Coffee tables and end tables get a lot of attention in homes, but there are other tables you may want to consider as well, such as console and sofa tables.
There always seem to be some confusion about these two styles of tables. Originally, a console table had just two legs and was mounted to the wall, allowing it to look as if it were standing on just two legs, as the bracket was invisible.
In later years, some console tables gained a second pair of legs, making them much more like their sofa backing counterparts. The very word console means ledge, and these tables were inspired by the desire to have a shelf in a convenient location, especially in a hallway. Most of the furniture designers in Bhiwandi simply added legs to give them more stability as well as drama.
Sofa tables are indeed similar and date back to about the same time, the 1600s and 1700s. Originally they were used as an impromptu writing desk, being placed higher and behind a settee or sofa. While note writing fell out of fashion, at least while at the sofa, the sofa table continued to be a popular addition to homes, providing a convenient place for candles in the pre-electric light age and making the sofa look a little more attractive when it was set in the middle of a room as opposed to being against the wall.
Today, console and sofa tables are virtually interchangeable in the home, giving you more design options than ever. If you want to add a table in a hall, for example, you can go with a traditional console table, but you may want to look at sofa tables as well, especially if you're looking for a specific shape or style.
Console and sofa tables work particularly well in a long hall or at the top of a stairway. You can also use them at an entryway in place of an accent table. If you use them in the entryway or at the end of a hall, you may want to consider adding a mirror above the table so guests can check their hair, makeup and lipstick before heading out.
If you want to use the table behind a sofa, you can choose any number of console and sofa tables for the job. Typically, you want a table that is about two thirds to three quarters the length of the sofa or love seat and the top of the table shouldn't rise above the back of the lowest portion of the sofa.
If you have your sofa up against the wall, consider pulling it out a bit and adding a sofa table between it and the wall. This can make your room feel a bit more spacious and you can use the table to display family photos, souvenirs, antiques or a spray of fresh of silk flowers.
That's one of the great things about console and sofa tables. They let you add a lot of personality to a room. While some people think they are still just good for candlesticks and a bowl of fruit, these tables let you express yourself, not only through the type of table you choose, but also what you choose to display on it.
As with an accent table, console and sofa tables don't have to match the other tables in your room. They can of course, but they don't have to. Instead, you can go for a statement piece, choosing something just a little more ornate or embellished to draw attention to it. These tables are designed with this in mind and even though you may find a wallflower or two in the bunch, chances are good that you'll be able to find a table with lots of personality, whether you want something chic and modern or classic and timeless for your home.
