Console designs — the most versatile furniture in your home

What is the difference between a console and a media console?

A media console is slightly larger and usually has shutters, because it holds media equipment under a TV. A regular console more often has drawers — and a console can have both drawers and shutters.

Where can you use a console in a home?

Almost anywhere. A console works in the entrance foyer, as the TV unit in the living room, bedroom or family room, as a crockery unit, beside the bed, in a home theatre, and in front of a partition between the living and dining areas — as a decorative piece that also gives storage.

Why are consoles rare in apartments?

Because apartments have less floor space, and a console is more of an aesthetic piece than a storage one. In an apartment foyer, for example, people usually prefer a large shoe unit — a console cannot store as much. That is why consoles are hard to fit in 1,200–1,800 sq ft apartments.

Most consoles you see are in high-end designer projects, rarely in homes with ₹10–50 lakh interiors. But wherever a room allows one — foyer, dining, bedroom, family room or home theatre — it is worth having.

Is a console worth investing in?

Yes, 100%. A console is loose furniture, so it moves with you, and a great one lifts any space it is placed in. It is one of the most worthwhile pieces to spend on.

Can a console replace a TV unit?

Yes. In a family room especially, a movable console with a well-designed wall panel behind it works better than a traditional built-in TV unit.

How do you make a console stand out?

Spend on it and take risks — don’t keep it plain. A console has only a few shutters, so even an exotic finish costs little, unlike a wardrobe, where large shutters push the cost up.

• Colour and PU finishes
• Carving, layered shutters and metal accents
• Textured veneers and printed laminates
• Statement knobs — quirky or traditional

Should a console have legs?

It can stand directly on the floor, but external legs elevate the whole look. We prefer metal legs; custom-fabricated legs work beautifully too.

What style and material should a console be?

Any. A console can be designed in any theme — modern, contemporary, Japandi, industrial, French or American. It can be built in plywood or solid wood and finished in veneer, laminate or PU.

How can you add black furniture to an apartment?

Start with a console — black can never go wrong there. Because it is a single, compact piece, it adds depth and drama without making the room feel heavy.

What finish works best for a black console?

Solid wood polished in deep shades of grey or black, solid wood panels, or textured veneers — veneers now come in many colours, both self-textured and carved.

What is the best console for a foyer?

A classic wooden console — drawers above, arches and turned legs below. It can never go wrong when it is styled properly with art, a vase and good flooring; it adds depth, warmth and a premium feel to the entrance.

It suits larger apartments best, and the flooring design plays an important role in how it looks.

Should you choose a foyer console instead of a shoe rack?

If your foyer has the space to give up a shoe rack or a seat for a console — yes, definitely. It is totally worth losing that storage for what a console does to the entrance.

Can you buy a ready-made console?

Yes — many websites sell classic consoles ready-made, often in solid wood. Before you buy, check the polish, the colour, and that the drawers run smoothly.

Can a carpenter make a console?

Yes — a simple, classic console like this is easy to make. Getting it right is all about proportion and geometry. Add very nice handles and curved edges, and it looks designed.

Where does a long media console work best?

As the TV unit in a family room or bedroom, or as a table at the foot of the bed — this is where a long console comes in most handy.

How much does a simple console cost?

A very simple custom console starts at about ₹20,000–25,000.

How can you make console shutters unique?

Treat the shutters as the design. Carved panels, animal-print veneers, black-and-white striped veneers — if there is a design you love but are scared to use, use it on a console. Experiment and go for it.

Is an ornate console suitable for an apartment?

Usually not. A heavy, richly detailed console like this suits larger spaces — villas and bungalows. In an apartment, choose something lighter.

Details such as tassels add character, and the legs or base are a great place to experiment.

Can a designer console be modular?

Yes. Even a console that looks fully bespoke can be built modular, giving you the quality and convenience of a modular finish. Only the shutters need special work — by an artisan, in a different material, or with metal accents and tassels.

Can a console be used as a bar unit?

Yes. A contemporary console like this makes an excellent bar unit — especially with a Corian or quartz top. Designs like it are also available ready-made online, and work in many other spaces too.

How much can a luxury custom console cost?

A highly customised console like this can easily cost ₹2–3 lakh or more. Finishes such as liquid metal polish, and very detailed design, take it into that range.