It’s usually the first piece of furniture people lay eyes on when they walk through the front door, so there’s no getting away with a poorly styled console table.
You may have raided your home for interesting items to display on top of it, but what about the empty wall space above it?
Just like how it’s crucial to decorate above the bed or above the sofa, your console table needs that all-important finishing touch.
In case you’re in dire need of some design inspiration, here are plenty of great ideas to help you figure out what to hang above a console table.
Cathedral window frames
We’re all used to seeing windows in our sight lines when we walk into a room, so they are the perfect starting point for filling that big empty space above a console table.
But the twist is that you’re only exhibiting the frames – carving out an actual window is a bit far-fetched, let’s be honest. And besides, this gives you the freedom to run with any type of window that takes your fancy.
We say try your luck with something totally different to the regular squares and rectangles inserted in the walls of most homes. Arched cathedral window frames are much likelier to make an impression and lend a vintage-inspired look to your scheme.
Distressed wall clock
Those who love decorating with practical pieces needn’t look further than a good-looking wall clock.
Of course, what’s considered good-looking to one person may well be an eyesore to somebody else, but it’s safe to say that distressed wall clocks enjoy universal appeal and is particularly recommended if you’re after a coastal vibe.
Seagrass wall art
You always win people over when you decorate with sustainable materials because we all understand the importance of looking after our one and only planet.
That’s why displaying Seagrass wall art above the console table is such a no-brainer. They look super eye-catching in a radial design, may we add.
For added impact and to fill a larger volume of space, multiply the fun with an entire set of seagrass wall art in a range of sizes.
Macrame wall hanging
When you get into the habit of decorating with textiles, there’s no going back as everyone loves a bit of boho charm.
So if the scene is too formal and you want to loosen things up, a fiber wall hanging such as macrame is your best bet and will bring about an energy shift to something more free spirited at the flick of a switch.
Grass wall art
Pretty much anything can succeed as wall art as long as you present it the right way i.e. make it look intentional.
Obviously if real grass started growing on your walls out of nowhere then people would rightly question it along with your ability to carry out basic household maintenance.
However, when said grass is presented on a decorative wall panel, all of a sudden you have a work of art on your hands that will easily elevate the console table. And as with all forms of greenery, it invigorates the senses and offers a splash of color.
Cog wall art
Who knew that bits of machinery could make such enjoyable home decor?
In fact, home decor doesn’t really do justice to the amount of industrial chic that a few cogs will bring to the scene – it has the potential to be the centerpiece of the whole room!
If that doesn’t have you sold on cog wall art then we’re truly stumped.
Succulent wall art
When it comes to houseplants, it’s the leafy variety that reigns supreme in our homes. This opens up an opportunity to go against the grain with your decorating choices.
Succulents are thickened and fleshy because they’re all about water retention. The shape and form of these unique plant species is different from one to the next, so when you group them together on a wall panel, you’re left with a captivating display.
Guitar wall art
Good interior design reflects who you are as a person – if you’re stuck in a state of indecision, think about where your passions lie and go from there.
For example, anyone with a passion for rock music would do well to reserve that prime spot above the console table for an artistic version of a musical instrument such as a guitar.
What’s more, guests visiting for the first time get to learn about your personality without forcing an awkward Q&A session.
Quote signs
Words don’t even have to come out of a person’s mouth to make you feel moved and inspired, which is great news for your console table styling efforts!
Step inside a gym and you’ll find that the walls tend to be covered in motivational phrases, such is the power of words to get us to push harder.
But you can also use words to remind you about the comfort of home and the value of family and to foster a general appreciation of life. If that’s something you can get behind, hang a cute quote sign or two above the console table.
Mirror
Mirrors are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to home decor – they will beautify a space as well as make it feel larger and brighter.
As for your console table, it’s worth noting that some mirrors work better than others.
We’ve written about the best mirrors for a console table in case you wanted to explore all options, but you can’t go wrong with a regular round mirror to complement what is a boxy piece of furniture.
Reclaimed wood wall art
Natural decor never fails to warm up a home, so it’s high time you look outside for design inspiration.
In fact, why not develop your styling repertoire further still by utilizing timber that has already been put to human use and was destined for landfill?
We’re talking about reclaimed wood and there are some creative souls out there who fashion them into framed works of art complete with fun patterns and varied tones.
Sunburst wall art
The weather is one of the few things out of our control which can have a really big impact on our mood.
You can keep spirits high all year round (in your home, at least) by choosing to hang sun-inspired decor above the console table.
Just imagine rushing inside to escape the pouring rain and you’re greeted with a cheerful set of sunburst wall art…
Feather wall decor
Sometimes it’s not so much about what is hanging above the console table but more about what is symbolizes.
With feather wall decor, you get the best of both worlds. Not only do they look pretty, feathers are symbolic of everything that any proud homeowner would want to symbolize: Trust, honor, strength and freedom.
Penny Farthing bicycle wall art
If you don’t think old-fashioned items have a place in contemporary schemes then you have no business styling a piece of furniture or any space in your home for that matter.
Interior design thrives on setting up clashes between opposing characteristics as this is what brings a scene to life and stimulates the eye.
So with that said, get your hands on something that belongs to a bygone era, such as a penny farthing bicycle in art form, and it won’t be long before people gravitate toward your console table as if it were an exhibition in a history museum.
Books
If we were writing about the best decor to display on a console table, we would have given books top billing as they are so damn easy to style with.
Thankfully, it’s possible to display them on the wall, too. Forget about shelves and bookcases – get hold of some leather strap book holders so that you can display them flush against the wall with their beautiful front covers visible for all to see.
Artwork
One of the easiest but no less effective solutions for decorating the console table is by hanging artwork above it.
Try to refrain from picking out any old picture or painting and calling it a day – some consideration for size, style and placement can raise the aesthetic to something extra special, as explained in our guide about hanging art above a console table.
Wall pockets
There’s no shame in using the empty space over a console for practical gain, such as a wall pocket or some kind of wall organizer to store your bits and bobs in.
Obviously the design of the pocket needs to look the part, so try to find something in a stylish material like leather.
And again, consider upping the quantity to ensure they don’t go unnoticed, and set them out organically on the wall for added visual interest.
TV
Even if you don’t watch TV in the area where your console table is situated, you can always find another purpose for it.
A TV in the entryway could show a CCTV feed, which would be handy for answering the door at night. Or, run a slideshow of your favorite family memories on repeat to enhance that homey feel.
Keep in mind that a black TV screen is a bit unsightly, especially against a white backdrop. But you can overcome this with our ideas for decorating around a TV, with one of the suggestions being to use a dark-colored console underneath.
Two tone walls
Maybe the answer is to hang nothing at all!
But before you let out a sigh of relief and move on to the next home improvement project, consider that the wall itself would then need to become the aesthetic.
Since the console table is a mid-height piece of furniture, you could use it to emphasize a two-tone wall. Perhaps the bottom half could be painted while the top half showcases a more unfinished appearance such as exposed concrete?
Wall planters
Plant parents will be happy to learn that their green besties can take to the walls with the help of a wall planter.
There are so many types of wall planters on the market that you should be able to find something which slots into the scheme with ease.
We’re a fan of rack-style wall planters which give you the freedom to rearrange the planters anywhere on the rails.