What Do I Put Under a Console Table?
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Time to read 7 min
Welcome, friend! After spending over a decade helping clients transform their entryways and living spaces, I've discovered that the area beneath a console table might just be the most underutilized space in our homes. This article represents months of research into storage solutions and years of watching people struggle with this exact question.
The truth is, what do I put under a console table becomes much easier to answer once you understand the principles behind purposeful styling (and I promise to share all my trade secrets with you today).
Table of Contents
What Should You Put Under Your Console Table? Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Console Table Following the Essential Rules for Console Table Styling Making The Most Out Of Your Console Table's Space Our Most Solid Wood Console Tables Choosing the Perfect TVa Making the Most of What Goes Under Your Console Table Stand Features FAQ: What Do I Put Under a Console Table? Related Readings About The Author
What Should You Put Under Your Console Table?
The space beneath your console table offers incredible potential for both storage and style. I've found that the best approach combines practical storage solutions with decorative elements that complement your room's overall design.
Start by considering your daily needs. In my own entryway, I keep a vintage leather trunk that holds winter scarves and gloves - it's both beautiful and functional. Woven baskets work brilliantly for families with children (trust me, I've seen how quickly mittens multiply!). You might also consider ottoman storage cubes that double as extra seating when guests arrive.
The key is choosing items that serve a purpose while enhancing your space's aesthetic.
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Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Console Table
Following the Essential Rules for Console Table Styling
After styling hundreds of console tables, I've noticed successful arrangements follow certain principles (though rules are meant to be broken creatively!). The most important guideline involves proportion - items underneath should occupy roughly two-thirds of the available space, leaving visual breathing room on either side.
Height variation creates interest. If your console sits 30 inches high with 24 inches of clearance underneath, choose storage solutions between 12 and 20 inches tall. This prevents the awkward gap that makes spaces feel unfinished while avoiding a cramped appearance.
Consider the National Association of Home Builders' recommendations for entryway organization, which suggest keeping frequently used items within easy reach. This means placing everyday essentials in the most accessible spots beneath your console.
The three-item rule works wonderfully here. Group items in odd numbers - perhaps two matching baskets flanking a vintage suitcase, or three graduated storage boxes. This creates visual rhythm that our eyes naturally find pleasing.
Colour coordination matters more than you might think. Choose under-console storage in colours that either complement or intentionally contrast with your console table finish.
Console Table Storage Dimensions Guide
| Storage Type | Ideal Height | Width Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven Baskets | 12-16 inches | 14-18 inches | Soft items, toys, blankets |
| Storage Ottomans | 16-18 inches | 16-20 inches | Seating + storage combo |
| Vintage Suitcases | 8-14 inches | 20-26 inches | Seasonal items, linens |
| Wire Bins | 10-14 inches | 12-16 inches | Sports equipment, shoes |
| Wooden Crates | 12-15 inches | 18-22 inches | Books, magazines, records |
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Making The Most Out Of Your Console Table's Space
Beyond basic storage, the space beneath your console offers opportunities for seasonal displays and functional organization. I've helped clients create charging stations by placing a decorative box with cord management underneath, keeping devices hidden but accessible.
Consider your console table's location when selecting under-table elements. Entryway consoles benefit from shoe storage solutions, while living room consoles might house media equipment or extra throw pillows. Dining room consoles could store table linens in attractive boxes.
Personal collections display beautifully in this often-overlooked space. One client showcased her vintage camera collection on a low shelf beneath her console, creating an unexpected conversation starter. Another used the space for a rotating art display, leaning framed prints against the wall.
Remember that empty space has value too. Sometimes the most sophisticated choice involves placing a single statement piece - perhaps an oversized vase or sculptural element - rather than filling every inch.
According to HUD's Healthy Homes Guidelines, maintaining clear pathways and organized storage contributes to home safety and wellness. Keep this in mind when arranging items beneath your console, ensuring nothing protrudes into walking areas.
Steps to Style the Space Under Your Console Table
- Measure your available space carefully, noting height, width, and depth restrictions
- Assess your storage needs - list items you'd like to store there
- Choose containers that fit your measurements and match your décor style
- Test different arrangements before committing (I use painter's tape to mark positions)
- Start with larger pieces, then add smaller accents
- Leave intentional negative space for visual balance
- Add labels or organizers inside containers for functionality
- Step back and evaluate from different angles in your room
- Adjust positioning until the arrangement feels balanced
- Photograph your final setup for reference when cleaning
Creative Ideas for Baskets Under Your Console Table
Baskets have become my go-to recommendation for under-console storage, and for good reason! They soften hard edges, add texture, and hide clutter beautifully. During a recent project in Boston, I used three matching seagrass baskets to transform a chaotic entryway into an organized haven.
Choose baskets with handles for easy pulling and pushing. Lined baskets protect delicate items and prevent small objects from falling through gaps. I particularly love water hyacinth baskets for their durability and natural variation in color (no two are exactly alike!).
Label your baskets subtly if multiple family members use them. Small leather tags or chalkboard labels maintain style while adding function. In homes with pets, I suggest baskets with lids to keep curious noses out of stored items.
For narrow console tables, rectangular baskets maximize storage efficiency. Round baskets work better under consoles with curved legs or in spaces where you need to navigate around corners. Mix materials if you're feeling adventurous - perhaps combining a woven basket with a canvas storage bin creates unexpected interest.
Our Most Solid Wood Console Tables
Choosing the Perfect TVa Making the Most of What Goes Under Your Console Table Stand Features
Understanding what do I put under a console table transforms this overlooked space into a design opportunity that combines beauty with function. Through careful selection of storage pieces, attention to proportion and scale, and consideration of your family's actual needs, you can create an arrangement that enhances your entire room.
The journey from empty space to styled perfection doesn't happen overnight (believe me, I'm still tweaking my own console arrangement!). Start with one quality storage piece that serves an immediate need, then build your collection thoughtfully over time. Whether you choose matching baskets for a coordinated look or mix vintage finds for eclectic charm, remember that the best solutions reflect your lifestyle and bring you joy every time you pass by.
Your console table's lower level deserves the same attention as its top surface. By following these guidelines while trusting your instincts, you'll create a space that's both practical and visually pleasing.
Key Takeaways:
Choose storage containers that maintain 12-20 inches in height for optimal proportion and accessibility under standard console tables
Apply the rule of thirds by filling two-thirds of the available space while leaving breathing room on either side
Select materials and colours that complement your console table finish while serving practical storage needs for your specific room
FAQ: What Do I Put Under a Console Table?
What items work best underneath console tables in small spaces?
In compact areas, choose dual-purpose items like storage ottomans or nesting baskets that can be pulled out when needed. Vertical storage solutions maximize space without creating visual clutter.
How do I stop things from looking messy under my console table?
Use containers with lids or choose opaque storage rather than open baskets to hide contents completely. Maintain consistent spacing between items and stick to a cohesive colour palette.
What's the ideal height for storage baskets under a console table?
Baskets should measure between 12 and 16 inches tall for standard console tables with 24-28 inches of clearance. This height allows easy access while maintaining proper visual proportion.
Can I leave the space under my console table empty?
Absolutely - empty space creates a minimalist look and can make rooms feel larger. This works particularly well in modern or contemporary design schemes where simplicity takes priority.
What should I avoid putting under a console table?
Avoid items you need multiple times daily, fragile decorative that might get kicked, and anything that blocks pathway access. Also skip clear plastic storage that reveals cluttered contents.
How do I match under-console storage to my existing décor?
Select storage in materials or colours that appear elsewhere in your room for cohesion. Console table styling follows standard interior design principles where repetition creates visual harmony throughout spaces.
Should storage under a console table match or contrast?
Both approaches work depending on your design goals - matching creates calm uniformity while contrasting adds visual interest. Consider your room's overall energy when making this decision.
What materials are best for under-console storage?
Natural materials like wicker, rattan, and wood complement most décor styles and age gracefully over time. Metal bins suit industrial styles while fabric boxes work in traditional settings.
How do I style the area under a console table seasonally?
Rotate decorative storage boxes in seasonal colours or swap basket contents to match holidays and seasons. Use removable fabric liners in different patterns for quick seasonal updates.
Related Readings
About The Author
Author: Catherine Kindleson
Catherine Kindleson is a seasoned interior design expert with nearly twenty years of hands-on experience helping British families transform their homes into beautiful, functional spaces. Her authority stems from a blend of practical consulting, deep research into furniture design trends, and a reputation for translating complex safety and style standards into easy-to-follow advice for everyday living.
