Currently, a lot of different furniture is produced for the hallway. Each consumer can choose beautiful and high-quality products that can revive, decorate the space. The interior of the hallway can be complemented by an elegant and practical console. Today we will get to know this product more closely and find out what its pros and cons are.
What it is?
The console (or console table) is a miniature table standing on 4 legs. Such unobtrusive furniture designs are designed to accommodate small items and objects on them. Usually these are objects that you always want to keep handy.
Modern consoles manufactured by well-known manufacturers are presented in a wide range. They are made from different materials. The design of the tables also varies. In shops and furniture stores you can find attractive options made in all styles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The assortment of neat and elegant tables for the hallway is striking in its richness and variety. Everyone can find for themselves the ideal model that will fit into the interior of the entrance hall. However, before you go to the store for such a furniture design, you should familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.
First of all, you should find out how good these products are.
Consoles are compact. Most of the residents of the apartments cannot boast of a large hallway, therefore, the furniture here has to be selected accordingly.You can give a small space of aesthetics and elegant notes by turning to beautiful console tables. They will not take away the already very limited area, but they will effectively decorate the interior.
Such small furniture is characterized by high functionality. If you put a similar table near the front door, then you can put things on it that should always be at hand: gloves, keys, glasses. Returning home from the store, you can gently put the bag or bag with purchases on the console, freeing your hands.
A practical console table can serve as a replacement for a bulky chest of drawers. For such purposes, multitasking models are available that have drawers or shelves, which are very convenient to use.
Due to the small size of such a table, the interior of the hallway can be made more interesting. For example, you can hang a mirror above the console and install a shelf for a comb. Under the table there is the opportunity to put a miniature convenient ottoman.
If the hallway area allows, you can use the console as a stand for various attractive decorations or books / magazines. However, “overloading” a small neat little table with a large number of objects is not worth it - a cluttered console will spoil the overall picture of the interior.
This is a stylish and beautiful piece of furniture. According to the designers, a high-quality and aesthetic console can become a real decoration for the interior of a hall. It will serve as a harmonious complement to the existing ensemble or take on the role of a bright accent - it all depends on the model chosen and its design. It is important to ensure that the product is designed in the same style as the whole environment. You can make the interior even more interesting by choosing an effective console with a mirror in a beautiful frame, a picture or a couple of elegant lamps. Often, such models are complemented by table clocks, living plants in suitable pots / vases, photographs in beautiful frames.
Console tables are pleasing with their mobility. If this piece of furniture does not provide for fixation on the wall, it can be moved to another place without unnecessary difficulties and energy costs. For example, it makes sense to transfer the console from the hallway to the living room, where a romantic candlelight dinner is planned.
Such furniture is characterized by good strength characteristics. The console table may look fragile and delicate, but in fact it is durable and reliable. This is especially true of high-quality specimens made from natural wood. Such furniture is durable and extremely reliable - it can be passed from generation to generation.
The range of console tables is another important plus. Even the most capricious and demanding customer can choose the perfect model. On sale there are products of all colors of the rainbow. The design style can also be absolutely anything.
Exquisite console tables have a lot of positive qualities, but few shortcomings.
The main disadvantage of such furniture is that in very small and modest hallways, it rarely looks harmonious. In such circumstances, an aristocratic table may seem ridiculous, disharmonious.
Here the influence of the history of this furniture is evident: only the rich could afford to complement the hall with similar products.
Types of designs
Today, console tables of various modifications are on sale.
- Attached. Popular varieties resembling a neat table, cut into two equal halves. Often equipped with only two or one leg. To make such an object as stable and reliable as possible, it is often attached to the wall, since the indicated number of supports is not enough.
- Outboard. Externally, such console tables are more like ordinary stationary shelves. The difference is only in the presence of a beautiful decorative leg.Often such a support does not reach the surface of the floor, which allows you to achieve the visual effect of furniture, "hovering in the air." Wall types of tables are also fixed on the wall base. Many manufacturers produce pendant consoles, complemented by a mirror.
- Freestanding. This type of console table is completely mobile. In these designs, only 3 or 4 legs are provided. There is no need to attach them to the wall. Small rectangular, semicircular or triangular specimens are also placed near the walls, but they are often located in the free corner of the hallway.
- Corner In many cases, the door premises are not the most convenient form. For non-standard layouts, you can choose a nice corner console table. The depth of these models is not very large. Corner consoles do not visually overload the available space. With their help, you can balance the interior as a whole.
- Console stand. Multifunctional model with additional drawers. This subspecies of the console should be selected instead of a large chest of drawers, which can visually make a small hallway heavier.
Materials of manufacture
The cost of the console for the hallway directly depends on the material from which it was produced. The most expensive are models made of wood. These tables have many advantages.
- The wooden console is environmentally friendly. Such furniture does not contain hazardous substances, does not harm health.
- Natural wood comes from a very pleasant natural aroma that fills the atmosphere with coziness and comfort.
- Wooden tables are very durable, sturdy and reliable. Damaging them is not so easy. They are stable and durable. Such furniture, if handled properly, can be saved for many decades, passed from generation to generation.
- If necessary, natural wood structures can be restored and returned to its original presentation.
- Any wood furniture looks expensive and luxurious. With a wooden console, you can decorate the interior of the hallway, make it aristocratic and attractive.
But wooden tables have their drawbacks.
- Such furniture must be periodically treated with special compounds - antiseptics. If this is not done, the natural material may dry out or deteriorate under the influence of high humidity, temperature changes. Antiseptic substances are also needed to protect the table from wood parasites.
- Natural wood products are expensive. And if models from birch can be found at a reasonable price, then more luxurious and durable options from oak or beech will cost a tidy sum.
- Even small wooden furniture has an impressive weight. It is not recommended to move it on the floor - it can damage the existing coating.
A good alternative to wooden models is MDF products. It is an environmentally friendly, wear-resistant material that is easy to clean in case of contamination. Many furniture constructions from MDF, with a variety of surfaces and facades, are on sale. This raw material perfectly repeats more expensive materials, for example: stone or natural wood.
The cost of furniture made of MDF is average. You can choose a good and high-quality option at any price range. Tables made of MDF are not subject to mechanical damage and look beautiful.
Structures made of other available material - chipboard are also budgetary. All furniture stores sell a huge number of console tables of this kind. The assortment is huge, you can pick up a model of any modification. True, the furniture made of chipboard usually has a rustic design - such options are hardly suitable for a chic and expensive interior.
It should be borne in mind that chipboard is not the most environmentally friendly material. It contains formaldehydes released at high temperatures.You can choose products from chipboard classes "E-1" or "E-0" - such models are more environmentally friendly and safe. In order not to make a mistake in the purchase and not to purchase an unsafe copy, issued as "formaldehyde-free", you need to ask the seller to show quality certificates for the goods.
Today on sale you can find more original models from other relevant materials.
- Plastic. Lightweight and interesting-looking designs, perfect for a contemporary style. The cost can be very different, like the design - the range is huge. True, such models cannot be called the strongest, and their color may fade over time. It is necessary to request quality certificates so as not to buy a table made of toxic plastic.
- Glass. It makes chic tables. Glass is used that cannot be easily broken, but this does not mean that the table can be handled roughly, carelessly — even the strongest product can be split. Such furniture will often have to be cleaned from dust and stains that easily remain on it.
- Natural or artificial stone. Strong and reliable materials that look chic, expensive. The stone console will be a spectacular addition to the interior of the corresponding style. For example, it can be fanciful destinations with ostentation.
- Forged options. Elegant, graceful, able to add zest to the interior. Forged models can have an impressive weight, but are not subject to mechanical damage, do not need complicated maintenance.
Shapes and sizes
The traditional form of the console table for the hallway is semicircular. It was with such a structure that the "path" of these pieces of furniture began. Over time, the shape of the consoles has changed. Nowadays, manufacturers produce attractive products of a rectangular, oval, round or even trapezoidal shape. If we are talking about small angular structures - they can be beveled, having pointed or wavy edges.
Console tables with countertops of a triangular look look unusual. Such options are placed in the corner of the hallways, so the rest of the space is the opportunity to use rationally. Consoles can be equipped with 1, 2, 3 or 4 legs-supports of different shapes.
There are no standard dimensional parameters for these types of tables. They can be completely different. Typically, the height of the cantilevers ranges from 70 to 120 cm. The common width is 35–60 cm and the length is 60–80 cm.
Color schemes
There are no frames in the choice of console colors. In stores, customers can find a lot of products of various shades and tones.
When choosing the best model of a table for a hall, it is important to ensure that its color harmoniously fits into the existing environment, does not get out of the general palette.
If we are talking about organizing space in a small hallway, then it is better to give preference to light models of consoles. Suitable white, beige, shade of ivory. Such designs will visually make the area fresher, lighter, more spacious. If the hallway is made in bright colors, then the light console will balance the variegated tones, effectively dilute them.
Consoles of dark colors (black, dark brown, gray) will be a wonderful addition to the hallway with light or pastel walls. Against the same dark background, such pieces of furniture simply dissolve. Dark tables with glossy surfaces look interesting and stylish. Models of this design will be a harmonious complement to the hi-tech, minimalism, art deco styles.
If the interior is planned to be neutral, calm and welcoming, you can choose a table with natural wood shades. Such products will bring notes of comfort and softness to the atmosphere. The most popular light shade of this kind is bleached oak, among dark - wenge, and walnut among medium colors.
Bright and saturated tables are not so popular.Such furniture should be combined with neutral shades in the decoration.
How to choose?
The console for the vestibule must be chosen based on a number of criteria.
- The size. Furniture should harmoniously fit into the interior, not burden it.
- Material. We must buy quality products from safe, environmentally friendly materials. It is important to request quality certificates when choosing a console.
- Design. The color and style of the table should match the interior of the hallway as a whole. Furniture should not be knocked out of the ensemble or merged with it, remaining unnoticed.
- Build quality. It is important to make sure that the table is assembled efficiently. There should be no staggering, creaking details. Furniture must be stable, without damage and defects.
Where to place?
A narrow table in the corridor can be set against the wall or placed in the corner. Above the table you can hang a picture or a mirror, and under it place a pouf. Hinged structures are attached to loose walls so that nothing interferes with the use of furniture. Corner options are only suitable for placement in a free corner.
Use in different styles
Let's consider what characteristics the consoles of different styles have.
- Classic. Classic models are made of wood. Usually they have a light color, strict, restrained, but noble design. Carved elements are allowed, but in limited quantities.
- High tech. Stylish models with shiny, metal or plastic / wooden glossy surfaces will be appropriate here. Forms must be geometrically regular, clear. The scenery should be kept to a minimum.
- Modern. Concise tables with curved shapes will do. Fine and smooth lines are welcome. Roundness fits well.
- Art Deco. For such interiors, you can choose dark (black) tables with glossy surfaces. Gilded lines with silvering will do.
- Provence. For Provencal interiors, consoles made of natural wood in pastel shades are ideal. The presence of decorative scuffs, floral motifs and patina is allowed. You can put a forged product - it will perfectly complement the atmosphere of a similar style.
Good examples
Charming console tables, if you select them correctly, can become a real decoration of the interior. With the help of such furniture it will be possible to complete the decor in any style. Let's look at some good examples.
- In a restrained interior, designed in snow-white or milky tones, a small white console made of wood, which has simple shapes and lines, will harmoniously look. You can dilute the whiteness of the decor with a dark laminate, fresh flowers in vases, a picture in a black frame above the console.
- Against the background of white walls and a white floor, a black wooden console table with curved legs and drawers decorated with curly elements will stand out sharply. Above the console, you should hang a small mirror, put next to a chair with a brown leather seat, as well as a dark brown wooden hanger.
- In the original hallway, decorated with striped wallpaper in beige and coffee tones, the laconic snow-white console table on 4 straight knives will dilute the atmosphere. Above it is to hang a small round mirror with a white edging. It is better to put a laminate or parquet board of a brown shade on the floor.
Next, see the use of consoles in the hallway.