Hallways might be a narrow place in your home but will certainly benefit from a console where you can place a few decorative items and a lamp. These hallway tables are great for any room since they don’t take too much space and can serve you both as an accessory and a practical piece of furniture. These tables for hallways can work as a home bar, a vanity or even as a small writing desk. Thinking of getting one? Here’s what to consider.
What’s a Hallway Table?
Hallway tables also known as console tables are narrow and long tables are specially designed to stand beside sofas and armchairs, or walls in entryways and hallways. Their depth is usually 30cm or less so they don’t take too much space. The great part is that they will serve you well to place things on them. Besides decoration with bowls, vases or planters, you can place magazines, books, cups, glasses and use them as a desk.
Consider the Style
Modern
Modern tables for hallways have sleek lines and can be geometric or asymmetrical and with included new technologies. Usually, they are made of glass, iron or a combination of wood, glass and iron. Modern consoles tables are free of ornaments, so if your home is in the contemporary or minimalist style, such a table will fit in quite well in the space.
Traditional
If your home is decorated in a more traditional style, then a hallway table made of darker wood with many ornaments will work just great. These tables have mouldings, brass drawers pull, cabriole legs and another decor that makes them look vintage. Keep in mind that these tables’ heavy ornaments might add to their dimensions.
Country
If your home contains country-style elements, such as light-coloured wood and Colonial decor and finishes (there are ornaments but not as heavy as the traditional ones) then a country-style hallway table will be a great choice. A country-style console table is made of wood and may have scalloped edges, wainscoting and turned legs. It’s ideal for homes that are decorated in this style but can match excellent in Boho, French rustic or mid-century modern styles.
Eclectic
If you’re more into outstanding styles, then an eclectic hallway table is the best choice for you. These tables have several elements and are a mix of historical periods and trends; match them with massive sofas or armchairs. An eclectic table can stand out as a piece on its own; put it near a large window, or use it as a home bar or a table where you will keep your favourite plants. This way you can make a focal point of furniture that is not even placed in the central place of the room.
Choose the Material
Most hallway tables are made of wood because it’s the most durable material. Oak, maple, beech are the most popular hardwoods, while softwoods like pine and cedar are mainly used for furnishing. Go for a metal hallway table if you need a more elegant and sleek look. The most common metal used for making these tables are iron, steel aluminium or other alloys finished with a glass top. TMetal is a durable material, that will last for ages.
Glass is another popular material. Tempered glass is a great choice; it’s made in two ways – treated with heat or coated with a chemical solution. In case it ever breaks, it will break in larger pieces, which is a much safer option.
Add Extra Parts
If you’re getting a custom-made console table you can always ask to get a drawer or two, racks or shelves. This way the hallway table will have a double function – it will work as a decorative piece of furniture with places to store things such as magazines, remote controls, keys, and other things. You can also use the racks and shelves to store drinks and glasses in case you plan to use the table as a home bar.
Ways to Use It
Entryway
As the name suggests, these tables are mainly placed in the entryway because they take a little space. This way your entryway won’t look empty and you will get a place to keep small things such as keys, gloves, scarves, combs and just anything you use before leaving the house. You can also use it as a place for decor; put a large vase with your favourite flowers and give the very first area of your home a welcoming vibe and freshness.
Behind Furniture
Placing the table behind a sofa or near the sides of armchairs is another common way to use the console. You can put decor on it, lamps, magazines, planters or it can work as a side table where you keep your glass of wine or cup of coffee.
Vanity
You can easily use this table as a vanity, especially if your bedroom isn’t on the large side. You can mount a mirror above it and place a chair so you can do your makeup. It doesn’t take too much space but the surface (and the drawers) will be more than enough to store your cosmetics, jewellery and hair gadgets.
Home Bar
Frequently people give consoles a double function. They can be a side table and a home bar. You can place it behind the sofa and still keep drinks and glasses in there. Use it to mix drinks and serve the glasses near your guests (make sure it has small wheels so you move it easily around the room).
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