The Art of the Console: Styling with Vintage Lighting and Curated Objects

The console table. It is often the first thing you see when you enter a home, or the grounding element behind a sofa. Yet, it can easily become a clutter magnet or a neglected surface.

At Maison Jaspers, we view the console table as a stage—a perfect opportunity to create a "vignette" that tells a story about your style. The secret to a magazine-worthy look isn't just about buying expensive items; it is about the composition of four key elements: Statement Lighting, Art, Books, and a Tactile Object.

Here is our guide to mastering this balance using vintage treasures.

1. The Anchor: The Vintage Lamp

Lighting is the heartbeat of any vignette. On a console, the lamp serves two purposes: it provides ambient warmth and acts as a sculptural anchor.

Because console tables are usually narrow, you need a lamp with presence but a modest footprint.

• The Strategy: Place the lamp on one side of the table (left or right), rather than dead center. This creates dynamic asymmetry.

• Maison Jaspers Pick: A heavy 1970s Travertine Table Lamp or a Murano Glass Mushroom Lamp. These pieces don’t just light up a room; they offer texture and history even when switched off. The soft glow of a vintage lamp instantly makes an entrance hall feel welcoming rather than sterile.

2. The Backdrop: Art or Mirror

To stop the eye from wandering, you need a backdrop. This connects the surface of the table to the wall, creating a cohesive scene.

• The Strategy: You can hang a piece of art centered above the table, or for a more relaxed, "collected" look, lean a framed print against the wall slightly behind the lamp. This layering adds depth.

• The Look: Choose abstract art with colors that complement the lampshade, or a vintage brass mirror to reflect the light and open up the space.

3. The Elevation: Coffee Table Books

Books are the interior designer’s secret weapon. They introduce color, intellect, and—most importantly—structure.

• The Strategy: Create a horizontal stack of 2 to 3 large coffee table books (art, design, or architecture titles work best). Place this stack towards the center or the opposite side of the lamp.

• Why it works: The books act as a pedestal. They break up the flat line of the table surface and provide a stage for your final element.

4. The Jewel: A Unique Object

The final touch is the "jewel"—a small object that draws the eye in for a closer look. This is where you add personality.

• The Strategy: Place this object on top of your stack of books. This varies the height and ensures the object doesn't get lost on the table surface.

• Maison Jaspers Pick: A heavy Crystal Ashtray (repurposed as a catch-all), a Bronze Sculpture, or a geometric Marble Bowl. The contrast of materials is key here: if your lamp is ceramic, choose a glass or metal object to keep the visual experience exciting.

The Golden Rule: The Triangle of Height

When you step back, visualize a triangle connecting the top of the lamp, the top of the art, and the object on the books. This triangular composition guides the eye naturally across the arrangement, creating a sense of balance and calm.

Ready to curate your console? There is no need to buy new when the past offers so much beauty. By choosing a vintage lamp or object, you are adding a layer of sustainable luxury that modern mass production simply cannot replicate.

Browse our New Arrivals to find the statement piece that will transform your hallway from a walkthrough into a destination.