What to Put on a Sofa Table

Just because it's called a sofa table doesn't mean that it has to be relegated to behind a sofa. Also called a console table, a sofa table can serve your home in a variety of places and ways. What you put on, under and around your sofa table is determined by where you place it, how you use it and your own personal style. The sum of all the parts you assemble is called a "vignette." Does this Spark an idea?

Design Considerations

When creating one, most decorators agree with Thom Felicia that you need to "consider balance, color, contrast, texture and scale." Balance means that you arrange the articles on top, underneath and above the table in proportion to the space and each other. Also, a general rule is to always make groupings of threes, fives and so on. A trick to make a distinctive grouping of smaller items, such as collected seashells, is to place them on a tray.

Sofa Table as Sofa Table

Use table lamps in proportion to table and sofa.

Instead of anchoring your sofa flush up against the wall, place a sofa table behind it to add more depth and interest to your room. Place table lamps in proportion with your sofa and ceiling height on either end. In between, display a grouping of sculptural objects, such as art glass, candles or wood carvings, towards one side, perhaps a stack of art books toward the other. If you're floating your sofa to redefine your living space, choose objects that visually connect one space with the other.

The Sofa as Console Table in the Living Room

Sit the sofa table in front of a bay or picture window.

In the living room, a sofa table can move out to sit in front of a bay or picture window or along a small stretch of wall. Place complementary seating on each side. The table offers the ideal place for you to display your favorite family photos. A dramatic effect is to make all the photos black and white or sepia tones, and replace in different styles and sizes of frames.

Make a Statement in Your Foyer

In the foyer, a sofa table placed either on the side or end wall is the ideal opportunity to introduce your guests to your style and build expectation. Hang a dramatic mirror or wall art above the table. Place sculptural elements underneath. On top of the table, bring in your objects of art. For example, if you subscribe to the feng shui way, design a vignette that includes the five elements. Include a tabletop fountain, a pair of Chinese Foo dogs, a religious statue, candles and round-leaf plants.

The Sofa Table in the Dining Room

In a small dining area, a sofa table becomes a sideboard when serving guests or a decorative accent when not. Display candelabras, artistic serving dishes, perhaps a bowl of fruit on top, a mirror above and interesting storage boxes or baskets to store your colorful table linens below.