Sadly, we might be locked-in during this unprecedented times but everyone's creativity is happily coming out. All across the globe people's creativity is on full display- some have turned into Anthony Bourdain whipping up a new recipe each day, some are exploring their inner Picasso, some have become their own hairstylist and bartender, and some like me have turned into Martha Stewart. I have been redecorating, moving around furniture and leaving no accessory untouched to switch up things a bit.
Now that I have finally gotten into the swing of this quarantine lifestyle, home decoration has suddenly become my top priority. The home-decoration bug has gotten into me. I have subscribed to most of the home-decor magazines and retailer's newsletters and dedicated a Pinterest board to all home and interior. I have to admit that the more I peruse the magazines and emails, I am becoming all the more obsessed with everything home-decor. I'm suddenly seeing potential in almost every corner of the house, which in a way is good cuz the retailer sales are huge.
When we started looking for furniture for the house, we didn't actually go room-by-room. When we were out scouting for couches, we bought couches for all the rooms that needed one, when we were buying tables, we bought tables in all shapes and sizes, including this CONSOLE table. I was always the girl who would get stuck on classic, timeless pieces, but this time around hubs and I decided to keep things modern and sleek- more in the shades of gold and hence this marble top console table.
Since my entire living room is fifty shades of blue and gold, it was obvious that most of the pieces that I was going to add to this console was going be a happy mix of blue and gold. It's all about symmetry and the way the layers flow.
So, if you are in the market for buying stylish console table accessories, I have a simple guideline that will make your job easier. Be it minimimalist, modern, contemporary, or classic, the rule of thumb for curating an aesthetically-correct vignette is the same across the board, and if you are still not convinced, then check out this Pinterest board, for more console table styling inspiration. Following are the few key things you need to style your console table.
COFFEE TABLE BOOKS Believe it or not, there is a whole different market for coffee table books in US. It is a major part of any home decor process. Unlike India, where we place fancy mats first and then lay out the different accessories, in US it's all about the coffee books. The book is the base and then everything gets strategically placed over it. These books can be stacked or used as is, depending on the height you are looking to achieve. Use the books as an accessory or to prop something else. They create a visual appeal and look sleek. Coffee table books are usually a splurge, and it is totally acceptable to use your hardcover books, but stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target and similar discounted retailer chains have cheaper alternatives.
FLOWER VASE/ HOLDER Contingent on the size of your console table, and your personal preference choose the size and height of your flower vase. I am a girl who loves to bring in the living-element via flowers, so I had to put some sort of flowers here too. I have a collection of this blue and white porcelain ginger jar, which doubles up as food jars and flowers vases. Since I wanted mine to be the focal point, I plopped these gold branches. Use fresh seasonal flowers or good quality artificial flowers, the choice is yours.
TRAY After the stack of books, the quintessential tray is next. I have picked up a serious obsession for table trays and have a few in wood, in gold, in lacquer, in marble and now in glass. Based on the height between the shelves and the width of the console shelves, choose the tray . A square or rectangle one goes well with a rectangular table. A marble tray can get a bit too heavy if the table has a glass top, but otherwise, a marble tray has its own charm.
CANDLES Candles instantly up any table's game. You can pick out a few or go overboard with them, there is no set rule for this. Think of these as the element that adds color and texture. Mix and match colors and patterns and prints an create your own unique space. My mom had advised me to keep a statue of Buddha and luckily I found one with a candle holder. Dual purpose solved.
SOMETHING PERSONAL When I say something personal, by all means, your personal collectible is implied. Collectibles as in figurines, matchboxes from around the globe, cork stoppers, gemstones, photo frames and everything in between. Think of your coffee table as a display case to showcase your collection.
SOMETHING QUIRKY Probably my most favorite accessory type. Look closely and you will notice a few quirky pieces on my console table- one, the leopard bookend, two, the gold crane and three, the inverted palm holder that doubles up as a vase. The three palm gold vase was a splurge, considering the size of it, but I had been stalking it for a while and caved in when I found on sale. It can be either used as a vase or as a holder, just flip upside down. Some people like to add a candy jar or cute catchalls, just play around to give your personal statement to your coffee table.
These are some of my essentials for that perfect console table, what are yours ??