A Well-Styled Console

How to Style Your Console

There’s something about a well-styled console that sets the tone of a room, acting both functionally and beautifully to reflect your style. It’s sometimes the first thing people see when they walk in, and it’s an opportunity to express your style. I’ll walk you through my favorite strategies for console styling, plus some bonus tips to help you make your own console sing.

1. Pick Your Backdrop

Before you start piling stuff on, think about your backdrop:

• Wall color, wallpaper, or mirrors can provide a major visual anchor.
• Art or decorative frames: a single large piece works, or a gallery style if you want more layers.
• Mirrors are great for doubling visual space and adding light.

2. Layer Your Elements

Console styling is all about balance and depth. Here’s how I like to layer:

• Tall pieces like lamps, tall vases, or candlesticks to add height.
• Medium items such as books (stacked or leaning), decorative trays, or small sculptures.
• Small accents to finish it off—things like small greenery, bowls, or even something sentimental.

3. Use Odd Numbers

Odd numbers are visually more pleasing—groups of three or five tend to look more dynamic than an even number.

For example:

• Three pieces of art above
• Five items on the table (lamp + tray + book stack + small decor + greenery)

4. Texture & Organic Touches

Hard lines and metallics are great… but adding softness elevates everything:

• Greenery (plants, branches, dried foliage) brings a fresh touch.
• Natural materials—wood, rattan, linen—help balance metal, ceramics, glass.

5. Consider Function and Flow

A console shouldn’t just look beautiful—it needs to be practical, especially if it’s in a high-traffic space like an entryway. Think about:

• What you’ll use it for: dropping keys? displaying photo frames? keeping mail?
• Walking space: leave enough room so it doesn’t feel cluttered or impede movement.
• Lighting: Make sure there’s enough lighting so decor looks its best.

Bonus Tips

• Rotate decor seasonally so your styling always feels fresh.
• Try moving pieces around rather than buying new ones—sometimes just swapping spots changes the look entirely.
• Keep a neutral base (e.g. books, trays, lamps) and switch out smaller accents to refresh without overhauling everything.

A Well-Styled Console is one of my favorite little design wins—small changes, but they make a big difference. I hope these tips inspire you to experiment with your console, bring out your personality, and create a space you love walking into every day.

xo, Ashley