considered. Having developed a love for console tables, I have collected a few images over time of designs that have inspired me.
Accessory Showcase
Choosing a console the same colour as the walls creates a showcase for the items and accessories used. This means that choosing the items carefully is key. Here the designer has based the colour palette on the large framed print in the background. Soft corals and blues create beautiful contrast the the stark black background. Colour coordinated books are an excellent way to add blocks of your chosen colour.
Height for Width
Consoles naturally occupy a lower, horizontal space along the wall. this means that in a high ceilinged property, upper wall space can look bare and empty. Make sure you accessorise appropriately to the scale of your room. A tall mirror and artwork arranged in column format compliments the space. On the console, taller accesories work well, the candle stick and plan stand reaching up into the space, while below, the two stools create an extension down to the floor.
Console Extension
An obvious arrangement when it comes to lighting the console table is to use a table lamp at either end. This design is eye catching beacuse the lamps stand proud of the console. The design area is extended, and allows for more pattern and shape to be added to the table. When taking this approach, it is important that the lamps tie in with the console. Here the designer has chosen gold bases and black bands around the shades to match the colour and detailing on the console.
Connect the Space
If your console is to be placed behind an item of furniture or at the back of the room, make sure your accessories relate the the rest of the room. Using the same bold orange in the foreground and the background draws our attention to the console table and the interesting accessories that have been used here.
Proportional Width
If you have a long wall space, then a double length console table is the perfect solution. When accessorising, make sure you are using a small number of larger items, rather than lots of little accessories to fill the space. Over accessorising will look over-cluttered and chaotic. Smart black and white prints in identical frames work well with the minimalistic approach. Theming the accessories will create harmony and balance in your room, using complimentary colours, textures and images.
Compact Simplicity
Drawing attention to three main features works particularly well here. The elaborate console table and close-up photograph behind it is uncluttered, with just two simple lamps. The grey colour palette is lifted with the use of the gold lamp bases, but due to the intricacy of the console base and the intensity of the photograph, the colour does not detract. There is a sense of claustrophobia created, but due to the scale of the pieces, this adds interest.
Colour Transfer
Here the designer has used the colour palette to tie the two rooms together. Sophisticatedly moving the user from one space to the next creates harmony between rooms. Anyone intending to use this technique should ensure that each room can hold it's own and does not blend too seamlessly with the one before. Remember to create interest in each space. An unusual photograph allows this arrangement to attract the viewer.
For more ideas visit my Console Table board on Pinterest.
