Scandi Console Table: Styling Ideas, Sizes and Tips

A Scandi console table is one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in a home. It's slim enough for the narrowest hallway, pretty enough to be the first thing guests see, and flexible enough to sit behind a sofa, under a window or in a bedroom as a dressing table. In true Scandinavian style, it's simple, natural and useful.

In this guide I'll explain what makes a console table Scandi, the sizes to look for, where to use one, a simple styling formula, 20 Scandi console table styling ideas, materials and finishes, how Scandi compares with Japandi and mid-century styles, and what to check before you buy.

What Makes a Console Table Scandi?

The Scandinavian approach is about calm, light and comfort, so a Scandi console table should feel uncluttered and useful as well as beautiful.

Console Table Sizes

These are general guides, as sizes vary between makers.

Getting the proportions right

• In a hallway, check you can still walk past comfortably and open doors fully. Measure the clear space before you buy; a slim, wall-mounted or half-moon console works where space is tight.
• Behind a sofa, choose a console no taller than the back of the sofa and slightly shorter than its length.
• Under a mirror or art, choose a mirror or picture that's a little narrower than the table, hung so there's a small gap above any tall lamps or vases.

Where to Use a Scandi Console Table

A console table makes a brilliant compact desk too. My guide to writing desks explains the different desk types and sizes, and my small living room ideas show how to fit one into a tight layout.

How to Style a Scandi Console Table

Use this simple formula and adjust it to suit your space.

1. Start with something on the wall. A round mirror, a framed print or a pair of small artworks gives the console a focal point.
2. Add height on one side. A table lamp, a tall vase of branches or a leaning print.
3. Add a middle layer. A small stack of books, a ceramic bowl or a candle.
4. Add something living. A plant, a few stems of greenery or dried grasses.
5. Use the space underneath. Woven baskets, a stool or a pair of ottomans.
6. Leave some empty space. Scandinavian styling is about breathing room, so stop before it feels cluttered.

A good rule is to work in odd numbers and vary the heights, with tall, medium and low objects creating a gentle triangle.

20 Scandi Console Table Styling Ideas

Hallway ideas

1. A round mirror and a ceramic lamp. The classic Scandi hallway pairing, which bounces light and makes a small hall feel bigger.
2. Baskets underneath. Seagrass or woven baskets hide shoes, scarves and dog leads.
3. A key dish and a tray. A ceramic dish for keys and a small tray for post keep the surface tidy.
4. Wall hooks above. In a narrow hallway, a peg rail above the console adds storage without taking up floor space.
5. A striped runner. A flatweave runner in front of the console softens the floor and leads the eye through the hall.

Living room ideas

6. Behind the sofa. A slim console behind a floating sofa adds a surface for lamps and books and defines the seating area.
7. A pair of lamps. Two matching lamps at each end create a calm, symmetrical look.
8. Lean, don't hang. Lean one or two prints against the wall for a relaxed, layered feel.
9. Books as decor. Stack a few books horizontally and top them with a small object.
10. A trailing plant. A pothos or string of pearls softens the clean lines.

Bedroom and workspace ideas

11. A dressing table. Add a mirror, a small stool and a dish for jewellery.
12. A compact desk. A console with a slim drawer is perfect for laptop work in a bedroom or living room.
13. Under a window. Keep it low and simple so it doesn't block the light.

Seasonal ideas

14. Autumn. Branches, pinecones and a lamp. My autumn decoration ideas have more ideas.
15. Winter. Candles, a small wreath and greenery. See my guide to fresh Christmas wreaths.
16. Spring. Fresh flowers in a simple vase. My guide to decorating with fresh flowers has lots of inspiration.
17. Summer. Beach finds, a linen runner and a jug of garden flowers.

Colour and texture ideas

18. Paint the wall behind it. A soft sage, warm white or pale clay wall frames a pale oak console beautifully. See my guides to the best green paint colours and Farrow & Ball Wimborne White.
19. Mix wood tones carefully. Keep the console, frames and mirror in similar pale woods, then add one darker accent.
20. Add texture. Linen, wool, rattan, stoneware and dried grasses add warmth without adding colour.

Scandi Console Table Materials

Scandi vs Japandi vs Mid-Century Console Tables

If you love a calmer, more minimal look, my Japandi office guide explains the style.

What to Check Before You Buy

• Measure twice. Check the width, depth and height, and that doors and walkways stay clear.
• Stability. Slim console tables can tip, especially in homes with children or pets. Fix it to the wall with a safety strap or bracket where possible, as the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission advises for shelves and drawers.
• Storage. Decide whether you need a drawer, a lower shelf or space for baskets.
• Solid wood or veneer. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished; veneer is lighter and often more affordable.
• Secondhand. Vintage console tables and small sideboards are often better made and cheaper than new. My guide to upcycled furniture has ideas for refreshing one, and if an old piece smells musty, see my guide on how to remove a musty smell from wood furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Scandi console table?

A Scandi console table is a slim, narrow table in Scandinavian style, usually made from pale natural wood such as oak, ash or birch, with clean lines, slim or tapered legs and sometimes a drawer or lower shelf.

What height should a console table be?

Most console tables are around 75 to 85cm high. Behind a sofa, choose one no taller than the back of the sofa.

How deep should a hallway console table be?

For a narrow hallway, look for a depth of around 25 to 30cm so you can still walk past comfortably. Always measure your hallway before you buy.

How do you style a console table in Scandinavian style?

Hang a round mirror or art above it, add a lamp on one side, a small stack of books or a ceramic bowl in the middle and a plant or dried grasses, then add baskets underneath and leave some empty space.

Can a console table be used as a desk?

Yes. A console table with a slim drawer makes a neat desk for laptop work, especially in a bedroom, living room or small flat.

What should go under a console table?

Woven baskets, a pair of stools or ottomans, a bench, or a neat row of shoes in a hallway all work well under a console table.

Simple, Useful and Beautiful

A Scandi console table proves that the most useful furniture can also be the most beautiful. Choose the right size for your space, keep the styling simple and natural, and let the wood and light do the work.

If you'd like help styling your hallway or living room, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me. For more ideas, browse my interior design articles.