Our tips for a perfectly styled console or sideboard.

Do you ever feel like you paint a room, get all the furniture in place but something still feels off? It could be those finishing styling touches were overlooked. This could be bookshelves, a bar cart, or the top of a console or sideboard. In todays post we’re going to focus on styling a console or sideboard but a lot of these principles remain for whatever you might be styling.

Tip #1 - Don’t leave anything floating on the surface.

It is so important to anchor your styling pieces so they aren’t just sitting on top of the furniture. This could mean placing your decorative items in a tray or on top of a stack of books. This is the place to display those really great coffee table books you had sitting on a shelf. We even like taking the jacket off the book if the color underneath is more in line with the color scheme. Items to place on top of books or in a tray could be a candle, a beautiful dish or crystal candlesticks. You want to try and have different elements on display. For example, if you have a small wooden sculpture break it up with some crystal for a lighter element.

Tip # 2 - Make it believable

Okay we know this one may seem confusing but hear us out. You always want to make sure that while everything you style is beautiful it should also have a believable function. For example, say you are styling an entryway console in a small entryway. Your instinct might be to add a candle to the mix but realistically would you ever light a candle in a small entryway? Probably not. Instead opt for a great smelling diffuser. Still a great styling piece but way more believable. The goal is to make your home feel lived in, not like a museum of perfectly curated items that aren’t used.

Tip # 3 - Add some lighting

We love adding a great lamp on top of furniture. It brings the light down from the ceiling for more ambience while adding height to your styling. We recommend going for a lamp in the 25-30 inch height range to really make the whole scene look successful. On the opposite end of the spectrum a mini lamp is great on top of a stack of books for some interest.

Tip #4 - Bring in some life with florals

The final element we like to add in are florals or branches. These would ideally be real but faux works too. If faux, remember to use what would naturally be in season (back to the believability factor). Florals or branches bring the outdoors in and add life to your space. Its also a great way to display an amazing vase or jar and add some color. Magnolia leaves and eucalyptus are great for fall and winter while cherry blossoms and peonies are perfect for spring and summer.

Ultimately styling is fun! its a way to showcase your personality and beloved items you have in your home. You can change things up for the season so your home always feels fresh and exciting Happy styling!

Think you have this down but could still use some guidance? Check out our services here. We would love to help!