How Deep Should a Console Table Be? A Practical Size Guide for Every Home (Part 1 of 3)
Share
Buying a console table might seem straightforward, but one of the most common questions we hear is:
"How deep should a console table actually be?"
It's a great question, because while style is important, getting the dimensions right is what makes the difference between a piece of furniture that fits beautifully into your home and one that quickly becomes an inconvenience.
Whether you're furnishing a narrow hallway, adding character behind a sofa or creating a welcoming entrance, choosing the correct depth will ensure your console table looks perfectly in proportion whilst remaining practical for everyday life.
In this first part of our three-part guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about console table depth, how to measure your space correctly and why choosing handcrafted reclaimed wood can completely transform the look and feel of your home.
Is There a Standard Console Table Depth?
The simple answer is yes—but there's also flexibility.
Most console tables are between 20cm and 40cm deep, depending on where they'll be used and how much surface space you need.
A slimmer console table is often perfect for compact hallways where every centimetre matters, while deeper designs provide more room for styling, storage and everyday use in larger spaces.
There isn't a single "perfect" depth. Instead, the best console table is the one that's designed around your home.
Need Something That's Not a Standard Size?
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is trying to make standard-sized furniture fit unusual spaces.
At Willow & Kole, we understand that every home is different. That's why we offer bespoke console tables, handcrafted to suit your exact requirements.
Whether you need an ultra-slim console table for a narrow hallway or a larger statement piece for behind a sofa, our team will guide you through every step of the process. From choosing the right dimensions to selecting the perfect finish, you'll work with a dedicated expert who'll ensure your furniture is made to suit your home—not the other way around.
👉 Contact Willow & Kole about a bespoke console table
👉 Browse our Console Table Collection
Choosing the Right Depth for Your Hallway
Hallways are often one of the busiest areas in the home, yet they're also one of the narrowest.
That's why we'd generally recommend a console table between 20cm and 30cm deep for most hallways.
A slimmer profile still gives you enough space for everyday essentials such as:
- Keys
- A table lamp
- Fresh flowers
- Candles
- Family photographs
- Decorative accessories
while ensuring the hallway still feels open and easy to walk through.
If your hallway is particularly narrow, don't worry—this is exactly where bespoke furniture can make all the difference.
Rather than compromising on style, our team can create a console table designed specifically for your available space, giving you the perfect balance of practicality and design.
Console Tables Behind a Sofa
Console tables have become increasingly popular behind sofas, particularly in open-plan homes.
Used correctly, they help define living spaces while providing additional styling opportunities and useful surface space.
Behind a sofa, you can often choose a slightly deeper console table because there's naturally more room available.
They're perfect for displaying:
- Table lamps
- Books
- House plants
- Decorative bowls
- Artwork
- Family photographs
A handcrafted reclaimed wood console table also introduces warmth and texture, helping soften more contemporary interiors without overwhelming the room.
Think About How You'll Actually Use Your Console Table
Before deciding on the dimensions, ask yourself one important question:
What do I want this furniture to do every day?
If it's simply somewhere to place keys and a lamp, a slimmer design may be all you need.
If you're hoping to create additional storage or display larger decorative pieces, you may benefit from a deeper design.
Many of our customers also choose to complement their console table with matching handcrafted furniture to create a cohesive look throughout the home.
At Willow & Kole, we also handcraft a range of:
- Storage Units – Storage Units Collection
- Bookcases – Bookcases Collection
- Coffee Tables – Coffee Tables Collection
- Side Tables – Side Tables Collection
Choosing furniture crafted from the same reclaimed timber helps create a home that feels thoughtfully designed whilst still celebrating the individuality of natural wood.
Why Material Matters Just as Much as Size
Choosing the right depth is only part of the decision.
The material you choose has just as much impact on the overall look, feel and longevity of your furniture.
At Willow & Kole, reclaimed wood isn't simply one option we offer—it's what we specialise in.
Every piece we make is handcrafted using carefully selected reclaimed timber, allowing the natural grain, knots, markings and character of the wood to shine through.
We don't manufacture furniture designed to imitate rustic style.
We don't use artificial finishes to make new timber look old.
We don't do flat pack.
And we don't believe every piece of furniture should look identical.
Instead, we celebrate everything that makes reclaimed wood unique.
Every beam has lived a previous life.
Every plank has its own history.
Every finished console table tells a story that can never be replicated by mass production.
That's exactly why no two Willow & Kole pieces are ever the same.
Before You Order, Take a Few Measurements
One of the simplest things you can do before ordering a console table is spend five minutes measuring your space.
Ask yourself:
- How wide is the room or hallway?
- Will people regularly walk past it?
- How much surface space do I actually need?
- Will it complement my existing furniture?
- Could a bespoke size work better than a standard one?
If you're unsure, we'd always recommend getting in touch with our team before placing an order.
We'll happily discuss your room, measurements, style preferences and intended use, helping you choose a console table that's perfectly suited to your home.
Sometimes a small adjustment in depth or length makes all the difference—and because we specialise in handcrafted furniture, we can often create a piece that's made specifically for your space.
Create a Cohesive Look Throughout Your Home
A console table rarely sits in isolation.
Many homeowners choose to coordinate their furniture throughout the home using complementary reclaimed wood pieces.
Some of our most popular pairings include:
- Console Tables – Console Table Collection
- Coffee Tables – Coffee Table Collection
- Side Tables – Side Table Collection
- Bookcases – Bookcase Collection
- Storage Units – Storage Collection
Choosing matching furniture doesn't mean every room needs to look identical. Instead, it creates consistency through shared materials, craftsmanship and timeless design.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right console table isn't just about following standard dimensions—it's about finding a piece that fits your home, your lifestyle and your personal style.
Whilst 20cm–40cm is generally the ideal depth range, every home is different, and that's why bespoke furniture is becoming increasingly popular.
At Willow & Kole, we're passionate about creating handcrafted reclaimed wood furniture that's made to last for generations. Whether you're looking for a slim hallway console table or a larger bespoke design, our team is here to help you find exactly the right solution.
If you'd like advice before ordering, we'd love to hear from you.
Coming Next...
Part 2 of this series: How to Style a Console Table: 15 Beautiful Ideas for Hallways, Living Rooms & More
We'll cover everything from mirrors and lighting to seasonal styling, baskets, artwork and how to create a console table display that feels effortless rather than cluttered.