The Grand Finale: Styling Our Beloved Console Table for a Harmonious Home
After a journey spanning numerous posts detailing the construction of our console table, the moment has finally arrived for its grand unveiling. This isn’t just about a piece of furniture; it’s about the culmination of a vision, transforming raw materials into a centerpiece that anchors our living space. And for me, this chapter is perhaps the most exciting of all, as it focuses on the joyous process of bringing the console to life with carefully selected decor. While I know its look will undoubtedly evolve over time, today, it stands as a testament to personal style and functional design, and I’m thrilled to share its current iteration with you.
Illuminating Style: Finding the Perfect Lamps
One of the first and most impactful decisions for decorating the console involved lighting. While I typically adhere to a strict imaginary budget of $50 per lamp, these particular pieces, at $59 each, were an exception I simply couldn’t walk away from. The moment I spotted them at Marshall’s, I knew they were destined for our console. Their sleek, modern lines and subtle shimmer perfectly complemented our vision. A quick text to my friend Cat, who aptly described me as a “magpie” for shiny objects, confirmed my impulse. And honestly, for true lamp love, what’s an extra $18? The fact that they were originally priced at $125 each, making our purchase a significant markdown, certainly helped seal the deal. These lamps don’t just provide light; they contribute a sophisticated, almost glamorous touch, elevating the entire console’s aesthetic from purely rustic to a stylish blend of old and new.
To balance the console’s inherent rustic charm with a touch of modern chic, we also introduced a striking capiz-topped black lacquered box. This piece, a clearance find from HomeGoods for just $15 (originally $36), proved to be both a decorative triumph and a practical marvel. Its elegant finish and intricate capiz detailing resonate with the lamps’ contemporary vibe, adding a sophisticated gleam. More importantly, this generously sized box serves as an excellent clutter buster, neatly stashing away the everyday items that tend to accumulate on the sofa – from magazines and books to notebooks, pens, remotes, and even my brush and lotion. It’s a perfect example of how stylish decor can also be incredibly functional, helping to maintain a tidy and serene living environment.
Curating Personal Touches: Blending Old and New
Beyond the key new purchases, many of the items adorning the console are beloved pieces we already owned, carefully curated to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Stacks of beautiful hardcover books, which I enjoy flipping through, not only add visual weight and texture but also serve a practical purpose. A handy coaster placed atop one stack provides a perfect spot for my nightly cup of tea, blending utility with charm. Nearby, a smaller white capiz box discreetly houses my essential sofa companions – lip gloss, vitamins, and nail clippers – keeping them within reach yet out of sight. This thoughtful combination of existing treasures and new finds creates a console that feels deeply personal and lived-in, reflecting our style without feeling overly curated or stiff.
Adding another layer of personality and practicality is a charming $3 thrifted quatrefoil tray. This small, elegant piece is ideally sized for holding the jewelry I like to remove as soon as I settle into my favorite spot on the sectional – the chaise, if you’re curious! It’s these small, thoughtful details that transform a functional surface into a truly personalized space, anticipating needs and making daily routines a little more enjoyable and organized. The tray’s subtle pattern and metallic sheen also contribute to the console’s blended aesthetic, proving that even inexpensive finds can make a significant impact when chosen with care.
Smart Storage Solutions: The Art of Hidden Organization
The beauty of our console table extends beyond its surface decor, delving into its ingenious hidden storage solutions. The middle compartment, cleverly designed with discreet baskets, is a true testament to functional living. The left basket is dedicated entirely to our collection of board games, making it effortlessly accessible for family game nights, which frequently happen in this very room. On the right, another basket holds a lesser-used remote control for the DVD player, alongside a stack of library books for Clara. Keeping these books together in one designated spot is a lifesaver, ensuring we’re never frantically searching for a stray title on the day they’re due. These hidden compartments are crucial for maintaining a clutter-free environment, proving that effective organization can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, keeping essentials close at hand without disrupting the room’s visual calm.
Whimsical Accents: A Rhino’s Tale
No styled surface is complete without a touch of whimsy and personal character. Our console proudly features a little ceramic animal action, courtesy of my beloved ZGallerie rhino friend. He adds a playful, charming note to the ensemble, albeit a temporary one. As our daughter Clara grows more mobile, he may need to seek refuge in a safer spot, perhaps returning to the built-ins in the dining room. Until then, his stoic presence brings a smile to my face, especially that endearing ceramic rhino butt from certain angles – a small detail that always manages to crack me up!
The bookshelf sides of the console continue the theme of functional decor, utilizing three $5 baskets discovered at HomeGoods. The basket on the bottom shelf, closest to us, is perfectly sized for Clara’s collection of board books, keeping her favorites neatly organized and easily accessible for little hands. Above it, the top shelf showcases some of our own books, alongside a fun and quirky Cardboard Safari rhino. This lighter, more whimsical rhino adds another layer of playful charm, echoing the ceramic one on the main surface. It’s a delightful mix of practical storage and decorative accents, showing how even a bookshelf can be both tidy and personality-filled.
Further along, on the far side of the console, two additional baskets are thoughtfully filled with blocks and other small toys. This designated storage ensures that playtime essentials are always within reach but neatly tucked away when not in use. This systematic approach to organization not only keeps the living room looking presentable but also fosters a sense of order, making it easier to enjoy the space without being overwhelmed by clutter. It’s a living example of how a well-designed console table can serve multiple purposes, from displaying cherished objects to providing essential storage for a busy family life.
Evolving Spaces: Adapting Decor for Family Life
We understand that home decor is not static; it’s a living, breathing entity that evolves with our lives. The current arrangement on and in our console table is a beautiful snapshot, but it’s certainly subject to change. For instance, as Clara becomes more mobile and curious, my beloved ceramic rhino may need to find a new, safer home to avoid an untimely demise, much like my ceramic pooch once did. Even the cardboard rhino on the side shelf might face new challenges from a developing toddler! We’re adopting a “play it by ear” approach, embracing the fluidity of family life and its impact on our decor choices. We might also discover a need for more empty surface space on the console for entertaining, perhaps for a large bowl of snacks during gatherings. Currently, the expansive center offers plenty of room, along with space for extra coasters, but future needs may dictate further adjustments. The ongoing tweaking and evolution of this space will undoubtedly be a fun part of watching our home come together over the next year or two, as we continue to address other items on our list, such as breezy curtains for added softness and a larger, more balanced media cabinet.
A Quirky Console Ode: Our Unexpected Video
In a moment of playful eccentricity, we decided to create what might be the weirdest video we’ve ever produced: a “sexy stroking-the-console-video” showcasing our masterpiece in action. Yes, you read that right! We even throw open that middle compartment for a real-time peek at its smooth operation. The dramatic music and slow-motion effects are absolutely hilarious, and we’re still laughing about it. It’s a testament to the joy and humor we find in our home projects, and we hope it brings a smile to your face too!
Was that not the strangest, most delightful video you’ve ever seen? I thought so! And before we wrap up, we have one more treat for you: a glimpse into our living room’s magical nighttime ambiance. Having removed those awkward ceiling fans and that off-center corner pendant light, the room is now beautifully illuminated by the warm glow of the console table lamps, complemented by a desk lamp. The transformation is truly remarkable.
While this photo doesn’t fully capture its charm, in person, the room is incredibly cozy, glowing, and simply enchanting. We can only imagine how the addition of the right curtains and a larger, more proportionate media cabinet will further enhance this work-in-progress space. Someday, it will be absolutely perfect. Until then, we cherish the beauty and functionality our new console table brings to our home, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing decorating adventure.
Psst- Want to revisit the entire console building journey from the very beginning? Here’s the first post, the second post, the third post,the fourth post, and the fifth post. We hope you’ve enjoyed following along with this grand DIY project!