A beautifully styled console table can take a design scheme quite far. Whether acting as a warm welcome in an entryway or a grounding addition to a homey living room, this often-overlooked design detail is important to get right. But a well-balanced console table can easily become cluttered, and it's difficult to know exactly where to begin. That's where McGee & Co. comes in.
The well-loved furniture and home decor brand, led by famed designer Shea McGee, just took to social media to share a four-point guide to taking a console table from dull to designer. By bringing us through every detail, from storage to elevated artwork, the company's created the perfect step-by-step explainer. This is how to style a console table, according to the experts behind McGee & Co.
1. Ground the bottom
To get the McGee & Co. look, it's best to start from the bottom, then work your way up. In the video, a wide, black console table with two tiers is set against Chrysanthemum Wallpaper from McGee & Co.'s collection with Morris & Co. Placing three Striped Seagrass Baskets side by side on the bottom shelf, a McGee & Co. employee demonstrates the first tip: 'Ground the bottom with substantial items (like baskets) to balance visual weight.'
Whether you opt for baskets, boxes, or books, placing the most substantial items lower to the ground works double – it grounds the table and all its contents, and takes advantage of valuable storage space. Using baskets or boxes here allows you to stow unsightly items or clutter, and establishes visual calm.
2. Elevate the top
Step number two flips the first on its head – now the trick is to bring the eye upwards. To achieve this goal, the McGee & Co. team suggests an eye-catching piece of artwork or two. 'Elevate the top – we like to hang or lean a larger piece such as artwork to pull it all together,' the video reads.
By placing a work of art above the table, you'll amplify the impact of the design moment. The look won't end with the top of the table – it'll be larger than life and even more captivating. Plus, it'll provide a beautiful backdrop for the decor you'll place on the table later on.
3. Place significant accessories
The next step involves larger, heavier objects like lamps, vases, layered artwork, and more, the video reads. These additions bring balance and visual weight to the console table canvas, making way for smaller details. Opt for one large object on either side of the table, and try to vary the heights and textures you choose. This will maintain a bit of symmetry while still providing visual interest.
4. Add in the details
'Once you have the main components, it's time to add the details!' the video concludes as a stack of books, a small bowl, a decorative object, and a candle are added to the spread.
Each item brings character and additional interest, not over-cluttering the table but giving it a bit more life. The thoughtful mix of sizes, shapes, and finishes makes for a stunning final product that would be a welcoming addition to any home.
With a tasteful combination of decorative and functional items, your console table will be well-equipped to accompany the rest of your stylish home. Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to shuffle the items around a bit during the styling process – even Shea McGee's styling endeavors are 'always evolving,' after all.
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