What is a console table used for?

Console tables serve a variety of functions. They can be used as buffets, storage units and display tables. Because they vary in size, you can use them for just about anything.

Why is it called a console table?

Why it is called a console table comes down to the history of this type of furnishing. The very first consoles produced in France during the 16th and 17th centuries were not freestanding. Instead, owners anchored them to walls. This anchoring method strengthened the console top, allowing it to support heavy loads. The name “console” comes from the French word "consolide," which means to reinforce or strengthen. It was likely chosen because of the anchoring system that lends strength to and reinforces consoles. Shop a diverse assortment of console tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?

The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

Can you use a console table as a desk?

Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.

How tall should a lamp be on a console table?

A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp ’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art , a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture . In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?

The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living rooms, console tables may have no storage features or include drawers, open shelves or cabinet doors, depending on their design. Find a large selection of console tables and sideboards on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a console and a sofa table?

The main difference between a console and a sofa table is that a console can be placed anywhere in the home (against a wall in a hallway or under a television in the living room) and a sofa table is limited to being behind a sofa.

Should a console table be taller than a couch?

A console table should not be taller than a couch . Much like a sofa table, a console table is placed against the back of a sofa and should be the same height as the sofa.

How wide should a console table be in an entryway?

In an entryway, a console table should typically be around 10 to 16 inches wide. Tables of this width should still allow plenty of clearance so people can easily walk by the table. You may see manufacturers refer to the width of consoles as depth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of console tables.

Console Table Deco

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French 1930s Art Deco Console Table in Black Lacquer and Chromed Metal Brace

Located in Ulm, DE

Curved console High gloss black piano finish U-shaped metal bar with original chrome plating

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Metal

French 1930s Art Deco Console Table in Black Lacquer and Chromed Metal Brace

$8,960

Console in Wood, France, 1920, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood, France, 1920, Art Deco

$4,800

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco

$4,000 / item

Console in Wood , Style: Art Deco , 1940

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood and glass and gold Comte (1932-1960) was a design house and the

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood , Style: Art Deco , 1940

$13,500

Art Deco Console or Center Table Attributed to Jules Leleu, France, 1930

Located in Brussels, BE

Black lacquer, interesting Curule foot with a maple loupe top. All sides are lacquered and veneered. One drawer, circa 1930.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Art Deco Console or Center Table Attributed to Jules Leleu, France, 1930

$2,986 Sale Price

28% Off

Console with Drawers, 1930, Style: Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console with Drawers, 1930, Style: Art Deco

$12,500

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood

$8,800

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood

$7,300

Console in Wood, France, 1920, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood, France, 1920, Art Deco

$6,200

Console France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

$8,500 / item

Console, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

$8,400

Art Deco Style Lacqured Wall Console and Mirror

Located in Pomona, CA

Art Deco-style lacquered wall console and mirror. The mirror has purple and gold gilding on the top

Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Art Deco Style Lacqured Wall Console and Mirror

$1,150 / set

Art deco Game Console Tables Antique Bronze Fine Hammered by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art deco Game Console Tables Antique Bronze Fine Hammered by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables in Smooth Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables in Smooth Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Mid. Hammered Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Mid. Hammered Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Fine Hammered White Bronze by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Fine Hammered White Bronze by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Fine Hammered Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Fine Hammered Antique Bronze by Alison Spear

$6,171 / item

Art Deco Black Lacquer and Antiqued Mirror Console Table by Grosfeld House

By Grosfeld House

Located in New York, NY

This stunning and elegant console table was realized by the illustrious maker Grosfeld House- where

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Mirror, Lacquer

Art Deco Black Lacquer and Antiqued Mirror Console Table by Grosfeld House

$4,975 / set

Italian Art Deco console in grissinato black wood, 1930s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Art Deco console in grissinato black wood, 1930s Wall-mounted console table with a

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Art Deco console in grissinato black wood, 1930s

$1,553

1930 s Modernist Art Deco Console Table in Macassar Wood and Thick Glass Top

Located in Ulm, DE

This console table also works well as a small desk - a real eye-catcher Asymmetrical, modernist

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Macassar, Glass

1930 s Modernist Art Deco Console Table in Macassar Wood and Thick Glass Top

$8,960

Mid-Century Art Deco Wood Console with Drawer

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Art Deco Mid-Century Modern Wood Console Sleek Art Deco Waterfall Console with Brass Hardware

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Art Deco Wood Console with Drawer

$1,750

Vintage Mirrored Deco Wall Mounted Console

Located in Locust Valley, NY

Vintage mirrored deco wall mounted console with carved, sculpted, whitewashed legs. All painted

Category

20th Century Unknown Console Tables

Materials

Mirror

Vintage Mirrored Deco Wall Mounted Console

$2,200

Vintage Boho Brown Lacquered Console Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Make a bold architectural statement with this monumental vintage console table, a striking example

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Boho Brown Lacquered Console Table

$1,950

PAUL KISS French Art Deco Wrought-iron Console 1920

By Paul Kiss

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

French Art Deco Wall Console by Paul Kiss, France, Circa 1920. An exceptional French Art Deco wall

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

PAUL KISS French Art Deco Wrought-iron Console 1920

$12,000

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Lucite Chrome Brass Console Serving Table

By Karl Springer

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Wonderful Mid-Century Modern / Art Deco lucite with chrome & brass base console / serving table

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Lucite Chrome Brass Console Serving Table

$2,450

Waterfall Style Console Table in Bone

By Karl Springer

Located in New York City, NY

Fusing Art Deco sensibility with handcrafted technique. This console table is imbued with camel

Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Bone

Waterfall Style Console Table in Bone

$5,000

1930 s French Art Deco Console Table in Wrought Iron with Curved Marble Top

Located in Ulm, DE

Console table Marble top on chromed balls Wrought iron foot and base, black lacquered Original

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Wrought Iron

1930 s French Art Deco Console Table in Wrought Iron with Curved Marble Top

$5,853

Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Polished Brushed Nickel Glass Top Console Table

Located in Roslyn, NY

console table.

Category

20th Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Polished Brushed Nickel Glass Top Console Table

$2,950

Late Art Deco Console Table with a drawer done in Walnut Veneer, Austria 1950s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a rare and extremely attractive console table with a drawer. It

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Late Art Deco Console Table with a drawer done in Walnut Veneer, Austria 1950s

$4,600

Console Table, Italy 1940s

Located in Greding, DE

Art Deco console table on a U-shaped blackened wooden frame with intermediate metal struts and

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Metal

Console Table, Italy 1940s

$7,765

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Deco Goat Skin Macassar Ebony Console Tables

By Lorin Marsh

Located in Roslyn, NY

console tables. Retailed by The World Famous Lorin Marsh Showroom in The D & D Building In NYC.

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Macassar

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Deco Goat Skin Macassar Ebony Console Tables

$6,500 Sale Price / set

25% Off

1930 s Art Deco Console Table in the Style of Josef Hoffman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Deco Console Table, Circa 1930s in the style of Josef Hoffman Streamline design with high

Category

Vintage 1930s Console Tables

Materials

Wood

1930 s Art Deco Console Table in the Style of Josef Hoffman

$5,600

Art Deco Onyx Glass Top Demi Lune Console Table in the Manner of Oscar Bach

Located in Milford, NH

A fine form Art Deco onyx glass top demi line gilt iron console, in the manner of Oscar Bach

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Onyx, Iron

Art Deco Onyx Glass Top Demi Lune Console Table in the Manner of Oscar Bach

$1,200

Barbara Barry for Baker Console Table

By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long deco style console table by Baker in rich mahogany with bright gold accenting trim. Almost

Category

20th Century Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Barbara Barry for Baker Console Table

$1,500

French Art Deco Iron and Marble Console, circa 1937

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

French Art Deco Iron and Marble Console, circa 1937

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

French Art Deco Iron and Marble Console, circa 1937

$27,000

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design Black Glass Cast Brass Console Table/Sideboard

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Bespoke customizable 4-drawer modern console table, entirely handcrafted in Italy

Category

2010s Italian Hollywood Regency Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design Black Glass Cast Brass Console Table/Sideboard

$8,400 / item

French Art Deco Console Table in Forged Metal and Marble by Raymond Subes, 1925

By Raymond Subes

Located in Berlin, DE

This beautiful Art Deco console table is probably by Raymond Subes and was mad in France around

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

French Art Deco Console Table in Forged Metal and Marble by Raymond Subes, 1925

$6,212 Sale Price

20% Off

Art Deco Inspired Console Table by R&Y Augousti Design the Table Is a Handmade

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Art Deco Inspired Console Table by R&Y Augousti Design The table is a hand made piece by the

Category

1990s Modern Console Tables

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Art Deco Inspired Console Table by R&Y Augousti Design the Table Is a Handmade

$5,732

Superb Laquered Macassar Veneer Console Table

By Maison Dominique

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Eye catching superb laquered console having gorgeously grained macassar veneer wood. Console

Category

1990s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Macassar

Superb Laquered Macassar Veneer Console Table

$3,400 Sale Price

60% Off

French Deco Iron and Vitrolite Demilune Console, 1940s

By Raymond Subes

Located in St. Louis, MO

French Deco style wrought iron and vitrolite demilune console 1940s with brass ball details. Some

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Deco Iron and Vitrolite Demilune Console, 1940s

$2,750

Art Deco Console Table with Iron Mount and Thick 1930s Saint Gobain Glass Top

Located in Ulm, DE

Long console table Very rare, thick glass top cast in sand, France, 1930s. Marriage with U

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Console Table with Iron Mount and Thick 1930s Saint Gobain Glass Top

$14,933 / item

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, Rare very large art deco period console

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, Rare large art deco period console in walnut and maple veneer

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Walnut, Maple

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, Rare very large art deco period console

$19,114

Art Deco French Console in Macassar and Ebony Wood

Located in Houston, TX

Gorgeous Art Deco French console made out of Macassar wood and ebony. The wood colors are

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Ebony, Macassar

Art Deco French Console in Macassar and Ebony Wood

$8,500 / item

4 Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1920

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

4 consoles Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you want to live in the golden years

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

4 Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1920

$29,000 / set

Pair of Consoles Style Art Deco 1930 French

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Consoles Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles Style Art Deco 1930 French

$7,500 / item

2 Pair of Consoles Art Deco 1930 French

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Consoles Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

2 Pair of Consoles Art Deco 1930 French

$7,800 / item

Art Deco French Console in Walnut with Chrome Stripes

Located in Houston, TX

The Art Deco French console is made of walnut wood. Its top is supported by 2 curved legs joined

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco French Console in Walnut with Chrome Stripes

$5,400 / item

Console in wood, French 1930, Style: Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in wood, French 1930, Style: Art Deco

$6,100

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood It is an elegant and sophisticated console. You want to

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

$9,500

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

$6,300

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Art Deco Year: 1930 Country: French Wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Console in Wood, French 1930, Style, Art Deco

$7,100

Console Art Deco Style in Black with Curved Legs

Located in Greven, DE

Very filigree light console with beautiful curved legs in Art Deco style. Perfectly finished and

Category

2010s German Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Beech, Lacquer

Console Art Deco Style in Black with Curved Legs

$2,508 Sale Price / item

50% Off

Large Art Deco Silver Leaf Metal Forged Marble-Top Demilune Console Table MINT!

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Art Deco Silver Leaf Metal Forged Marble-Top Demilune Console Table MINT!

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Large Art Deco Silver Leaf Metal Forged Marble-Top Demilune Console Table MINT!

$3,600

Console Art Deco, France, 1940, iron and marble

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Country: France Materials: iron and marble year: 1930

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Console Art Deco, France, 1940, iron and marble

$34,000

Large Deco Style Solid Brass Serving Console Hall Table circa 1930s Nice Patina

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Deco Style Solid Brass Serving Console Hall Table circa 1930s Nice Patina. Stylish scroll

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Deco Style Solid Brass Serving Console Hall Table circa 1930s Nice Patina

$2,600

Art Deco tall oak wooden console or pedestal, France 1920s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Deco Console or pedestal dating from the 1920s. The table stands on four high, very slender legs with a

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco tall oak wooden console or pedestal, France 1920s

$1,493

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Console Table Deco For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal console table deco for your home. A console table deco — often made from wood, metal and stone — can elevate any home. There are 2773 variations of the antique or vintage console table deco you’re looking for, while we also have 621 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a console table deco — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A console table deco made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — is very popular. Stephanie Odegard Collection, R Y Augousti and Kifu Augousti each produced at least one beautiful console table deco that is worth considering.

How Much is a Console Table Deco?

A console table deco can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,798, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $700,000.

Finding the Right Console-tables for You

Few pieces of furniture are celebrated for their functionality as much as their decorative attributes in the way that console tables are. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years.

The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. The era’s outwardly sculptural examples of these small structures were paired with mirrors or matching stools and had tabletops of marble. They were most often half-moon-shaped and stood on two scrolled giltwood legs, and because they weren’t wholly supported on their two legs rather than the traditional four, their flat-backed supports were intended to hug the wall behind them and were commonly joined by an ornate stretcher. The legs were affixed or bolted to the wall with architectural brackets called console brackets — hence, the name we know them by today — which gave the impression that they were freestanding furnishings. While console tables introduced a dose of drama in the foyer of any given aristocrat — an embodiment of Rococo-style furniture — the table actually occupied minimal floor space (an attractive feature in home furniture). As demand grew and console tables made their way to other countries, they gained recognition as versatile additions to any home.

Contemporary console tables comprise many different materials and are characterized today by varying shapes and design styles. It is typical to find them made of marble, walnut or oak and metal. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. A narrow console table is a practical option if you need to save space — having outgrown their origins as purely ornamental, today’s console tables are home to treasured decorative objects, help fill empty foyers and, outfitted with drawers or a shelf, can provide a modest amount of storage as needed.

The rich collection of antique, new and vintage console tables on 1stDibs includes everything from 19th-century gems designed in the Empire style to unique rattan pieces and more.

Questions About Console Table Deco

What is a console table used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Console tables serve a variety of functions. They can be used as buffets, storage units and display tables. Because they vary in size, you can use them for just about anything.
Why are console tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.
Why is it called a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Why it is called a console table comes down to the history of this type of furnishing. The very first consoles produced in France during the 16th and 17th centuries were not freestanding. Instead, owners anchored them to walls. This anchoring method strengthened the console top, allowing it to support heavy loads. The name “console” comes from the French word "consolide," which means to reinforce or strengthen. It was likely chosen because of the anchoring system that lends strength to and reinforces consoles. Shop a diverse assortment of console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
Can you use a console table as a desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.
How tall should a lamp be on a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.

You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art, a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture. In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.

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What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living rooms, console tables may have no storage features or include drawers, open shelves or cabinet doors, depending on their design. Find a large selection of console tables and sideboards on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a console and a sofa table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The main difference between a console and a sofa table is that a console can be placed anywhere in the home (against a wall in a hallway or under a television in the living room) and a sofa table is limited to being behind a sofa.
Should a console table be taller than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
A console table should not be taller than a couch. Much like a sofa table, a console table is placed against the back of a sofa and should be the same height as the sofa.
How wide should a console table be in an entryway?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
In an entryway, a console table should typically be around 10 to 16 inches wide. Tables of this width should still allow plenty of clearance so people can easily walk by the table. You may see manufacturers refer to the width of consoles as depth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of console tables.

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