A painted console table is one of my favorite quick-win makeovers because it instantly changes how an entry or hallway feels.
Sage Green for a Calm Entryway
When I paint a console table sage green, it instantly softens the whole space and plays nicely with wood floors. I usually finish the look with a stoneware vase and a few branches—simple, but it reads intentional.
A few things you might like:
- Textured Stoneware Vase: Add earthy warmth to your entryway with a rustic vase perfect for holding simple, sculptural branches.
- Sage Green Chalk Paint: Transform your existing furniture piece easily with a soft matte finish that creates a calming vintage look.
- Faux Greenery Branches: Bring effortless nature indoors with realistic stems that add height and organic texture to your console display.
Classic White Base With Natural Wood Top
When I paint a console table in soft white and leave the top stained, it always looks clean and timeless—especially after a light sand to let the grain glow. I usually style mine with a round mirror and a little bowl for keys so it feels welcoming, not fussy.
Products that could assist:
- Matte White Chalk Furniture Paint: Transform your console table base easily with this forgiving paint that offers a smooth, professional-looking matte finish.
- Dark Oak Wood Stain: Enhance the natural grain of your tabletop with a rich stain that creates elegant contrast against white legs.
- Woven Decorative Bowl: Add texture to your entryway while keeping keys organized with a stylish, natural woven bowl for display.
Greige Farmhouse With Light Distressing
A console table in warm greige with gently distressed edges is my go-to when I want farmhouse charm without going full shabby. I’ve had the best results sanding the corners by hand and tucking woven baskets underneath for that effortless texture.
Try these:
- Greige Furniture Chalk Paint: Transform your console table with this warm, matte finish paint for that authentic farmhouse style.
- Assorted Sanding Sponges: Use these flexible sponges to gently sand edges and corners, creating a custom distressed look manually.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Tuck these textured baskets shelves underneath your table to hide clutter and add rustic warmth.
Soft Blue Coastal Console Table
I love painting a console table in a chalky pale blue because it brightens up dark hallways without screaming for attention. In my own projects, a simple clear sealer and a vase of greenery on top makes it feel breezy and fresh.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Chalky Finish Furniture Paint (Pale Blue): Transform your console table with this matte finish paint to achieve that breezy, coastal look effortlessly.
- Clear Matte Wax or Poly Sealer: Protect your newly painted surface while maintaining a natural, soft sheen with this durable clear topcoat.
- Clear Glass Demijohn Vase: Complete the styling by adding this organic glass vessel, perfect for displaying fresh tall greenery branches.
Light Gray With Crisp Clean Lines
A light gray painted console table is basically my “it matches everything” trick, especially if the piece has pretty legs or trim. I’ve found it looks extra sharp when I keep the styling minimal—just a table lamp, a small stack of books, and one framed photo.
May just do the trick:
- Distressed Light Gray Console Table: Anchor your hallway with a console table that features vintage details and a versatile, neutral finish.
- Ceramic Table Lamp with Linen Shade: Add soft vertical height and warm lighting to your entryway setup using a classically shaped table lamp.
- Rustic Wood Picture Frame: Display cherished memories or simple art prints with a textured frame that complements light gray furniture.
Moody Navy With Warm Metal Hardware
Painting a console table deep navy gives instant drama, and I’ve done this when I want the entry to feel more grown-up. I like pairing it with warm metal hardware and a big mirror because the reflections keep the dark color from feeling heavy.
Items that may come in handy:
- Navy Blue Chalk Style Paint: Refresh dated furniture with a deep, moody finish using this easy-to-apply paint perfect for console tables.
- Brass Drawer Pulls: Upgrade your existing hardware with these warm gold-tone handles to create stunning contrast against dark paint.
- Round Gold Wall Mirror: Brighten your entryway and complement the hardware by hanging this reflective accent above your console table.
Matte Black With Basket Storage
A matte black console table is my favorite way to make a thrifted piece look modern, even if it’s a little beat up. I’ve styled mine with natural fiber baskets on the lower shelf, and it hides all the daily clutter like magic.
You might like:
- Matte Black Chalk Style Paint: Refresh your tired furniture pieces with a smooth, matte finish that offers excellent coverage and easy application.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Organize clutter on your lower shelf with these natural fiber baskets that add texture and warmth immediately.
- Clear Glass Cylinder Vase: Complete your tabletop styling with a simple glass vessel perfect for displaying fresh greenery or dried stems.
Creamy Beige With Antique-Style Glaze
A console table in creamy beige with a little aged glaze in the corners is how I fake that “found it at an estate sale” vibe. I’ve learned to go light on the glaze and let the details do the talking, especially under a pair of matching lamps.
These products might help:
- Cream Chalk-Style Furniture Paint: Transform your console table with a soft, creamy base coat that adheres easily to most surfaces.
- Antique Glazing Medium: Apply this darkening glaze into crevices and corners to instantly create that authentic aged, old-world patina.
- Round Wax Brush: Use this specialized brush to work glaze into detailed carvings and achieve professional-looking, textured finishes.
Two-Tone: Dark Base, Light Top
One of the easiest wins I’ve done is a console table with a charcoal-painted base and a light wood top—it feels high-contrast but still cozy. I like adding a soft runner and a small tray so the top stays pretty even when life happens.
Useful items to consider:
- Charcoal Black Chalk Paint: Transform your console table base effortlessly with this matte finish paint. Gives furniture a modern, sophisticated charcoal look.
- Decorative White Ceramic Bowl: Use this shallow bowl to organize small items on your table top while adding a bright, contrasting accent.
- Matte Stoneware Vase: Add height and texture to your display with this neutral vase, perfect for holding simple greenery stems.
Bright White With Black Accents
A bright white painted console table with black pulls is classic for a reason—I’ve used it to tie together mixed finishes in older homes. I always ground it with a darker object on top (like a lamp base) so it doesn’t float away visually.
A few helpful options:
- Matte Black Ring Pulls: Upgrade your existing furniture instantly by swapping out old hardware for these classic matte black ring pulls.
- Bright White Furniture Paint: Refresh a tired wooden table with a coat of crisp white paint for a clean, modern foundation.
- Black Dipped Leg Caps: Create the stylish black-tipped leg look easily with these silicone floor protectors or paint-dipping stencils.
Subtle Striped Drawer Fronts
For a console table with drawers, I’ve taped off thin stripes and painted them one shade darker for a detail you notice up close. It’s such a fun “wait, what?” moment when you’re standing there dropping your mail into the drawer.
A few suggestions:
- Painter’s Tape: Create sharp, clean lines for your striped design without damaging the wood surface underneath.
- Matte Chalk Paint: Apply smooth, durable color that adheres well to furniture for a professional-looking finish.
- Angular Sash Paint Brush: Gain better control and precision when painting narrow stripes or edges on your drawers.
Paint-Washed “Driftwood” Look
I’ve given a console table a weathered vibe by brushing on a thin paint wash and wiping it back so the wood grain stays visible. It looks amazing under a window with a couple of glass vases because the light really shows off the texture.
Might be a good match:
- Whitewash or Driftwood Effect Paint: Create that airy, weathered finish easily by applying this specialized paint designed to highlight natural wood grain.
- Clear Wax Furniture Sealant: Protect your new finish without yellowing it; apply this clear wax to ensure durability and a soft sheen.
- Textured Clear Glass Vases: Enhance the airy vibe by styling your table with glass vases that catch the light beautifully.
Color-Blocked Legs for a Modern Twist
A console table feels instantly updated when I paint the legs one color and the apron another—my favorite is neutral plus a muted accent. I keep the styling sleek with a single sculptural bowl so the paintwork stays the star.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Matte Furniture Paint: Transform your console’s apron with a soft, muted color while keeping the legs natural for contrast.
- Painter’s Tape: Ensure crisp, clean lines between the painted sections and the wood legs for a professional-looking finish.
- Minimalist Decorative Bowl: Keep the styling sleek and focused on your paintwork by adding a single, sculptural centerpiece bowl.
Geometric Stenciled Tabletop
I once painted a console table top with a simple geometric stencil, and it looked like custom furniture for a fraction of the effort. If you try this, I’ve found a clear protective topcoat is non-negotiable—console tables get touched constantly.
You might give these a try:
- Triangle Geometric Stencils: Create a modern look easily with repeating triangle patterns that add instant visual interest to plain furniture surfaces.
- Matte White Chalk Paint: Start with a clean, matte base coat to make your dark geometric stencil designs pop against the surface.
- Clear Protective Topcoat: Seal your new design with a durable finish to protect against scratches, spills, and daily wear and tear.
Faux Inlay With Tape Lines
For a wow-but-doable console table, I’ve used painter’s tape to create faux inlay lines and painted them a contrasting color like warm white over gray. It’s the kind of detail that makes guests lean in and ask how you did it.
Give these a look:
- Narrow Painter’s Tape: Create sharp, precise lines for your faux inlay design using this essential tool for clean paint edges.
- Chalk Style Paint: Apply a smooth, matte finish to your console table drawers for that classic, handcrafted furniture look.
- Square Drawer Knobs: Finish your console makeover with modern square hardware that complements geometric inlay patterns perfectly.
Hand-Painted Botanical Panel Detail
On a console table with a back panel or shelf brace, I’ve painted a botanical motif—even loose leaves look charming and forgiving. It feels extra special in an entryway when you place a mirror above it and let the greenery echo the artwork.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Botanical Stencil Set: Recreate intricate leaf and fern patterns easily on your furniture panels with reusable, precise stencils.
- Matte Finish Chalk Paint: Achieve that soft, hand-painted look on your console table with easy-to-blend, quick-drying matte paint.
- Assorted Detail Paint Brushes: Add fine veins and custom flourishes to your botanical design using brushes made for detailed artwork.
Faux Marble Painted Console Table Top
I’ve painted a console table top to look like faux marble using soft veining and a gentle blend, then sealed it well so it can handle daily use. The best part is styling it like a stone surface—candles, a small tray, and something with a little shine.
A few choices to try:
- Faux Marble Paint Kit: Create realistic stone effects on your furniture with a complete kit designed to mimic natural marble veining easily.
- Clear Polyurethane Sealer: Protect your newly painted faux marble finish from daily wear and scratches with a durable, non-yellowing top coat.
- Decorative Ceramic Vase: Add height and texture to your console table styling with a simple, elegant vase perfect for minimalist greenery.
Terrazzo Speckle Finish for Playful Texture
A terrazzo-style speckle on a painted console table is such a mood-booster, and I’ve made it by flicking tiny dots of a few coordinating colors. I keep the rest of the vignette calm (neutral baskets, simple art) so the speckles feel artsy, not chaotic.
A few relevant products:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Use varied colors from this set to create your custom terrazzo speckles; flick paint for an artsy, textured finish.
- Stiff Bristle Paint Brush: Achieve the perfect splatter effect by using stiff bristles to control the flicking motion and speckle size easily.
- Clear Protective Top Coat: Seal your new terrazzo design with a durable clear coat to protect the paint from scratches and daily wear.
Textured Plaster-Style Painted Base
For an unexpected console table makeover, I’ve added a little texture under paint so the base looks almost plastered and old-world. It’s gorgeous with earthy styling—think a clay vase, a linen runner, and a few worn books.
Explore these options:
- Chalk Style Furniture Paint: Refresh your table’s base with a matte, velvety finish that mimics an aged, plaster-like appearance easily.
- Texture Additive for Paint: Mix this powder into your paint to create raised, rough surfaces for that authentic old-world plaster effect.
- Large Earthenware Vase: Complete the organic look with a rustic, textured clay vessel similar to the one styling this table.
