Looking at the interiors of palaces or castles, it is impossible not to notice the sophistication of furniture from past eras.
Today, sophistication and external qualities are increasingly being replaced by practicality and clear functionality.
But despite this, many of the antique interior items are successfully used in the current decor.
An example would be the most ordinary console table. History:
The golden age of console tables fell during the reign of King Louis XIV, that is, in the 17th century - the era of Baroque and love for the refined and ornate.
This period is characterized by the desire to decorate the interior with a variety of figurines, paintings and mirrors, framed by expensive heavy frames, as well as numerous candelabra or vases.
Louis XIV was known as a collector of fine decorative objects. However, for a very long time he was unable to find the “heart” for his collection.
Widely known in the 17th century. They began to purchase wooden console tables, which were installed against the wall and rested on one or two unevenly shaped legs.
But Louis XIV was deeply convinced that they were not luxurious enough, so they were not worthy of storing his favorite collection.
That is why he asked one of his royal craftsmen to make several tables according to his own designs. The legs of such tables were covered with gold, and sometimes figurines of various animals became the supports.
So console tables became a symbol of aristocracy and splendor. Over time, the tables changed, but did not become less elegant.
History of appearance
Although the trend in furniture production is very new, console tables have a very interesting history of appearance. The first mention, no matter how contradictory it may be, was back in the era of classicism.
But at that time, most aristocrats and influential people in the field of architecture felt that such furniture had no potential and was in absolute bad taste.
Only after some time, the designers took a closer look at this furniture and studied all the nuances and functions in more detail. This process continued until modern times, when console tables finally entered the life of every person and became full-fledged furniture elements, along with wardrobes and beds. Console tables have completely taken root in modern interiors.
Where is the best place to put the console?
Very often, console tables are placed in the hallway. This saves space, since a large bedside table can get in the way in a limited space. A narrow table is suitable for storing keys, gloves, and useful items.
In modern times, it is a separate piece of furniture, something like a mantelpiece, on which almost anything can be placed.
Tables are also placed in bedrooms and boudoirs. Usually they put a mirror on them (or they are attached to the wall under the mirror) and cosmetic accessories.
Depending on its purpose, the console looks like a long narrow table or a miniature shelf.
Using the console, you can organize a dining area on the balcony. In the living room, narrow tables are placed next to the TV, above the fireplace.
Advantage of console tables
The history of the origin of console tables can make it clear that initially people did not understand the true advantages of such furniture. And they exist, and they are quite significant.
Among the main advantages are the following points:
- Multifunctionality
- Diversity
- Practicality
- Environmental friendliness
Multifunctionality of console tables
Console tables can be used for a variety of purposes. Yes, looking at photographs of console tables on various Internet resources, you can understand that the main function is a stand for some kind of interior item. This judgment is only partly true.
You can arrange a console table in the kitchen so that you can have a cozy family tea party for three or four people. Of course, you won’t be able to have a big dinner, since the canonical size of this type of table won’t allow it. It can simply be a decorative element, as it looks quite aristocratic.
Such furniture is ideal for connoisseurs of classicist architecture who want to furnish their apartment according to the canons of design and architectural breakthroughs of the mid-eighteenth century.
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Diversity
Initially, only the same type of models and varieties of console tables were produced, which differed little from each other. Now everything is much better in this regard.
Companies have begun to experiment and more and more different console tables are appearing on the market. This is very good, because when choosing such furniture, you will definitely not encounter the problem that no table fits your home interior.
Console tables of different shapes and functionality will definitely delight you with their aristocratic appearance, regardless of the type of interior in your apartment.
Environmental friendliness
In addition to all the above-mentioned advantages, do not forget that console tables are most often made from wood. This material is very well suited for maintaining a favorable environmental situation.
If, in addition to aesthetics and other pretentiousness, you are also concerned about the situation related to preserving the environment, then this is exactly the furniture that is ideal for you.
Yes, there are console tables made from less environmentally friendly materials. Unscrupulous manufacturers sometimes make console tables from harmful types of plastic that emit harmful fumes into the atmosphere.
It is worth paying attention to this and purchasing such furniture exclusively from trusted companies and popular manufacturers. A good example is IKEA console tables. Such suppliers always deliver high-quality goods that not only look good, but also do not cause any harm to the buyer’s health.
Be careful when purchasing a console table from the point of view of harm to the environment, as it can affect what is most important - your health.
Console table in a modern interior
Initially, this type of table was quite simple in configuration and consisted solely of a table top and several supports. Today you can find many photos of console tables with additional shelves, drawers and bedside tables.
The material for making a modern table can be wood, glass or plastic, artificial or natural stone. That is why this piece of furniture looks harmonious in any interior.
Most often, console tables are used in the hallway, allowing you to free up space for other pieces of furniture. A small console table with forged legs can always be combined with an unusual hanger, an umbrella basket, a pouf, or a mirror in an elegant frame.
However, you can use console tables not only in the hallway, but also in the living room, placing a variety of figurines or vases on it. A wooden table with elegant legs looks great in a classic interior, while a glass table will perfectly complement a minimalist living room.
A white console table is the perfect addition to any bedroom, adding elegance and some mystery.
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The work area of any room can also perfectly accommodate a narrow console table, on the surface of which office supplies can be conveniently placed. Small IKEA console tables are ideally placed on a loggia or in a small room.
An inexpensive transforming console table will easily fit into a small kitchen and allow you to expand the countertop.
Materials
Furniture such as console tables is varied not only in appearance and functionality, but also in the materials from which it is made.
- Tree
- Glass
- Ceramics
Types of consoles
Console tables differ mainly in design. They can be either classic design with ornate decor, or minimalistic. Some models are based on 4 legs, others have only two or three supports.
With it, the design of the space becomes sophisticated, elegant, and completely thought out.
An interesting option is a console table with two legs, attached to the wall.
Most often, furniture is made with balusters - curly legs. This is a reference to the era of console tables.
Wooden console tables
Console tables made from various wooden materials are the most popular type of furniture that you can find in almost every furniture store. This type, like any other, made from a wide variety of materials, has its advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage of wooden tables, not only console tables, is their aesthetic and aristocratic appearance, which attracts connoisseurs. Just as mentioned earlier, buying wooden tables is beneficial for preserving the integrity of the surrounding world.
The only downside is the low resistance to moisture. This indicator must be taken into account when choosing a table. Control the humidity in the room in which this furniture will be located.
Wooden console tables are very inexpensive, so almost anyone can afford them.
What is a console table
A miniature narrow table that is used to store small items or decor is called a console table. This is quite a convenient thing: it can be placed in any room of the house. In the hallway, the console is useful for storing keys, in the bedroom - for accessories, cosmetics, in the living room - for interior decoration. You can put souvenirs and even a TV on it.
The console in the interior is used both as part of a set of many elements, and independently.
Sometimes such tables are turned into minibars.
Glass console tables
Glass tables can be of different types. However, they look about the same.
Among the features, one can highlight the attractive appearance, which attracts lovers of interiors in a modern style. This is justified; console tables made of high-quality glass are in great demand and look truly impressive.
The disadvantages, of course, are fragility and low resistance to stains. Indeed, glass furniture tends to quickly become covered with layers of dirt and dust.
How to make it yourself
You can make a console table with your own hands “from scratch” or from an old table. To make the work easier, you can buy ready-made legs and order the parts to be cut. This will save time and help out a novice craftsman who does not have the necessary tools at home.
It is selected to match the overall design of the room, usually as a stand for TV, cosmetics, and various decor.
Drawing
According to the drawings, the console table can be made with a lower part, which has parameters equal to the table top. You can do without this part, but then you will need to install either 3 wider supports or 4 narrow legs.
Experienced craftsmen know many options for making a console with their own hands.
Selection of tools and materials
In addition to wood, plywood and MDF, you can make your own console table from unusual materials. Some people use old narrow windows or parts of doors. Such furniture will fit into modern and kitschy interior styles, and is also suitable for a loft.
If you want to create a masterpiece from scratch, you will need a step-by-step guide to action.
To make a table you will need:
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver;
- sandpaper;
- paint/varnish;
- brushes
Parts for the structure can be cut by hand from a single sheet or plywood, or you can order them or buy ready-made elements.
Creating a table
To make a console table from balusters with your own hands, you need to choose the most beautiful and original legs in the store. Wooden ones made in the form of columns are most suitable. But forged ornate options will fit perfectly into the idea of a decorative table.
Visit a hardware store: you will find a variety of table leg models and choose the appropriate part.
First you need to prepare the board. For the top and bottom of the table, take 4 boards 1.5 m long, 20 cm wide and 10 cm thick. As already noted, you can order sawn materials or make your own from two 3-meter boards.
To create the top and bottom of the table, use a three-meter board, ten centimeters thick, 20 wide.
You will also need 4 boards 145 cm long, 10 cm wide and 10 cm thick. You also need to cut 4 squares with a side of 10 cm.
The 145 cm parts are laid parallel, the lower and upper ends are connected with squares, which are placed perpendicularly between the boards.
The legs are screwed in between the tabletop and the lower part (150 cm pieces).
We take the legs purchased in advance and screw them to a board one hundred and fifty centimeters long.
The resulting structure from 145 cm boards and squares is placed in the center of the tabletop, with the end edges down. Secure with wood glue. Cover the top with a 150 cm board and secure it. It turns out to be a “puff” tabletop. Exactly the same part needs to be made for the bottom: turn the almost finished table over, secure the structure in the center of the bottom part, and glue the second board.
However, you can make a table with a regular tabletop.
When you have completed all the work, you will have a real masterpiece.
It is enough to screw the legs to the board of the required size.
Final stage and decoration
Wooden parts must be sanded so that there are no nicks left. Sandpaper of varying degrees of grit is suitable for this. First, take a coarse-grained one to smooth out noticeable unevenness.
Finishing is carried out with fine-grained paper.
Then the table or parts are covered with wood putty: the material smoothes out the defects. After the layer has dried, the wood can be sanded to ensure better adhesion of the surface to the paint.
Before applying colored paint, the part is coated with a primer and dried.
If the table is varnished, there is no need to prime it. Instead, the part is treated with stain.
The final finishing is painting/varnishing the table. If desired, it can be decorated using decoupage technique, painted with ornaments or abstract patterns.
This piece of art is perfect for any living room or hallway.
An original idea: lay out a pattern on the tabletop with metallized strips, cover it with plexiglass or durable triplex.
Ceramic console tables
The most expensive type of console tables, which can rarely be found ready-made in theme stores. They can only be purchased to order.
Ceramic tables are distinguished by their elegant and solid appearance. It is characterized by low fragility and resistance to stains, unlike glass tables.
Additional accessories may be included in the form of pull-out shelves and drawers, which are more decorative elements than independent functional elements of furniture. They won't fit many different items. Most often, ceramic console tables are white or gray, as this is a classic color for ceramics.
CONSOLE TABLE DECOR. 6 INTERESTING SOLUTIONS
Today I want to talk about how you can beautifully decorate a console table. Recently I had a story related to the decor of a console, or rather, I advised my friend, told her and showed her examples of decor, explained the basics of composition. And then I realized that such material would be useful on the pages of the “On the Wave of Decor” website.
The other day a friend came to visit, admired the decor of the window sill in our living room, complimented the beautiful yellow table lamps and complained: “You know, I tried to repeat this decor and did everything like you. But it turned out to be complete nonsense for me. And I arranged the lamps and the bouquet and the books in a stack, but it’s ugly and not pleasing to the eye at all.”
I thought about it very seriously. How can it not work? After all, it seems like you can put anything on the console and it will still be beautiful. Lamp, candles, painting or mirror. One, two, three - that's it.
But my friend didn’t succeed. She sincerely came for help and advice, knowing that if I came to visit her, I would not say a word, since I never express an opinion unless asked. However, I can quietly myself, while waiting for dinner, for example, move something on friends’ tables. That's why they like to invite me to visit.
WINDOW SILL DECOR. BEAUTY FORMULA
So what was wrong with my friend?
Globally - a violation of the composition, which led to the fact that everything is ugly, inharmonious and does not look good in the interior.
On the massive console table there were very tiny 2 table lamps and in the middle there were modest three Mezzanine magazines, and on top of the wall there was a small IKEA mirror hung. And all this looked so tiny against the background of a three-meter high wall and a long console. And the console table itself was completely inappropriate for a friend’s living room, while in another room there was a beautiful one, with carvings, ideal in shape and size for the interior.
I picked up my iPad and quickly created a composition using the Neybers app that was perfect.
And then I came home and drew illustrations with formulas for beautiful compositions for decorating the console table. Save to your Pinterest boards and share on Instagram with your friends. Just don’t erase my authorship, please, and mention my name on social networks. This is the best thank you for my work on the “On the Wave of Decor” website.
On the one hand, there is nothing complicated in the decor of a console table. On the other hand, there are very few beautiful compositions in photographs, even in fashion magazines.
I have prepared for you 6 interesting solutions for decorating the console in the interior. Each solution is universal and at the same time easy to transform. Each solution will fit into absolutely any interior style, with skillful selection and combination of items.
Option 1. Symmetrical decor of the console table.
Everything is neat, symmetrical and nothing superfluous.
The most common composition. Above the console we hang a larger picture or mirror exactly in the center. We place two identical table lamps symmetrically to each other. Let's put a stack of books in the middle and add something pretty on top. by Pinterest
Under the console you can place two chairs (barrels or ottomans), which will balance the lower part and emphasize symmetry along with table lamps. Due to the fact that all the objects are different in scale and are positioned correctly, the result is a visually pleasing picture.
by DecorPad Pinterest If you completely move away from symmetry a little and complicate the composition by introducing additional shape and color, it will turn out more interesting.
Option 2. Symmetrical composition with a high center.
illustration by Oksana Panteleeva
Unlike the previous composition, we create a very high center here. Table lamps should be lower than the vase with the bouquet. Remember that a bouquet in a vase should always be fresh and beautiful.
DelightFULL Unique Lamps USA/Pinterest You can put one tall flower instead of a bouquet, for example, an orchid in a pot. Or a large dry branch with an interesting shape.
If the console table is large, you can add small decorative items between the lamps and the vase. But, most importantly, do not overdo it with small items. Fighting visual garbage is always a difficult job.
The tall bouquet can be replaced with wall decor, which will serve the same role as the top of the triangle.
Miles Redd. Symmetrical decoration of the console table and wall.
Option 3. Non-symmetrical composition with central wall decor.
A very common, beautiful and quite simple composition for console decoration. Here I showed how to create a kind of triangle with a wall mirror, a lamp and small decor.
illustration by Oksana Panteleeva
CB2 MILL CONSOLE TABLE
If you don't fill the space between the table lamp and the stack of books with nonsense, the cleanliness of the line will attract attention. If you place objects in such a way that they slightly overlap each other, the composition will not visually fall apart. Everything will be balanced.
Option 4. Growing composition of the console decor.
illustration by Oksana Panteleeva
One of the most difficult compositions from my point of view. Here you need to select items that will be different in height, but perfectly combined in shape, texture and color. The composition will emphasize the balance of all items together.
by Pinterest Complex compositional solutions are not always successful even for professionals the first time. Therefore, do not despair if something does not work out in five minutes.
Option 5. Complex wall design as a background for the console decor.
illustration by Oksana Panteleeva
Another difficult option. There is a pronounced asymmetry here, which lives very well with paintings placed chaotically on the wall.
by Pinterest
And the whole trick is that you first need to hang paintings or photographs organically and beautifully, and then create a composition on the console table.
by Pinterest
Option 6. Asymmetrical composition for console decoration.
illustration by Oksana Panteleeva
by Pinterest My favorite composition.
Asymmetrical. Easy to change. And, most importantly, very pleasant for any interior. The basis is a large painting (poster, photograph) on the wall or just standing on the console, or you can put two paintings that will overlap each other to complicate the composition and give it rhythm. The decor against the backdrop of large posters is simple - one tall lamp and something small, low, but definitely noticeable. Let there even be a stack of books and something interesting on top.
by Pinterest
Or you can just put a tall vase with a bouquet and a beautiful low sculpture. It is imperative to combine objects in shape and color.
The main mistakes in decorating a console table from my point of view:
- Disproportion of objects or everything is small or everything is huge...
- The composition falls apart due to the fact that the colors in the composition are not chosen correctly
- Too many items. If you are collecting a collection, then it is a slightly different story. It's not for the console. Or rather, there is no need to put the entire collection of cats on a small narrow table at once.
- We don’t take into account that bouquets wither and flowers fade.
- We are afraid to “block” objects from each other. We arrange everything as if in a line.
- It's obvious that they worked hard. I don't know how to say it in other words. Contrived compositions are immediately visible.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE REPAIR!
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