Traveling through eras
Before we talk about what kind of interior a console is appropriate in, let’s define what is hidden under this word, since it has two meanings. In architecture, this name refers to a protrusion in the wall, but in our case, we are talking about the second definition of the term. It designates a console as a small, convenient table that does not carry a special “semantic” load and rather serves as a decoration for the room.
Today, a classic or modern console in the hallway is found in almost every home, but initially it was an exclusive interior detail, and could only be found in palaces and estates that belonged to the powers that be. This element first appeared in design during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV, who adored luxury and pomp, but at the same time had a very subtle, even refined taste.
Consoles, oh, how French this word sounds!, were made of mahogany, inlaid with precious stones, gold, crystal, skillfully carved and painted. They became examples of the Baroque style and today are kept in the best museums in Europe and in the collections of private individuals.
Types of designs
As previously mentioned, consoles can be of different designs. So, its classic type has a semicircular shape. According to the standard, a console table simply cannot be large, so its width is always small, and its length can be any. Any console must be equipped with legs or supports, which allow it to withstand considerable weight if it is used as a stand for various objects and accessories.
The height of the console in the hallway can be from 70 to 110 cm. At the same time, lower models are combined with a stool to make it possible to create a dressing table. Taller products serve only a decorative function.
Depending on how the console is installed, it can be attached, free-standing or suspended. The first type resembles a table with only 2 legs. They are not enough for stability, so such models are attached to the wall.
Hanging options are nothing more than a shelf. Only they have a leg, which often does not reach the floor, which allows the product to look like it is hanging in the air.
The most mobile are free-standing consoles. These are full-fledged tables that have all three or four legs, due to which they do not need to be attached to the wall. They can be different in shape, even triangular. If necessary, such a console can play the role of another piece of furniture in the apartment.
If the hallway does not have enough space to install a console, then manufacturers now offer corner versions, which, due to their design, have sufficient capacity with compact dimensions.
Important! If owners like to frequently change the location of furniture, then a model attached to the wall will not be the best option. It's better to choose an extension.
The role of the console in a modern interior
- Despite the fact that today the main interior trend is simplicity, plenty of space and ergonomics, this piece of furniture has not been written off to the archives. On the contrary, an ultra-fashionable and stylish console in the hallway in a modern style finally completes an extraordinary design project.
- Do not think that this furniture element will be appropriate only in a spacious corridor or hall of a country house. In a small apartment, a corner console can be installed in the hallway, which will make it possible to interestingly play up the unsuccessful architecture of the space and become a storage place for various little things that are always scattered around the room, and are looked for by all household members when leaving the house.
- A console with a mirror will be no less functional - in the hallway you cannot do without a mirror surface, this is a fact, as well as without a shelf on which, when getting ready, you can put your keys, mobile phone, bag. That is, such furniture will not only become part of the decor of the corridor, but will also carry a significant functional load.
Review of interesting models of console tables for the hallway: photos of products
A universal model is the white console table for the hallway Liatorp, made of natural wood. The design is represented by a product on four legs with two open shelves that expand the functionality of this piece of furniture. The console has a size of 130x37 cm. The tabletop is made of impact-resistant glass, equipped with a wooden frame. The cost of the product is 13 thousand rubles.
The Hemnes functional console is made from solid pine. The product is coated with colorless varnish, which allows you to preserve the texture and natural color of the wood. The design has 8 open niches of two sizes, designed for convenient storage of various things. The size of the console is 157x40x74 cm. The price of the product is 7.5 thousand rubles.
The Pecan console, made of natural wood with multi-layer varnish, will become an exquisite decoration of a classic interior. The dimensions of the product are 97x40x73 cm. The narrow classic console in the hallway is equipped with three drawers and an open shelf located in its lower part. The price of the structure is 20 thousand rubles.
The IKEA brand produces simple and elegant models of consoles for hallways
The small-sized Juliet model is made of MDF combined with ash veneer. The design is equipped with a drawer. All elements of the product have curved lines, which emphasizes its elegance. The size of the console is 75x41x77 cm. The cost of the product is 8.4 thousand rubles.
The Berger corner console table is made in a classic design from high-quality MDF, covered with natural oak veneer. The elegant model is equipped with a drawer. The console is located on two figured legs. It is attached to the walls of the room. The cost of a console with a box is 8.5 thousand rubles.
Console design style
Let's say right away that the console can be made in any stylistic direction, and not just in pompous baroque or majestic empire style. And in any version it will look very impressive and bright, so you shouldn’t dwell on hackneyed, boring options; perhaps it makes sense to try something new, for example...
Manufacturing materials
Most often in the interior you can find products made from the following materials:
- Tempered glass. This model looks weightless and airy, best suited for small spaces where it is important to maintain a feeling of light and spaciousness. External fragility is deceptive - the furniture is highly durable and resistant to mechanical stress. Glass can be smooth and textured, transparent and tinted. Its huge disadvantage is the cost.
- Natural wood. This environmentally friendly material fits organically into many interior trends - not only traditional country, but also modern high-tech and minimalism. Depending on the style, the wood can be coated with transparent or matte varnish, this way you can emphasize the natural shade and texture. Toning compounds are also used. Wood is a soft material, so products made from it are often decorated with carvings and inlays. Disadvantages: high cost, requires special care.
- Chipboard. A console made of particle boards is a budget option. Its design is usually simple and laconic, so such products look best in minimalist modern interiors. The disadvantage is that the slabs are unsafe and can emit harmful substances.
- MDF. This is an alternative to wood. The design of such models is more varied than that of products made from chipboard, and the cost is lower than that of consoles made of natural solid wood. The material is durable, but does not withstand serious mechanical loads.
- Metal. Models made from this material can be found in urban styles. They look impressive and emphasize the style of the interior. A separate variety is forged consoles, painted white. Such models will be appropriate in Provence and shabby chic style interiors. The disadvantage of metal is its significant weight; you should choose free-standing consoles from it.
Designer tips for choosing and the best photos of furniture for different rooms
Tempered glass
Natural wood
Chipboard
MDF
Metal
Forging
To further decorate console furniture, various techniques are used:
- inlaid with decorative glass and precious metals;
- a mirror is hung above the console, which sometimes comes with it;
- wooden consoles can be painted in any color;
- use veneering technique;
- perform artistic painting to give products individuality and an original appearance;
- the edge of the table top is inlaid or decorated with carved decor, and the surface itself is made of natural stone.
Advantages and disadvantages of parametric furniture, unusual models
Art Nouveau style
A console in the Art Nouveau style looks very impressive, with rounded, smooth lines and non-standard shapes characteristic of this trend. Such a console can stand on rounded, figure-eight-shaped legs, or on one wide stand, rounded under the tabletop and on the floor and have a rounded tabletop. Such a product will immediately transport you to the 20-30s. 20th century, when modernity reigned everywhere.
Features of the console as an element of the hallway interior
The hallway has a special status in any room. In the hallway you meet your guests, and when returning home after work, it is the hallway that greets you and here you should feel comfortable, you should feel comfortable and cozy.
In the design of a hallway, a correctly selected console is of great importance: while carrying a certain functional load, it should naturally and harmoniously fit into the overall concept of the interior. Different styles have their own secrets for choosing a console; let’s dwell on this point in more detail.
If your hallway is decorated in a classic style, in which beauty and elegance are of fundamental importance, then it would be better to choose a console made of natural wood with elements of artistic carving.
Above the console itself, it is optimal to place a picture in a chic frame or a mirror, which also has an original and expensive finish.
For a modern style, a narrow console with simple geometric shapes is better suited. There is no need for elaborate design, and the tabletop is practical and without any additional artistic elements.
It is the functionality of the console that takes on special importance in this version, and therefore it would be appropriate to use a simple design, but with many practical additional elements: drawers, shelves, etc.
For a design in the Art Nouveau style, it would be optimal to use a console with an unusual and bright color; its shape should have some smoothness and roundness. The optimal material is glass, wrought iron or wood, or a combination of both.
The shape of the console itself may be different. For example, a corner console rationally uses the space of the room, and while harmonizing with the overall concept, is not its central element.
Fans of retro design will be better off choosing a chic and old-fashioned console, which should be distinguished by sophistication, beauty and evoke some sense of nostalgia.
Consoles that are decorated with tapestry, gilding, and natural stone are preferred. Among other things, a console with elements of artistic painting looks original and appropriate; patination will be natural.
Luxurious art deco
Art Deco “sees” consoles a little differently – light, elegant, complemented by forged “lace” in the form of floral patterns or carved marble legs.
The tabletop can be made of transparent acrylic or glass - the advantageous combination of metal with weightless glass is welcomed by the style itself, so such a table will not go unnoticed, even if it stands in the farthest and darkest corner of the hallway.
Technostyle and loft
Techno and loft styles intersect in some small details, so both interiors can be decorated with one element. They can be hanging consoles in the hallway, made of metal or chipboard covered with a bright glossy laminate.
The laminated surface looks very stylish and fresh, especially if it is made in the bright colors inherent in the style. The metal surface can be decorated with perforations - this move is often used when implementing these directions.
This model is attached to the wall using special stands, which are made in the same style and represent a continuation of the tabletop, and the lower space, saved due to the absence of legs or stands, can be used to store shoes or a stool.
Features and Benefits
A modern transforming console looks attractive in appearance and occupies a minimal area of the room. This furniture is an ideal solution for small apartments. A folding table resembles a narrow cabinet or dressing table, which is placed against the wall to store personal items on it, and the unfolded version provides a full-fledged place for dining for 4-6 people. Reasons for the popularity of this model:
- convenience, practicality, spaciousness;
- availability of different styles, colors;
- multifunctionality, the ability to quickly transform;
- suitable for any room;
- efficiency;
- reliability of the design.
Conventional book transformers are inferior to consoles due to their dimensions, which do not fit into a small apartment. The models are heavy, which makes it difficult to carry and unfold them yourself. It is uncomfortable to sit behind such furniture. When assembled or unfolded, the legs of the table and additional tabletops interfere with the legs.
The transforming console serves as a work desk, dressing table, stand for lamps and flowers. A narrow tabletop will fit perfectly even in a corridor or hallway. Furniture with shelves and storage drawers is used in a small kitchen as a bar counter. Most often, the console is made in the styles of minimalism, loft, neoclassical. For a classic interior, they offer models with a rounded tabletop, imitation wood, and carved legs.
Convenience, practicality, spaciousness
Availability of different styles and colors
Multifunctionality, ability to quickly transform
Suitable for any room
Economical
Design reliability
Laconic minimalism
The console can even complement minimalism, which initially declares the absence of additional items in the room, except for those that are impossible to do without. Such a console will be an example of ergonomics and simplicity, delighting the eyes of lovers of order with clear, laconic lines, the absence of excessive decor and roundness.
One or two drawers placed under the tabletop to store various small items can make the furniture more practical, and the decor of such a console can be an unusual color scheme, for example, black and white, grayish pearl, red and white, chocolate sand.
The original print decorating the tabletop looks very interesting in the concept of minimalism. These can be letters of the Latin alphabet in the original style, silhouettes of butterflies, oriental script located along the perimeter of the horizontal surface and drawers.
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Afterword
When furnishing their apartment or house, each owner wants to embody in the interior their ideas about beauty, comfort, and ergonomics. But nevertheless, there are ready-made solutions that have proven themselves over many years, have earned recognition and are just as relevant today as at the time they were developed.
Conceived as an elegant element of luxury and status, it has become a comfortable and functional piece of furniture for rooms and hallways, capable of individualizing the design and placing visual accents in it.
The console is one such solution, isn't it? Do not immediately abandon the idea of installing a console in the hallway, as it is unfashionable and has long lost its novelty. Designers believe that the console will always be relevant, so they actively use its capabilities, creating unique exclusive design projects that allow you to visually change the size of the room, giving it elegance and unique features.
Photo of the console in the hallway
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