How to Style a Sofa Console Table For a Chic Living Room

Coffee tables and occasional tables seem to get all the attention when it comes to living room surfaces. Sofa tables though are just as deserving because of their versatility, especially in open-plan living spaces.

In an open floor plan, your sofa or sectional likely floats in the space instead of being against a wall. A sofa console table could be just the decorative and functional piece your living room needs. It can provide extra storage, a surface for lighting, and for decorative pieces.

Sofa tables are also great for creating a visual divider between different zones in an open layout and they take attention away from the backs of sofas.

Read on for some tips and styling ideas to get the most out of your sofa console table.

How to Style a Console Table Behind a Sofa

While there is no right or wrong way to style a sofa table, there are some things to keep in mind so that you end up with a table that looks curated rather than cluttered.

• Sofa tables should be roughly the same height as the sofa or a couple of inches shorter and ideally at least two-thirds the length of your sofa.
• When styling, keep functionality as well as aesthetics in mind.
• Display items in various heights, sizes, and textures for visual interest and to make it look intentional.
• Stick to a general color palette to keep the look cohesive.
• Use a mix of items which can include candlesticks, lamps, vases, a stack of books or magazines, bowls, decorative boxes, sculptures, plants, and planters.
• Try and add a personal touch for a more relaxed look—family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade items can all work well.
• If the table is against a wall, use the vertical space to display a mirror or some art to complete the look.
• Always leave some surface area empty to avoid a cluttered look.
• Don’t forget the area under the table which is perfect for a storage basket or two or a couple of extra seats like small ottomans or stools.

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6 Tips for Decorating Sofa Tables

Create Balance with Symmetry

A balanced layout, where you have two identical pieces at each end (such as a pair of lamps or vases), is an easier look to pull off and some people naturally lean towards symmetry in decor.

If that’s you, then once you have your anchors at each end of the table, display a few other pieces of varying heights in the middle.

Or Play With Asymmetry

If you lean towards a more casual or less structured look, try an asymmetrical layout. Here you could use one tall object like a vase or a lamp which acts as your anchor and mix in other items of varying sizes, heights and textures.

Group Objects in Odd Numbers

This is a tried and tested design trick where you group objects in uneven numbers, typically groups of three (though five can work too for larger tables). This is because an odd number of items looks more natural and balanced than even numbers.

You could try grouping a collection of pottery or candlesticks or even a mix of three different things that are very roughly similar in size.

Greenery Is Always a Good Idea

You almost always see some kind of foliage on a sofa console table because it adds depth and visual interest. Greenery doesn’t just mean plants though; it can be foraged branches, fresh flowers, preserved stems or even faux florals.

Think About Functionality

Making your sofa table look pretty is one part of the equation but it’s also worth thinking about the practical side of things. If it will be used to place drinks or snacks on, you’ll need to leave space for this. Or perhaps you need somewhere to store kid’s toys so some storage boxes under the table will be a good idea.

Consider Seasonal Decorations

Switching up the decorations on a console table is incredibly quick so it’s a great opportunity to rotate your decor according to the seasons.

This could be things like seasonal foliage, holiday decorations, or objects in seasonal colors. It’s an easy way to update your living room for a fresh look every season.