How to Accessorize a Console Table

For all of you out there who use your console table (or foyer/entry table) as a place to throw your purse, keys and junk mail, listen up! Keeping your console clean, accessorized and clutter-free is one of the best ways to tie a room together, so resist the temptation to use it as a landing-spot for odds and ends. Below is a blog I wrote for Ehow.com, which I thought I’d repost because, well, I’ve seen too many neglected consoles these days!

Step 1

First pick a color palette. What room is you console table in? The entry? The dining room? What colors are in your room? You will probably want to continue in that style and color. If your room is green, cream and blue for instance, you’ll want to stick mainly with those colors, but don’t be shy to add another color for extra POP. Maybe a hot pink or deeper shades of blue or green. I love white and glass accessories, as those go with any colors in any room!

Step 2

Pick the accessories. You may already have pieces at home, or you may need to buy them. I recommend starting with an orchid in the center for height. If you don’t want to use an orchid, you can get a tall vase with some artificial flowering branches, such as Magnolia, for height. This can be in the center or to one side for a more asymmetrical look. You don’t want everything at the same height; contrast in size and shape is what makes for an interesting arrangement.

Step 3

Never underestimate the power of books as styling tools! Coffee table books or any hardcover books that have covers in similar colors work great. Make a stack of two or four books-always making sure to have the largest book on the bottom, working up to the smaller ones. You can leave these alone-or place a small object on top-such as a nice candle in a glass container-or a round object like a blown glass orb-or something more fun like a magnifying glass!

Step 4

Layer items to the front and some to the back of the table as you move along, working outward from your highest point. This gives the table movement and keeps all the items from being on the same plane or in a perfect line. Smaller trays with votive candles or cute little dishes are nice, or even a blown glass octopus! Have fun with your mix of accessories-and remember to keep moving and mixing in new pieces until you get to a finished look that you love!

Thanks to Ehow.com at Home for posting this originally…check out my eHow blog here!