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Custom Consoles: Finding the Right Fit for Your Home
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It’s a common story. You find a console table you like the look of, but it’s just a bit too long for the space. Or a bit too deep. Or the height’s not quite right. Maybe you wish it came in a different timber tone.
At Innate, we hear this a lot. That’s why we make console tables to order, so you can choose the size, timber, finish, and layout that actually works for your space.
Before we draw or quote a console, the most useful information is simple: the wall length, the maximum depth before the walkway feels tight, the preferred height, and whether you need drawers, a shelf or just a clean surface.
What is a console table?
A console table—also known as a hall table, entryway table, or sofa table—is usually a long, narrow piece designed to sit against a wall or behind furniture. They’re often one of the first pieces you see when entering a home, and they tend to do a lot with a little. Even with a shallow depth (usually 30–40 cm), consoles can offer surface space, storage, and help pull a room together.
Console tables are popular in narrow hallways, behind sofas, or tucked into nooks that aren’t suited to full-size furniture. But when they don’t quite fit, they can become more of a nuisance than a help. That’s where custom sizing can really make a difference.
Where console tables work well
1. Entryway or Hallway Table
Consoles are ideal for tight entranceways where space is limited. A shallow console can give you a surface for keys, mail, and a welcoming bunch of flowers—without blocking the walkway. Adding drawers or a shelf underneath makes it easy to keep everyday essentials organised.
2. Sofa Table
Placing a console behind a sofa can add definition to open-plan spaces and give you somewhere to rest a drink, lamp, or a row of books. For this, it helps to match the height of the console with the height of your sofa back.
3. Makeshift Desk or Workstation
In smaller homes, a console table can double as a laptop desk or writing surface. The slim depth works well in bedrooms or shared living areas where space is tight.
4. Breakfast Bar
A taller console can be used with bar stools behind a couch or against a wall—great for small homes or studio apartments where a full dining table isn’t practical. We’ve seen some customers use long consoles this way with great success.
5. Decorative Display or Storage
Sometimes a console is just a place to show off your favourite things—books, ceramics, plants, or family photos. They’re also handy for tucking in baskets or boxes for hidden storage.
What size console table do you need?
This really depends on your space and how you want to use it. A standard console might be 75–80 cm tall, 30–40 cm deep, and anywhere from 80 cm to 180 cm long. But there’s no reason you need to stick to those numbers.
If your hallway is especially narrow, you might want a depth closer to 25 cm. If it’s going behind a big couch, a length of 200 cm or more might look more balanced. And if you’re using it as a desk, the depth might need to increase to fit a laptop and papers comfortably.
Because we make everything to order, we’re able to work to the exact measurements you need—so there’s no need to settle for “close enough.”
Timber and finish options
We mostly work with New Zealand-grown timbers—like cyclone-salvaged West Coast Rimu, West Coast beech, and Northland tōtara. Each has its own look and character, and we’re happy to talk through what might work best for your home. The finish can be left natural or customised to suit the tones in your space. You can also choose to include drawers, shelves, or particular leg styles.
We’ve seen a lot of variations over the years—modern minimal styles, chunky farmhouse builds, and simple narrow units that just quietly do their job. It all depends on what your space calls for.
Measurements to check before ordering
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Measure carefully. Think about not just the size of the wall or space, but also how much room you need to walk past comfortably.
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Think about the purpose. Do you want it to be purely decorative, or will it need drawers, a shelf, keys, bags, books or everyday storage?
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Match the room. Consider the height of nearby furniture, the timber tone, flooring, wall colour and whether the piece should feel quiet or become a feature.
Making something that works for your space
If you’ve been on the hunt for a console table that actually fits, you’re not alone. A lot of our customers say it’s one of the hardest pieces of furniture to get right.
The good news is you don’t need to compromise. We’ll work with you to create something that feels like it was made for your home—because it was.
You can explore a recent console design here: Hallway Unit – Custom Made Console Table
If you’ve got an idea in mind or an awkward space that’s hard to furnish, get in touch. We’re happy to help you figure it out.
Console table questions
What depth should a hallway console be?
Many hallway consoles sit around 300–400 mm deep, but the right depth depends on the walkway. If people need to pass the console every day, leave enough room for comfortable movement rather than using the full wall depth.
Can a console table be made to match an existing dining table or bench?
Yes. A custom console can be made in a timber, finish and base style that sits comfortably with nearby furniture, flooring and joinery.
Can drawers or shelves be added?
Yes, if they suit the size and use of the piece. Drawers can be useful in an entry, while a lower shelf can work for books, shoes or display pieces.
What measurements should I send before asking for a quote?
Send the wall length, maximum depth, preferred height, a few photos of the space and notes on how the console will be used. That gives us enough to suggest a practical starting size.
Planning a custom console?
Send us the wall length, maximum depth, preferred height and a few photos of the space. We can help turn an awkward hallway, entry or living-room gap into a piece that actually fits.