The Art of Console Styling - Part 1: The Essential Elements

 Pinterest-worthy spaces aren’t just about the furniture; they’re all about the styling and accessories.

When styled right, decorative objects and accents are what truly bring a home to life. It might seem like an overwhelming task to do on your own, but trust me—it’s much easier than you think!

In this two-part series, we’ll explore the key elements behind beautifully styled shelves and consoles. In part one below, we’re focusing on the essential accessories that form the foundation of your styling. Then in part two, we’ll dive into placement and show you how to bring it all together for a perfectly curated space.

Consider this your go-to guide to nailing that “shelfie” look — starting with the must-have pieces that make the biggest visual impact.

Because creating a well-styled shelf or console isn’t just about what you put on it — it’s about selecting the right mix and knowing how to make it all work cohesively.

Scroll on to discover the key accessories we recommend to help elevate your shelf styling with ease.

BOOKS

Books are an excellent starting point and create a solid base. You can mix and match books of different sizes or keep them in uniform piles. Choose a colour palette or theme to ensure cohesion, such as décor, style, or travel books, which reflect your personal interests. Aim for two themes and select 3–4 books in each to create balanced, book-based vignettes across your shelves.

HARE & KLEIN INTERIOR | THE FORAGED HOME

POTS AND VESSELS

Pots and vessels are my favourite way to play with shape and height. Mix a tall vessel with a short, round pot, and fill them with faux botanicals or dried foliage. Opt for pieces that are stunning even without flowers—they can make great decorative pieces even on their own.

NEPALI POT | MANA POT | MATKA POT 

PLANTS

If you’re not the best with plants, don’t worry! Faux plants look incredibly realistic these days and add a touch of greenery and life to your space. You could also consider preserved varieties, such as palm stems or dried foliage as an alternative.

EUCALYPTUS SPRAY | DRIED PALM SPEARS | GUM NUT STEMS

BOARDS AND PLATES

Boards and trays create depth and visual interest. You can lean a large tray or vintage plate against the wall on your shelf or console and place objects in front, or use boards as risers to add height and dimension. Vary the sizes and shapes to create a dynamic look and bring different textures into your styling.

CHAPATI PLATE ROUND | VINTAGE WASHBOARD | CARVED BAJOT BOARD

CANDLES AND CANDLEHOLDERS

Candles help set the mood in any room, whether cozy, moody, or romantic. Mix up the styles and sizes of your holders—short seeders, tall pillars, and a variety of shapes and heights. Aim for sets of three in various heights to create a harmonious vignette. This will give you lots of options to play with when it comes to placement.

INDIAN PILLAR CANDLE STAND | ROUND CANDLE SEEDER

BASKETS

Baskets are perfect for grounding the space, especially on the lowest shelf or underneath a console. They add both functionality and texture to your styling. Use a basket under a hall table for shoes, or under a console for a cosy look—perfect for storing an extra cushion or throw. Smaller baskets are also great for organising or hiding away less attractive items, keeping your space tidy while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic.

SQUARE JUTE BASKETS | NESTED JUTE BASKET SET ROUND

TRAYS AND BOXES

A great way to separate different vignettes, trays and boxes provide both style and extra storage. Stack books in or below, add a candle or some decorative fillers and include a taller vessel or some foliage to create a added interest. Use closed boxes for storage, like remotes or batteries, and open boxes as a drop zone for items like keys or wallets on the go.

KHALIYA TRAY | INDIAN WOODEN BOWL | VINTAGE BRICK MOULD

WALL HANGINGS

Wall hangings create a focal point and add personality to a console area. When selecting a piece, consider the proportion and scale in relation to what’s below. For a minimalist console, a large piece can fill the space without overwhelming it. Just ensure there’s enough room between the console and the length of the hanging, and avoid hanging it too low so it doesn’t interfere with your accessories.

GIA DRIFTWOOD GARLAND | SARI WALL HANGING | BAMILEKE JUJU

SOMETHING UNIQUE

This is where your personality truly shines! Add something one-of-a-kind to make the space your own—whether it’s something you picked up on travels, an item that represents your interests, an object that simply catches your eye, something sentimental or a rare vintage find. The most important thing is that it brings you joy.

BAMILEKE JUJU STAND | VINTAGE OIL POT | VINTAGE INDIAN WHEEL ON STAND

Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore how to arrange your pieces to create the perfect vignette and bring your console or shelf to life! Don’t miss out on the next step in mastering your space.