The console table is a very original piece of furniture that can be used in all rooms without exception. For a long time, such tables have been used for both decorative and practical purposes. Using the console, you can fill in the empty space and give your room a unique style. These elegant but highly functional pieces of furniture look equally good in hallways, bedrooms, living rooms or offices. The modern console table can be made in a variety of styles - from strict classics to bold modernity. By its location, this furniture is divided into corner and wall. Where can I use these interior items?
The console table fits perfectly into the interior of any hallway. Since this item has a modest size and small width, it can be placed under a mirror, a picture or a hanger. It is convenient to store the phone book and the stationary device itself, keys and so on. In addition, various decorative compositions can be placed on it: flower vases, seasonal still lifes, figurines - in this case, the table will play the role of one of the elements of interior design.
In the bathroom: storage
In the bedroom: elegant simplicity
The lounges most often use elegant white console tables. They can play the role of bedside tables or become an independent piece of furniture, playing a decorative role. It is better to choose models with drawers, in which case the table can be used as a chest of drawers for storing things.
In the kitchen: save space
The console table perfectly "feels" in the kitchen. It may seem that for small rooms such furniture is not applicable. However, if you install this piece of furniture on an additional bracket, it will take up very little space and will take the form of a convenient worktop attached to the wall. This successful solution will allow you to set the table at the right height, thereby saving free space in a small room.
In some cases, a console table can serve as a visual accent when zoning a space. To do this, you need to install the furniture in the right place and arrange it with additional lighting, frames with photos, lovely trinkets to the heart, etc. In this case, the table will create the necessary balance of interior items, will attract attention and become the main element of a certain area.
Modern manufacturers offer a considerable selection of console tables of any shape and size; choosing the right model for yourself will not be difficult even for the most demanding and capricious buyer.
Features and Benefits
The modern transformer console looks attractive in appearance and occupies the minimum room area. This furniture is an ideal solution for small apartments. A folding table resembles a narrow pedestal or dressing table, which is attached to the wall to store personal items on it, and the unfolded version is a full-fledged place for lunch for 4-6 people. Reasons for the popularity of this model:
- convenience, practicality, spaciousness,
- the presence of different styles, color schemes,
- multifunctionality, the ability to quickly transform,
- suitable for any room
- profitability
- design reliability.
Conventional transformers books are inferior to consoles due to sizes that do not fit into a small apartment. Models are heavy, which does not allow you to independently carry and lay them out. Sitting behind such furniture is inconvenient. In the assembled or folding form, the legs are hindered by the legs of the table and additional countertops.
The transformer console serves as a desk, dressing table, stand for lamps, flowers. The narrow countertop will fit perfectly even in the hallway or hallway. Furniture with shelves and drawers for storage is used in a small kitchen as a bar counter. Most often, the console is performed in the styles of minimalism, loft, neoclassic. For a classic interior, they offer models with a rounded countertop, imitation wood, carved legs.
Design Varieties
The furniture catalogs offer many options for consoles, which differ in design features and the layout algorithm. You can choose a suitable table based on its design, functional purpose, cost. The mechanism should be simple, strong, durable.
Sliding
The dining sliding table is transformed by skids, along which the main countertops move to the side. Depending on the number of panels, such furniture has from 4 to 8 legs. Additional inserts are hidden in a recess under the surface of the console or stored separately from it. All mechanisms and fasteners are made of high-quality metal, which is not oxidized.
The most popular Italian model Goliath has from 2 to 8 additional inserts, each width is 45 cm. Worktops are placed in the middle of the structure. So on the narrow table of the dining transformer console you can freely place 14 people.
The sliding model is more functional and is suitable for receiving a large number of people. Due to the additional legs, each structural element withstands a large load. The disassembled console can be rectangular, oval, round in shape. Transformation is easy, without extra effort. The only drawback is the high price of the table.
Folding
The folding type of design reminds a table-book by the principle of transformation. Additional countertops are lifted and fixed with legs. Among the models there are options with a lifting mechanism that allows you to make a low coffee table for dining. This option looks unusual, fits well into a western or neoclassical interior.
The table-console transformer can be used in a folding form, it is very durable and involves the location of 4 to 6 people. Steel legs are easily lifted, do not interfere with sitting. But the lack of additional support does not allow to withstand a large load on the edges of the table.
Dimensions
The console has various sizes, which depend on the model, type of construction, style of furniture. A folding table is installed by the bed, sofa, to use it as a stand for books, magazines, glasses, remote control. The maximum width of the countertop is 50 cm, the depth is not more than 40 cm, and the height varies from 80 to 110 cm.
When unfolded, the width of the table is from 50 to 100 cm, the length is up to 300 cm. The standard height of the console for receiving guests or office conferences is 70 cm. But the catalogs offer models up to 120 cm. High options can be used for computer stands, flowerpots with flowers, photos or as a dressing table with cosmetics.
Materials of manufacture
For the manufacture of modern consoles using various materials. The most budget option is the construction of MDF or particleboard. They are light, have different colors, imitate wood. When choosing such a table, it should be remembered that the materials absorb moisture, can be deformed, do not withstand heavy loads, therefore indoor flowers, an aquarium cannot be placed on them.
Options from plastic that amaze with their style, richness of colors, textures will be a little more expensive. The console is lightweight, easy to transform, can replace the desktop and quickly turn into a place for lunch. This material does not tolerate heat, is easily scratched, and may become stained by the sun.
For the manufacture of premium models, manufacturers take natural wood or stone. Such a console looks gorgeous, withstands heavy loads, transforms into a large dining table. It’s hard to move or lay out a small cabinet. Pine, birch, oak, mahogany will have to regularly process and carefully care for the surface.
Options made of glass, metal look unusual and stylish, but they are less practical, especially if you plan to receive guests at the table or use it as a workplace, a computer stand. Traces and dust are clearly visible on the materials. The glass table may crack due to hot or heavy loads on the countertop.
To reduce the cost of the table and increase its functionality (to make furniture easier, to simplify the transformation), manufacturers combine materials. You can find models of metal and wood or wood shavings, stone and chipboard, metal or plastic and glass. You can also order a console-transformer at a furniture factory according to your own sketch.
Design and color
The transformer console table has various shapes and styles, while maintaining functionality. For classics or baroque, you can choose elegant models with carved legs, patterned elements. The color will suit all shades of natural wood, beige, dry leaves, muted red. The neutral palette fits well into the interior of any room. Models can have drawers or shelves for storing personal items.
Loft-style products have a simple design, they look rude and incomplete. Such tables have metal legs, unpainted tabletops, unprocessed parts of wood. For Art Nouveau, a console with unusual supports, an asymmetrical top, and bright colors will do. Fusion is expressed in a combination of different colors, shapes, a mixture of classic curves, modern motifs (geometric patterns, portraiture, inscriptions).
The most popular option is a transformer console table in a minimalist style. There are no unnecessary details, bright colors, ornate shapes. All elements are made in one color, from one material (plastic, MDF, chipboard). The model can be put under the mirror in the bedroom as a dressing table, in the hallway for storing small accessories. In the living room, the transformer is used as a coffee table or TV stand. Achromatic colors (white, gray, black) and beige predominate in the color palette.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a transforming table, you need to build on the interior of the apartment. Massive models made of natural wood or stone are suitable only for a room in the Baroque style, Empire style, classic. For minimalism, neoclassicism, loft or Mediterranean design, it is better to stay on plastic, glass or chipboard. To ensure that the product is of high quality and lasts a long time, you need to evaluate the console by the following parameters:
- strength of fasteners, runners, smoothly working mechanism (if the table rises),
- lightness, ease of transformation,
- assembled and disassembled model sizes,
- the ratio of material, workmanship and price.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all mechanisms. If the table is necessary to receive a large number of guests, it is better to choose a model with 2-3 additional inserts and 4-8 legs. For working behind the console, a folding design is suitable, which has at least one place for legs.
What is the design
A console table is called a long and narrow design. It is mainly attached to the surface of the wall. It is for this reason that it resembles a shelf. The console can have 1.2 or 4 legs. The architectural pillar supporting the bulging part of the building is a prototype console. It is because of this that the classic-style interior console was semicircular in shape, since it was a wall-mounted one. There are also models of mobile type that do not require fixing near the wall, as they are quite stable. The height of this original piece of furniture can be 70-110 centimeters. Mostly tall designs are used for decorative purposes. If the plans involve sitting at the console table, then the height should be between 75-85 centimeters.
Console tables can be of the following types:
Such tables can have shelves, closed cabinets, as well as drawers.
Decorative console in space
Such tables are used, as a rule, in order to fill the empty space. Compactness is the main advantage of such consoles. You can decorate with it a small niche, as well as a wall or a rather narrow corridor. On the countertop of this item, you can install clocks and table vases, lamps and bouquets, photo frames and candle holders with candles. But above the console itself, you can hang photos and watches, paintings and mirrors. Under the item you can place floor vases, wicker boxes and pouffes. They can also be used to partially mask heating radiators.
Functional console
You can place the console in many rooms. In the sleeping space, such a table can be both a writing table and a dressing room. Working in a full way behind the console is not entirely convenient. But for a short time you can sit with a laptop, notebook or notepad, as well as with a book and magazine. In the living space, console tables are traditionally a flattened item. They are placed behind or on the side. If the sofa is placed against the wall, then the console is placed between these items. Very often, TVs are installed on the console. The width of the item allows you to do this. In the situation when the TV is hung on the wall, the console fills the void under it.
The console can also be placed even in the narrowest hallway. Thanks to this, she will become more comfortable and stylish. Convenience of the entrance hall to increase the presence of drawers and shelves in the interior. Above it you can place a hanger for hats, a housekeeper or a mirror. You can slide a few banquets under this design. This item of bright color looks very original in the room.
Design features
The console consists of a countertop and support. The support can be made in the form of two or four legs or in the form of a decorative column. Depending on the style of the console, the countertop can be concise or decorated, equipped with drawers or be transparent.
In the photo: a console on an unusual form support Cattelan Italia Tour consolle.
On the photo: a traditional wooden console Tonin Casa Nemesi 3800.
In a separate group, it is worth highlighting transformer consoles that turn into dining and writing tables, or serve “concurrently” as dressing tables.
On the left: the transformer console Cattelan Italia Party, which turns into a wide dining table with removable modules. Pictured right: DV Home Zone console, which can be used as a dressing table.
Where to put the console?
In some models, the design itself provides for fixing the countertops to the wall. Free-standing consoles with 4 legs or a central support, in most cases, are also installed against the wall.
In the photo: the console on two legs of Moda Glam is mounted with a wall mount.
In rare cases, the console is installed close to the back of the sofa.
In the photo: the console Porada Modus 1, installed at the back of the sofa.
There is a place for a decorative console table in any room, with the possible exception of the kitchen.
The console can be supplemented with a wall mirror that matches the style. Such a duet will look great in the hallway or corridor. And if you add it with a chair or ottoman - it will become an alternative to a dressing table in the bedroom or a compact working corner in the living room.
In the photo: consoles paired with decorative wall mirrors.On the left is the Chelini Fcbm 2127 console with the Fsrc 689 mirror. On the right is the Cattelan Italia Museum console with the Ring mirror.
What to choose?
Many furniture sets include console tables made in the same style as the main furniture. For example, Giorgio collection has similar compositions.
If the room’s atmosphere is “assembled” independently from diverse objects, then a lot of options appear in choosing a console.
Looking for a suitable model, it is worth starting from what function it will perform in the interior.
- Purely decorative? Choose models with an unusual design or interesting design.
- Will it serve as a stand for accessories or lighting? Then it is better to choose a laconic model in the style of the main furniture.
- For connoisseurs of practical and functional objects, as well as with a shortage of space, transformer models or consoles with drawers suitable for replacing a desk or a small curbstone are suitable.
In the photo: traditional-style consoles from Galimberti Nino. On the left - DO.063, on the right - NL.426.
Consoles in IB Gallery
The IB Gallery catalog contains over 300 console models in a classic and modern style. In addition to them, here you can choose and order a console from the catalogs of almost 700 Italian factories. Our experts will help you choose a model from a photo, in the right style or with certain parameters. For complex interior projects with us, you can order the manufacture of a console according to individual sketches at one of the factories in Italy.
Call for more information about the models you are interested in.
Key Features
Cantilever called tables of small width, which are most often located along the wall and occupy a minimum of space. This feature made this version of furniture very popular in the limited space of urban apartments. Consoles have many advantages:
- Convenience. It’s convenient to sit at such tables, because they have room for legs, and they have a sufficient width. And if you need more space, then a sliding solution or an option with a pull-out section will be an excellent solution.
- Stylish look. This option has a concise and rigorous design that allows you to fit it into almost any interior, because there are many models made in different styles so that everyone finds the perfect solution.
Simplicity and practicality are the hallmarks of console tables
- Compact dimensions. This is a very big plus for limited space, where every square meter counts. Consoles are one of the smallest varieties of tables, but at the same time the designs are easy to operate and fully meet the requirements for them. There are many options, so it will not be difficult to choose the optimal sizes for any interior.
- A wide variety of models. You can easily find the perfect solution for both classic and contemporary environments. Many options, various colors and decor allow you to organically fit the console almost anywhere. The main thing is to decide on the style in advance in order to look for exactly what is best suited in your situation.
Futuristic design for ultra-modern furnishings
- Cost savings. Small tables are much cheaper than standard designs, which is also important. You can save money and at the same time get a quality product that meets all the requirements of reliability and safety. Of course, there are quite expensive models if they are made of expensive materials or if you decide to purchase a designer product.
- Universality of use. This type of product is equally well suited for any room in the house - from the living room to the hallway or balcony. Due to its compactness, it is possible to set tables even in narrow rooms and at the same time there will be enough space for convenient movement.
Compact products can be used in any room.
- There are models that are transformed if necessary. This is a modern solution, which differs in that, if necessary, the table is laid out and the size of the countertop becomes much larger. That is, the usual console, if necessary, is transformed into a large dining table, which can easily accommodate even a large company.
This option when unfolding increases as much as 10 times
