How To Choose A Console Table for a Small Hallway

Your hallway is the first thing visitors to your home see. It’s also the first thing that you see, which makes the console table an important aspect of interior design. However, small hallways are tricky to furnish, which leaves many homeowners wondering how to choose a console table that works for them. 

This article will give you everything you need to perfect this aspect of your home furniture. From table size considerations to style, measuring your space, and more, we’ll help you make the right decision that combines practicality and aesthetics. 

Why A Console Hall Table Matters

A console hall table can give small hallways a focal point without being overbearing, and provide a place to put things like keys, letters, and gloves. Adding style and function to the space, they’re the perfect addition to a smaller area where every inch matters. 

However, if your hallway isn’t the biggest, you’ll have to be careful about the console table you choose. The best place to start is by measuring the space you’ve got and comparing it to the average console table dimensions. 

Measuring Your Hallway Space

Here are some considerations to make as you prepare your small hallway for a console table:

• Console tables are usually 75-85cm tall. 
• They’re also usually between 25cm and 35cm in depth. For narrow console tables for narrow hall layouts, aim for something in the lower range.
• You should leave at least 90cm of clearance space around the table, so people don’t walk into it.

Victorian terraced houses generally have narrower hallway spaces, as do 1930s semi-detached properties. This means that a lot of homes in the UK struggle with space issues in their halls, which makes console table purchasing difficult. However, by measuring your space against the tables available, you can find options that work for you. 

Planning For Differently Shaped Console Tables

When it comes to hall console table ideas, the shape can be tricky to get right. Let’s look at some of the most common shapes you’ll come across, and the kinds of hallways they’re best suited to.

Rectangular 

Traditional and versatile, these are a great narrow hall console table option, as they can be set against the wall without taking up too much space. This makes them ideal for longer hallways, too, working as a usable surface that doesn’t completely dominate the space. 

Half-moon (or demilune) 

These tables have a rounded front, which makes them well-suited to homes with tighter corners or if you’d like to soften the edges of your hallway space. 

Closed base console tables with drawers

Great for storage, these aren’t the best for super-small hallways as they’re usually larger and awkwardly shaped. Instead, they’re commonly favoured by families who need everyday storage for items like dog leads, school notes, and car keys, in homes where space isn’t extremely tight. 

Slimline console tables with legs 

These can make the floor of your hall more visible, tricking the eye into thinking there’s more space than there actually is. Because of this, they work well in small, modern homes and apartments. 

Choosing The Right Style

When considering how to choose a console table, it should feel like a natural extension of your home. Fortunately, there are lots of options to suit your interior design choices.

Modern minimalist 

Often designed with cleaner lines and slim profiles, modern, minimalist console tables tend to combine materials like glass and metal. Ideal for small and narrow hallways, they avoid ornamentation that can look cluttered, and their reflective surfaces bounce light around the room. 

This makes them good for busy professionals who need somewhere to drop their keys after work in a smaller space. 

Rustic 

Rustic console tables made from reclaimed or distressed wood can add warmth and character to an otherwise neutral hallway. They add warmth and texture without being too much, which makes them great for families living in traditional properties and country-inspired houses. 

Scandi-inspired 

Functional, understated, and generally pale in colour scheme, Scandi-inspired console tables are brilliant options for narrow hallways. Subtle décor additions, like a ceramic vase or thatched basket, can keep things feeling relaxing, stylish, and practical, too. 

Classic

Think soft white, dove grey, or muted blue colours for classically styled console tables that give that timeless, elegant feel. Subtle detailing like panelled drawer fronts and brushed handles can also add sophistication without feeling ornate. 

When done right, these can work well in traditional and contemporary homes alike, as can Scandi-inspired tables.

Extra Touches To Maximise Space

As anybody with a flair for interior design will know, small details can make all the difference. This is no different for your small or narrow hall console table, and you can utilise a few tricks to create an airy entranceway from even the most cramped hallways.

Mirrored finishes, for example, reflect natural light and create space, while glass tops provide a lighter look to your console hall table. Small hallways can also benefit from slim runner rugs that protect flooring from muddy boots and shoes, and hooks above the table for bags and coats to save space. 

Then, there are tables with tapered legs, which can add an element of elegance to create a unique first impression on guests. Neutral shades such as white, cream, or pale oak can again add brightness to a room and the illusion of space.

Contrarily, bulky, dark finishes on console tables aren’t great for narrow hallways as they make the space feel even smaller than it is. These are best used on console tables where space is in abundance. 

Considering Storage Options

Owners of small homes love finding new storage, and console tables for the hall offer lots of options in this department. Drawers, for example, provide the perfect place for keys, letters, and gloves, while baskets and boxes can sometimes be added for decoration and practicality. 

You may also find storage beneath the table for shoe racks, and hanging storage can often be added to walls for coats, scarves, and bags. For pet owners, a table with a lower shelf can be a great spot to add leads, towels, and poo bags for walks. 

Quality And Investment

You may be tempted to go for a more budget piece when it comes to your console table, but remember that your hallway is one of the busiest spaces in the home. 

Because of this, quality is important, so choose solid wood or solid veneer for your console table. FSC-certified wood is another great choice for those looking to combine sustainability and quality. All of these offer durable finishes that can withstand daily use. 

If you’re opting for storage-friendly console tables, ensure drawer runners have a smooth action and sturdy frames to avoid damage, too. 

Final Thoughts

As with most interior design choices, it’s about finding the right balance between form and function when you’re considering hall console table ideas. 

By carefully measuring your space, considering shape, size, and storage, and keeping table choices in line with the rest of your interior, you’ll be able to choose a console table that boosts your home’s aesthetics and gives you a practical edge.

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