Console Table Uses Beyond the Entryway - 12 Genius Ways to Use This Versatile Table

Console tables are stylish yet functional pieces of furniture typically associated with entryways. Their slender silhouette and ample surface area make them a natural fit for displaying decor while providing storage near the front door. But what many don't realize is that console tables can serve a variety of purposes throughout the home when used creatively.

Keep reading to discover 12 genius ways to use this versatile table beyond the standard entryway placement.

Living Room

The living room tends to be where families spend quality time together at home. That makes it an important space to optimize for both comfort and aesthetics. Here are some clever ways to use a console table to enhance form and function in your living area.

Behind the Sofa

One of the most popular alternatives to using a console table in the entryway is placing it behind a sofa or seating area in the living room. Positioned centrally behind the couch, a console table is perfect for displaying art, decor objects, or sculptural vases to add visual interest to what is typically a dead space. This also enables you to easily reach items placed on the table top while seated.

Next to an Armchair

Situate a console table next to an armchair or at the end of a sofa to utilize it as an end table. The console's long and slim shape makes it ideal for small footprint spaces where a bulky traditional end table would overwhelm. This provides a handy spot to set down a book, lamp, or drink while lounging, without cluttering up the room.

TV Stand

In today's living rooms, the TV tends to be the central focal point. While consoles are designed to hold flat panel displays, a console table can also do double duty as a chic media stand. Place your television on a console table against the wall or anchor it facing the seating area. The tabletop gives you space to set cable boxes, gaming consoles, and other AV components.

Reading Nook

Carve out a cozy reading nook in your living room by placing a comfy chair next to a console table. The table surface can hold a reading lamp, books, magazines, and a cup of tea. This creates a relaxing space to curl up with a good book that doesn't eat up too much square footage.

Bedroom

Console tables aren't just for communal living zones - they can also provide functionality in private bedrooms. Here are some savvy ways to use console tables in the bedroom.

Bedside Table

Trade in your bulky wood nightstand for a slim console table for a lighter, airier look next to the bed. The simple and structured shape of a console table also lends itself well to minimalist bedroom aesthetics. Use it to hold a lamp, alarm clock, phone, books, and other bedside necessities.

Foot of Bed Bench

Place a console table at the foot of the bed as a bench for putting on shoes or storing extra blankets. Look for a console with closed storage to tuck away items neatly. Top the bench with plush cushions or pillows to create a comfortable spot for seating.

End Table

Situate a console table next to a comfy upholstered chair or chaise lounge to create a relaxation nook in the bedroom. Top it with a table lamp and some reading material for a spot to unwind at the end of the day that's thoughtfully designed.

Dining Room

Console tables are also incredibly useful in dining spaces. Here are some ideas for incorporating console tables into your eating area:

Display Area

Place a console table against a blank wall in the dining room to instantly create an eye-catching display. Arrange artful ceramics, fresh florals, or stacked decorative books on the console to add visual interest without cluttering the dining table. The vertical vignette draws the eye and adds polish.

Storage and Serving

Bring in a console table to stash extra dinnerware, serveware, napkins, and table linens discreetly right in the dining room. The console's surface can also be used to stage dishes or platters during meals and when entertaining. Then tuck items neatly out of sight afterwards.

Buffet Table

For stand-up cocktail parties or casual buffet-style dining, a console table makes the perfect buffet server. Arrange appetizers, entrees, and desserts atop the console to create an instant DIY buffet spread. The console offers ample surface area while taking up minimal space.

Home Office

As working from home becomes more prevalent, carving out a functional home office space is a priority. A console table just might be the perfect multifunctional furnishing for small and shared offices.

Compact Desk

Console tables can readily double as computer workstations or office desks. Their long and slim profile allows them to fit against a wall or in a tight corner without dominating the room. Situate a console table perpendicular to the wall and add a comfy office chair to create a full workstation.

Printer Stand

Make use of the console's surface area and vertical storage to house printers, scanners, paper, office supplies, and other equipment. Place these electronics on a console table nearby for a handy work station.

Filing Cabinet

For concealed storage of files, books, and other paperwork, console tables with cabinet doors are ideal. Tuck office clutter behind closed doors to maintain a clean and tranquil workspace.

Kitchen

Kitchens tend to be space-constrained, so a slender console table can be just the right fit:

Appliance Storage

Tuck small kitchen appliances like your coffee maker, toaster, blender or mixer into a console table with storage cabinets or shelves. Close the doors to de-clutter countertops instantly. Place near an outlet for easy access when using the appliances.

Cookbook Stand

Display favorite cookbooks on a console's open shelving or neatly line up a row of them on the tabletop. This creates a handy cooking reference library within arm's reach of your workspace.

Buffet Server

Like in dining rooms, kitchen console tables can serve as buffet servers for potlucks, parties, and holiday feasts. The console's narrow profile lets it fit in tight kitchen floor plans.

Bathroom

In the bathroom, a console table's storage capabilities also come in handy:

Under Sink Storage

Tuck a slim console table under your bathroom sink to gain storage space for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Place a table lamp on top for a bit of supplemental lighting while getting ready.

Narrow Vanity

Console tables can also pull double duty as narrow vanities in powder rooms and guest baths. Situate against a wall and add a chair or stool for a space-savvy spot to apply makeup and get ready.

Nursery

For nurseries and kids' rooms, a console table has many uses as well:

Diaper Changing Station

In lieu of a bulky changing table, use a console table topped with a comfy pad and safety rails on the open sides. The console's surface gives you room to arrange diapering supplies at arm's reach.

Toy Storage

Console tables with cabinets or baskets provide handy concealed storage to corral kids' toys and games. Use fabric-lined baskets to hold stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, and more.

Mudroom

For high traffic mudrooms, a console table helps you organize right at the entry point into the home.

Drop Zone

Place baskets and trays on a console table in the mudroom to help family members drop and sort personal items as they enter. Keys, wallets, purses, mail, gloves, and hats can all find a "home" on the console.

Charging Station

Turn your console into a charging depot for devices and accessories. Set up power strips inside or on the back to create dedicated spaces to juice up phones, tablets, earbuds, and smartwatches.

Garage/Workshop

For hobbyists and DIYers, a console table adds utility in workshops and garages:

Tool Station

Use open shelving on a console table to store and display frequently used tools where they are readily accessible. Hang pegboard above to hang additional tool storage.

Project Display

Create a dedicated zone to exhibit your latest creations and works-in-progress by placing them on a console table. The table adds a polished presentation area.

Library/Study

In home libraries, consoles offer surface area and storage for displaying collectibles and holding books:

Collectibles Case

Show off curated collections, like glassware, ceramics, or miniatures, by artfully placing them on a console table against the wall. Illuminate with a picture light above.

Extra Book Storage

Supplement built-in bookshelves by stacking horizontal piles of books and bookends on a console. Or stash books inside its cabinets and drawers to keep favorite titles at arm's length.

Lounge Side Table

Flank a comfy chair or loveseat with a console table to create a cozy lounge space. Top with table lamps and books to encourage curling up for a read.

Laundry Room

Even in utilitarian laundry rooms a console table proves handy for:

Folding Station

The wide surface gives you ample space for folding fresh loads of laundry. Open storage underneath provides a spot for laundry baskets and supplies.

Hamper Concealment

Tuck laundry bins and hampers inside cabinet doors to keep dirty clothes out of sight. Console tables create tidy laundry storage.

Appliance Garage

Store bulky irons, steamers, drying racks and laundry appliances inside a console table to free up counterspace when not in use.

As you can see, console tables are incredibly versatile pieces of furniture that can serve a wide variety of functions throughout your home. With an abundance of styles to choose from, it's easy to find console silhouettes that complement your room aesthetics too.

Hopefully these ideas have inspired you to think beyond the entryway when considering where to incorporate console tables in your home. Get creative with console placement and use to realize their full potential as multifunctional fixtures.