Many bedrooms feature a chest of drawers, even though space is often limited and its function remains rather basic. If you only need a surface for jewelry, a watch, or keys, a console table offers a more streamlined solution. With a depth of 35 to 45 cm, it takes up significantly less space than a chest of drawers, which typically measures 50 to 60 cm deep. At the same time, it provides enough surface area for your most important items and can be flexibly placed against a wall or behind the bed. This creates a storage surface that brings order without dominating the room.
Why a Console Table Instead of a Chest of Drawers
A chest of drawers offers storage space that many people don't actually need in the bedroom. Clothes are kept in the wardrobe, bedding in a compartment under the bed or in a separate room. What remains are small items: jewelry, perfume, hand cream, perhaps a book. For these items, an open, easily accessible surface that can be tidied quickly is sufficient. A console table fulfills precisely this task, without unnecessary drawers or doors.
The shallow depth makes a noticeable difference in the room. Where a chest of drawers protrudes 50 cm or more into the room, a console table with a depth of 40 cm leaves a passage of 80 cm instead of 70 cm. This may sound like a small difference, but it significantly impacts freedom of movement. Especially in old buildings with narrow bedrooms or in rooms with sloped ceilings, this allows you to reclaim valuable space.
Where to Place the Console Table in the Bedroom
The classic position is against the wall opposite the bed. There, the console table serves as a surface for items you need before leaving the room: keys, wallet, sunglasses. A wall mirror above it complements the function and creates a dressing area without the need for a separate dressing table. The height of the console should be between 75 and 85 cm, so that the surface is easily accessible and the mirror hangs at the correct height.
A second option is to place it behind the bed, provided the headboard is low or absent entirely. In this case, the console table acts as a room divider, visually separating the bed from the wall. Lamps, books, or plants can be placed on the console. This arrangement is particularly suitable for large rooms where the bed does not need to be directly against the wall. Here, the depth should not exceed 35 to 40 cm, so that the space behind the bed remains accessible.
Which Dimensions Work in the Bedroom
The length of the console table depends on the available wall space and its function. For a purely decorative surface, 100 to 120 cm is sufficient. If you also want space for a table lamp or a vase, choose 140 to 160 cm. Longer consoles from 180 cm are suitable for wide walls or as a substitute for a sideboard if laundry or accessories are also to be stored in the bedroom.
| Room Situation | Console Length | Console Depth | Console Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow Bedroom | 100–120 cm | 35–40 cm | 75–80 cm |
| Opposite the Bed | 120–160 cm | 40–45 cm | 80–85 cm |
| Behind the Bed | 140–180 cm | 35–40 cm | 70–75 cm |
| As Sideboard Replacement | 180–200 cm | 45–50 cm | 80–85 cm |
Material and Surface for the Bedroom
In the bedroom, the material should appear calm and understated. Wood in light tones such as oak or walnut blends into most interiors and can be combined with textiles and carpets. Dark woods like mahogany or rosewood create an accent, but require sufficient daylight so that the room does not feel too heavy.
Metal as a frame brings lightness, especially in combination with glass or marble as a top. A console with a brass frame and glass top reflects light and makes the room appear larger. Marble as a top is easy to clean and resistant to moisture, for example from perfume bottles or cream jars. The surface should be matte or satin so that no fingerprints are visible.
Combination with Mirror and Lighting
A wall mirror above the console table extends its function to a dressing station. The mirror should be at least 60 cm wide; for longer consoles from 140 cm, 80 to 100 cm is appropriate. The bottom edge hangs 10 to 15 cm above the console top, leaving enough space between the mirror and the surface for objects. A rectangular mirror in portrait format is suitable for narrow walls, while a round mirror softens strict lines.
Lighting is necessary if the console is to serve as a dressing table. Two table lamps on the left and right provide even light without shadows on the face. The height of the lamps should be 40 to 50 cm so that the light falls at face height. Alternatively, a wall lamp can be mounted above the mirror, illuminating the entire area. The light color should be neutral to warm, between 2700 and 3000 Kelvin.
What Belongs on the Console
The surface only works if it is not overloaded. A basic rule: a maximum of five to seven items on a 120 cm long console. These include a bowl for jewelry, a tray for perfume, a vase, or a lamp. Everything else should disappear into drawers or cabinets. If you need more organization, place small boxes or baskets on the console to hide small items.
Decoration is allowed, but should remain understated. A single art object, a plant, or a stack of books is sufficient. Too many vases, candles, or picture frames make the console appear cluttered and take up space that is needed for daily use. Two-thirds of the surface should remain free so that the console fulfills its function as a storage surface.
You can find suitable pieces under Console Tables and Wall Mirrors. Details on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Console Tables and Eichholtz Wall Mirrors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a console table replace a nightstand?
No, it is not designed for that. A nightstand stands directly next to the bed and provides space for items you need at night: reading lamp, book, glass of water. The console table stands against the wall and serves as a surface for items you use during the day. Both pieces of furniture fulfill different functions and complement each other in the bedroom.
How much space is needed between the bed and the console table?
If the console table is opposite the bed, there should be at least 80 cm of space to allow comfortable passage. For a double bed 180 cm wide and a console 40 cm deep, in a room 300 cm wide, there will be an 80 cm passage on each side. This is sufficient for daily use.
What is the correct height for a console in the bedroom?
The standard height is between 75 and 85 cm. For a surface with a mirror above it, 80 to 85 cm is ideal so that the mirror hangs at the correct height. If the console is behind the bed, it can be lower, about 70 to 75 cm, so that it does not protrude above the headboard and visually divides the room.
Does a console also fit into a small bedroom?
Yes, especially there it makes sense. A console 100 cm long and 35 cm deep takes up less space than a chest of drawers and still offers enough surface for the most important items. It can stand against a narrow wall where a chest of drawers would appear too bulky, and makes the room seem more open.