A console table is not strictly necessary but is a highly functional and stylish addition to homes, serving as a versatile storage or display solution in entryways, hallways, and living rooms. It acts as a "landing spot" for keys and mail, provides extra storage, and fills narrow spaces, making it a key component for organization.
When to Choose a Console Table: You need a narrow piece of furniture for an entryway or hallway. You want a flexible piece that can be moved to different rooms. You're looking for a stylish surface for display or storage.
Nope, not necessary. Over 50 years, and the few years I had a kitchen/dining table, it was mostly used as a junk collector or office/hobby desk. I now have a separate room for hobbies/office/whatever, and no dining table. When I feel like it, I can set up a patio table in the living room or use a folding tray table.
Console table rules focus on proportion and balance: it shouldn't be taller than the sofa back when used behind one, should ideally be about two-thirds the sofa's length for a cohesive look, and needs styling with varied heights and textures (anchor, vertical, horizontal, organic) for a balanced, uncluttered display, often featuring a mirror or art above. Standard height is 28-32 inches, and a narrow depth (12-15 inches) is typical for hallways.
The 2/3 sofa rule is an interior design guideline suggesting your sofa should be about two-thirds the width of the wall or rug it's against, creating visual balance and preventing it from looking too small or overpowering the room. It's a way to achieve proportional harmony, ensuring a seamless flow and comfortable feel in your living space, and also applies to other furniture like coffee tables (not wider than 2/3 the sofa) or art (roughly 2/3 the sofa's width).
The shift is dramatic and undeniable. Nearly 80% of designers working on new home communities report that dining rooms have become significantly less important over the past year, according to recent research by John Burns Research and Consulting and Pro Builder magazine.
Do people still use end tables in the living room?
To answer the key question - yes, end tables are still common and popular pieces of furniture today. Many homeowners favour end tables as they are considered an essential component of interior design. In fact, people are finding increasingly creative ways to incorporate end tables into their living spaces.
Here are ten alternatives that give you all the functionality of a regular dining table, some with added benefits you won't get from traditional options.
The best entryway table shape depends on your space: rectangular consoles are great for narrow areas against a wall, offering shallow depth without blocking traffic, while square or round tables suit wider, open foyers for a grander, central statement, providing balance and a softer feel. For very tight spots, consider a narrow shelf, but generally, match the table's shape and scale to your entryway's dimensions and function.
Some of the most popular dining room trends for 2025 include the popularity of warm woods, neutral colour palettes, luxurious details, statement lighting and curved silhouettes. There's a definite shift toward materials that feel authentic and grounding.
Many modern homes are adapting to new living trends, which may or may not include a traditional dining table. Ultimately, the choice should align with your lifestyle and how you envision using your living space.
Outdated or overly personalised home decor can seriously reduce your property's appeal and its value. While your personal tastes might be bold or unique, they might not align with current UK buyer trends, which often favour neutral and modern interiors.
The wall space behind the sofa is often wasted, save for a few pictures or maybe a mirror. But we say use this space to store. A couple of floating shelves can be securely fixed to the wall, providing space for books, ornaments and more.
Whether you're looking to add depth to your décor or simply want a convenient spot to set down essentials, a sofa table is a smart choice for modern homes.
