Decorating the space behind your sofa can be a decorating dilemma.
While you likely want to utilize the space and make it feel purposeful, it can be tricky to choose the right furniture pieces and configurations.
One versatile and stylish option is incorporating a console table behind your sofa.
Console tables are narrow pieces of furniture that can provide both form and function.
Their slim silhouette makes them ideal for fitting into tight spaces behind sofas, without feeling too bulky or crowded.
Console tables also work well in these spots because they don’t block views or sightlines.
Paired with decorative objects, lamps, or other accents, console tables create an intentional, pulled-together look.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to cleverly utilize the space behind your sofa with a console table, browse the 13 sophisticated configurations ahead.
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Minimalist Black Console
A minimalist black console table is a sophisticated option for behind a sofa.
The slender and streamlined table blends seamlessly into the space without becoming a focal point.
Choose a console with thin legs and a slim profile to avoid a bulky or heavy aesthetic.
This type of table works especially well if your sofa is on the smaller side, or if you want to make a room feel more spacious and airy.
When styling a minimalist black console, decorative objects in light and neutral colors will provide contrast while keeping things simple.
For example, a short vase of white blooms or a small bowl filled with sand polished stones.
You can also pile on coffee table books with white, beige or gray covers.
Make sure to add a lamp, as the lighting will help this understated table feel intentional.
Choose something equally minimal, like a white porcelain lamp base topped with a natural linen shade.
The unfussy vignette will exude modern elegance.
Midcentury Modern Teak Console
For a touch of midcentury flair behind your sofa try a slim teak console table.
Teak is a beautiful honey-colored tropical hardwood that was widely used in midcentury furnishings.
The organic, textured look of the wood prevents a sleek teak table from feeling stark or too severe.
Opt for a teak console with clean lines and tapered legs to get that quintessential midcentury vibe.
This handsome table will add warmth and dimension behind your sofa.
When styling a midcentury modern teak console, have fun mixing and matching objects from the era.
Incorporate pieces like ceramic table lamps with atomic starburst patterns, abstract wood sculptures, or a colorful glass vase.
You can also display books on art, architecture or design from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Keep the top sparse and clutter-free to let the gorgeous grain and hue of the teak wood shine.
A teak console table evokes a sense of retro charm, giving this space an inviting face-lift.
Rustic Farmhouse Console
For country character behind a sofa, try bringing in a rustic farmhouse console table.
Look for a console made from reclaimed wood, with details like turned legs, rub-through distressing and metal accents.
A vintage one-of-a-kind find would be ideal to establish the well-loved farmhouse vibe.
Place a charming, chippy white washed or wood grained tin planter filled with fresh flowers or eucalyptus on top to complete the look.
You can also stack collected pieces like milk glass vases and casual baskets on the shelves of a rustic farmhouse console.
If your console has drawers, use them to stash cozy textiles and linens like wool blankets or tea towels.
The overall styling of your farmhouse console should feel casual, collected and cozy.
Objects with intentional age and wear set the welcoming mood that embodies farmhouse decor.
Let your vintage finds shine against a distressed whitewashed console table.
Glam Mirrored Console
Make a stunning style statement behind your sofa with a glam mirrored console table.
The reflective surface acts like a piece of functional art, making even the tightest squeeze of a space feel grand.
Look for a console table with antiqued mirrored panels, either framed in metal for an antique vibe or wood for a more organic feel.
Try incorporating asymmetrical or arched shapes for even more visual interest.
When styling a glam mirrored console, establish an opulent mood with accents like crystal vases, silver decorative boxes, carved candlesticks, ladylike perfume bottles and jewelry boxes.
You can also display a beautiful sculptural lamp with a white shade.
The mirrored table will reflect and bounce the light around the space for an even more brilliant glow.
For added glitz, choose a console with small mirrored drawers or cabinets.
Open them up to showcase trinkets inside or leave them shut to let the mirror be the main event.
A glitzy mirrored console sparks instant sophistication behind a sofa.
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Industrial Metal and Wood Console
For modern edge, an industrial style console table made from a mix of metal and wood can make a statement behind your sofa.
Look for sturdy consoles with an iron or steel base and solid wood top.
Metal wire shelving stacked on top adds extra industrial appeal.
The blend of materials creates an eclectic, urban warehouse type feel.
When styling your industrial console, opt for decorative objects with grit and patina.
Vintage radio receivers, old metal lanterns and laboratory glassware all fit the industrial design aesthetic.
You can also display potted succulents or air plants for an urban oasis effect.
An adjustable iron swing arm sconce makes the perfect industrial lighting choice.
Leave the wires exposed for an especially authentic look.
Finally, stack books, records or even rolled up maps on the lower shelves.
The mix of metal, wood, glass and greenery gives this space an unconventional yet inviting personality.
Scandinavian Style Whitewashed Console
For an airy, relaxed Scandanavian vibe behind your sofa try incorporating a whitewashed, minimal wood console table.
Look for a console with clean lines and tapered legs in a blonde wood tone like ash, acacia or pine.
A whitewashed finish lightens up the wood while allowing natural grain to show through.
The light coloring will keep things feeling calm and bright.
When styling your Scandanavian console opt for decorative objects in neutral shades of white, cream and light gray with natural textures like rattan, linen and jute.
Accent pieces made from unfinished, raw woods are fitting, like woven wood catchalls and petite cutting boards.
Fresh florals such as white peonies or eucalyptus in a light rattan basket also enhance the organic minimalism of this Nordic-inspired look.
A pair of whitewashed wood candleholders with beeswax tapers provides the perfect finishing touch for this serene space.
Global Bazaar Console
Take inspiration from exotic marketplaces and create a globally inspired console vignette behind your sofa.
Start with a rustic console table handcrafted from mango or acacia wood.
Look for unique details like hand-carved doors or woven cane accents.
Layering colorful patterned textiles on the console brings vibrance and texture to this worldly space.
Try a Turkish kilim runner, Indian silk pillows, Moroccan wedding blankets or Guatemalan weavings.
Next, display your collection of objects sourced from around the globe.
Think painted horn bowls from Africa, delicate paper parasols from Asia and handblown glassware from Mexico.
Arrange the pieces in an artful, asymmetric display.
Intersperse the globally inspired accessories with decorative greenery like bamboo, ferns or palms for an extra dose of tropical character.
The overall layered, collected look behind the sofa feels at once exotic and inviting.
Modern Lucite Console
A clear lucite console makes a decidedly dramatic, on-trend statement behind a sofa.
The transparent acrylic material takes up minimal visual space, creating the illusion that decorative objects are floating in midair.
Choose a lucite table with sleek, minimalist lines to match this modern material.
Avoid ornate carved edges or details.
When styling a lucite console, restrain is key.
Too many accessories piled on top will ruin the light, airy effect of the transparent table.
Start with just one or two decorative pieces, like a pair of ceramic vases or agate bookends.
A small tray can corral any loose items.
Finish the look with just a couple of sculptural art books stacked at an angle.
The minimal vignette will allow the beauty of your furniture and accessories to shine through this unique see-through console table.
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Antique French Console
An elegant antique French console exudes refinement behind a sofa, thanks to details like cabriole legs, carvings, medallions and distressed finishes.
Look for consoles made from ornate woods like mahogany or walnut for added richness.
A fainting couch or antique bench placed perpendicular behind the sofa creates a smart sophisticated seating vignette.
For styling, opt for accents with traditional European flair.
A gilded baroque mirror makes a stunning visual anchor, reflecting light around the space.
Display decorative porcelain like Sèvres urns, antique brass candelabras and tole trays layered with silk flowers.
Crystal decanters, leatherbound books and opera glasses also complement this ornate French aesthetic.
Keeping the console top somewhat sparse allows each exquisite detail to feel special and considered.
An antique console provides timeless elegance to this lounge-worthy space.
Modern Glass and Chrome Console
For contemporary polish behind your sofa, try a sleek glass and chrome console table.
Look for one with a clear tempered glass top and gleaming chrome framework.
The mix of the transparent top and shiny metal base embodies understated, refined modernism.
Floating glass shelves suspended from the chrome legs add lightness.
This high-end material combo prevents the console from feeling too visually heavy behind the sofa.
When accessorizing a glass and chrome console opt for decor that feels streamlined and sophisticated.
Start by layering coffee table books with colorful abstract covers.
lean some vertically against a pair of carved stone bookends for dimension.
Next add a posy of orange ranunculus blooms in a simple glass vase for a burst of color.
Elevate the look by topping the console with an abstract modern sculpture and sleek silver table lamp.
The crisp, elegant vignette will lend a contemporary gallery vibe to this space.
Retro 70’s Console
A retro 70’s console table provides a seriously groovy, eclectic focal point behind a sofa.
Look for a console with details like curved or angular legs, exotic wood veneers, and groovy metal details.
Dare to find something custom and quirky, whether it’s a DIY or antique shop treasure
Pair your funky 70’s console with other elements from the era like colorful rotary phones, art pottery, or macrame wall hangings.
When layering your console with accessories, have fun mixing high and low.
Pair a sleek acrylic lamp with an antique wooden bowl and stack of vinyl records.
Or display a vintage typewriter alongside art glass vases and a tray of succulents.
Leave the lower shelves empty to show off the table’s bold silhouette.
Keep clutter to a minimum and let your conversation-starting console be the star.
A bold retro console sparks playful 70’s flair behind a modern sofa.
Green Lacquered Bamboo Console
Make a trendy, tropical statement behind your sofa with a lacquered bamboo console in a bold green hue.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly, sustainable material with gorgeous natural striations that make each piece unique.
The glossy lacquered finish in a fun color like emerald green or citron yellow brings modern vibrance.
Exposed bamboo legs keep this piece feeling nature-inspired, a perfect counterpoint to sleek midcentury sofas.
To accessorize your bamboo console in a fresh, contemporary way start with decorative objects in soothing natural hues.
Opt for ceramic, wood and glass pieces in creamy neutrals and light wood tones.
Next add a fun hit of color with lacquered boxes, green plants or a pile of art books.
Setting a boldly colored lamp on top provides additional pops of contrast against the moody green console.
The balance of muted and bright colors allows this nature-inspired console to feel modern, yet still livable.
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Boho Chic Blackened Steel Console
Lean into effortless boho style behind your sofa with a blackened steel console table in an organic shape.
Look for handcrafted, artisan-made consoles with details like asymmetric edges, rivet accents, and an irregular raw steel patina.
The dark matte finish feels harmonious and grounding.
Scatter a few woven poufs, fur pillows, or shearlings around the floor behind the console to create a cozy bohemian seating vignette.
When accessorizing your boho chic console opt for collected pieces, textural fabrics, and natural materials.
Think stacked leather-bound books, hammered brass bowls, woven baskets and dried botanicals.
Drape the console surface with textiles like Turkish towels, embroidered tapestries or patterned silk scarves for an artful nomadic vibe.
Add worldly objects like prayer bells, tribal masks and geo arrowheads for global charm.
Candles in earthy vessels bring a sense of ceremony.
The layered, eclectic styling reflects the exotic, well-traveled spirit of bohemian style.
As you can see, console tables offer many diverse styling possibilities behind sofas.
Use the vignettes described above as inspiration then make the look your own.
Soon this often overlooked zone will become one of your favorite refined design accents.
With the right console table and thoughtful layering of decor, you can infuse bold style and sophistication into the space behind your sofa.
