A sofa table may transform the design and feel of your living space. Whether you need extra storage, a location for lamps and décor, or simply want to cover the empty space behind your sitting, the appropriate table can make your home feel more polished and organized.
You may hear this piece of furniture referred to as a couch table, sofa console, behind couch table or console table behind sofa. The titles may vary, but the goal is usually the same: to give your sofa some design and useable surface area along the back. It helps to know the proper size, design, placement and decorating style for your room before you buy one.
What Is a Sofa Table?
A sofa table is a long, rather narrow table often set behind a sofa or couch. If you have ever wondered about the table behind the couch it is usually termed a sofa table or a console table. If you have open plan living areas where the couch faces the rest of the room, a table behind the sofa is extremely handy. Rather than leaving that space blank, a console behind the couch makes for a more refined flow between areas. Some homeowners also employ behind-the-couch shelves when they are looking for something smaller or more simple than a typical console.
Measure the Space Behind Your Sofa
Make sure you measure your area well before deciding on a sofa table to go behind the couch. First, measure the height of the back of your sofa. The back of your sofa table should ideally be at the same height as the back of the sofa or a little lower. A table that sits considerably higher can feel awkward, and may impede your view across the room.
You should also take the length of your sofa. You don’t have to make a console table behind a couch spanning the entire width of the couch. A nicely-proportioned look is a table that’s around two-thirds to three-quarters the length of the sofa in many settings. And depth matters just as much. Generally a table for the back of the couch should be narrow enough to not take up excessive walking space. For a tiny room, opt for a slim couch console table or a compact shelf-style design.
Choose a Style That Matches Your Living Room
The proper couch tables should go with the furniture you already own. For a modern look, go for minimalist designs with metal frames, glass tops or clean wood finishes. A basic console table behind the couch adds functionality without cluttering the room. If your interior is farmhouse or rustic style, go for natural wood, distressed finishes or tables with open storage.
If you have a traditional living room, you might want to think about a more intricate behind-the-couch table, maybe something with carved legs, drawers or a rich wood finish. A simple sofa with simple lines can be complemented by a sleek sofa table behind it to create a clean and sophisticated look for contemporary homes. You don’t necessary want all your furnishings to match perfectly. Instead, use materials and colors that feel like they belong with the rest of the room.
Think About How You Will Use the Table
Decide what you want a behind sofa table to do before shopping for one. Some folks desire more of a decorative surface. Some people require additional storage or a location to keep everyday things. A back of the couch table with drawers will hide remotes, chargers, notebooks, or other small items. Open shelves below for books, baskets or decorative decorations.
A console table behind a sofa in the middle of a large room can also subtly separate a room. If there are no convenient side tables nearby, you can even utilize a couch table behind your seats to hold lamps. Knowing how you will be using the furniture helps in selecting the proper design.
How to Decorate a Console Table
Knowing how to decorate a console table is just as crucial as picking the table. Begin with a larger accent piece as the center of attention. This could be a lamp, vase, sculpture, framed art or plant. Add some smaller things on different heights then. Popular items include books, candles, bowls, picture frames, and tiny plants.
A good console table décor idea is often based on balance, not symmetry. You don’t have to have the same things on both sides of the table. Instead, strive to disperse the visual weight evenly. For example, you could add a tall lamp on one side and balance it with a stack of books and a medium-sized plant on the other. Don’t go right to the edge on both sides. You leave some vacant space and your couch table décor looks more purposeful.
Sofa Table Decor Ideas for Different Styles
There are several easy sofa table décor ideas that you can use in your interior. Use a modest lamp, ceramic vase and a few carefully picked books for a trendy living area. Farmhouse Décor Loves Woven Baskets, Greenery, Wooden Accessories and Neutral-Colored Pottery
A coastal room can be lovely with pale wood, glass containers, shells and pastel blue or beige accents. If you want to give the sofa console a more opulent appeal, embellish it with metallic accessories, exquisite lights, candles, and framed artwork.
Seasonal decorations can help keep your behind-the-couch table appearing fresh all year long. Spring might be flowers, summer could be foliage, fall could be pumpkins and winter could be candles or festive accessories.
Consider Storage Options
If storage is essential, use a behind the sofa console table with drawers, cabinets or shelves. With a low shelf table you have room for nice storage baskets. They can hide away blankets, magazines, toys or electronics while still keeping them close at hand. If you like a cleaner look, a console table with drawers behind the couch is nice since you can hide tiny items instead of displaying them. If you live in a small home, select furniture that performs the functions of storage and décor to maximize your space.
Pay Attention to Walking Space
One mistake is selecting a table behind the couch that is too deep for the space. • Leave enough room between the table and walls or furniture adjacent so that people can stroll behind the sofa. A narrow couch table may be a preferable option if space is limited. Their slim profiles leave room for décor and will not get in the way of your movements. For particularly tiny spaces, a wall-mounted or shelf-style behind sofa shelf might create the same visual impact, but use much less floor space.
Choose the Right Material
The material used influences the look and durability of your couch table. Wood is a very adaptable choice and will match almost any style of decor. Metal tables give a more futuristic or industrial air, whereas glass can make a small room feel more open. If the table behind the sofa will be used every day, select a hard-wearing surface that is easy to clean. Families with pets or children may select durable wood or metal over fragile glass.
Avoid Overdecorating
You might be tempted to stuff your sofa table (behind the couch) with every decorative item you own. Less is more in terms of style. Choose items that have height, texture and shape differences. Ensure the overall color palette is consistent with the remainder of your living space. Often, all you need is a lamp, a plant, books and one decorative object. Your couch table decor should enhance the room, not conflict with it.
Final Thoughts
Behind your sofa the perfect coffee table combines design, balance and utility. Start by measuring your space, then select a design that fits your furniture and suits your storage or décor requirements. The right behind the couch table, couch console table, console table behind couch or sofa table behind couch can turn an underutilized space into one of the most appealing areas of your living room.
Once you have found the correct table, keep your decorating strategy simple. Thoughtful console table decor ideas, balanced accessories and efficient storage may transform the space behind your sofa into a gorgeous and functional feature of your house.
