Anyone can put furniture in a room. The job of a decorator is to create atmosphere and style. Furniture is part of that, but the two most important aspects of ambiance in a room are lighting and ornamentation. Console tables add greatly to both.

Lamp Tables With Drawers

The hallway is the first part of the interior of a house that a visitor sees. Since first impressions count, the hallway is extremely important, it needs to set a mood. As the bridge between outside and in, the hallway needs to be warm and welcoming; a console table is the ideal 'stage' for the equipment you need. The warmth of a solid wood console table is ideal, and since most hallways are long and narrow, the profile of a console fits well. If possible, place it opposite the entrance, add two matching lamps and some lovely flowers, or an arrangement of green plants. Since most hallways are quite dark, silk plants or flowers would probably be best. To increase the available light, hang a mirror above the console, it will reflect the light from the lamps. The final touch is to add a light sensor switch or timer, so you can be sure the lamps are on when they are needed. The lights in an entrance hall are always overlooked!

Lamp Tables With Drawers

When rooms are small, it is usual to have furniture like sofas against the walls. Where rooms are large, open plan or multi-purpose, it's often necessary to have at least one free standing sofa, and in this case, you need a sofa table. Once again, a console table can be used as long as it is no higher than the back of the sofa. The table will help to define the space, add style and from a practical point of view, it's weight helps to stop the sofa from 'creeping' from it's position. The table can be used to add light and ornamentation; if your room is largely symmetrical, a pair of lamps and a small vase of flowers is ideal; if not, try arranging the table top in an 'L' shape, with a tall striking lamp as the upright, some small ornaments or framed photographs forming the base.

Where you need every ounce of space, a narrow console table, positioned behind a sofa, can also be used as a desk; choose one with a drawer for pens and papers, and since console tables are often intricate, ornamental pieces, you may choose to use one, especially if it has some storage, as a bedroom vanity. Wooden or distressed consoles often have a great deal of character, and can look wonderful when paired with an antique bed. Attach a mirror to the wall immediately above the table and be sure it is use-able from a seated position. Add a par of candlestick lamps with decorative shades; if you can't find something feminine, a plain parchment colored lampshade will go with most things, buy ribbon in the color of your bedroom and add a bow as an accent.

Most decorators work with you and with the house you live in right now. Good decorators look further ahead. When you buy high quality furniture you need to think past your present location and think of how that piece might be used in the future. Versatile items, like console tables, will prove useful wherever you go, and for many years to come.

Three Ways to Use a Console Table

Lamp Tables With Drawers