Console Styling with Art Deco Books and Figurines: Transform Your Space with Glamour
Picture this: your console table, that forgotten slab of wood in your entryway, suddenly becomes the star of your home, dripping with Art Deco elegance. You’re not just decorating—you’re curating a vibe, a statement, a time machine to the Roaring Twenties. Art Deco books and figurines, with their bold geometry and luxurious flair, scream sophistication. Toss in some wall decor, a few plants, and a sleek vase, and you’ve got a setup that’s equal parts functional and fabulous. Ready to make your console the talk of the town? Let’s rush through some ideas that’ll spark joy and envy in equal measure!
🎨 Wall Decor: Set the Art Deco Stage
First things first, your console needs a backdrop that pops. Wall decor isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the canvas for your Art Deco masterpiece. Hang a bold, gilded mirror with sharp angles to reflect light and scream glamour. Think sunburst designs or fan-shaped frames that echo the era’s obsession with symmetry. If mirrors aren’t your jam, try a gallery wall of black-and-white prints in sleek, metallic frames. Geometric patterns—zigzags, chevrons, or arches—tie it all together. Last weekend, I swapped out a tired old landscape painting for a brass-framed mirror above my console, and boom! The whole room felt like it belonged in a Gatsby novel.
📚 Art Deco Books: Stack ‘em with Style
Books aren’t just for reading—they’re decor superstars. Hunt down vintage or reproduction Art Deco book covers with bold typography and metallic accents. Think coffee table tomes on 1920s architecture or fashion, their spines gleaming in gold or silver. Stack three or four horizontally for a relaxed vibe, or prop them upright with a chic bookend shaped like a panther or a stylized skyscraper. I once found a set of emerald-green books with gold foil at a thrift store—total score! They instantly gave my console that “I’m cultured and fabulous” energy. Mix in a modern design magazine for a fresh twist, but keep the palette tight—black, gold, emerald, or ivory work best.
🗿 Figurines: Sculptural Drama in Small Doses
Art Deco figurines are where the magic happens. These little sculptures—think sleek dancers, exotic animals, or abstract forms—add personality without overwhelming your console. Go for polished bronze or glossy ceramic pieces that catch the light. A friend of mine plopped a tiny greyhound statuette on her console, and it’s now the coolest conversation starter. Place one or two figurines asymmetrically for a dynamic look, maybe flanking a stack of books or perched on a mirrored tray. Avoid clutter—Art Deco is about precision, not chaos. Pro tip: scour flea markets for authentic pieces, but Etsy’s got killer reproductions if you’re in a pinch.
🌿 Plants & Flowers: A Touch of Green Glam
Plants and flowers soften the sharp edges of Art Deco without stealing the show. A small potted fern or a snake plant in a glossy black planter adds life and texture. For flowers, go bold with orchids or lilies in a faceted crystal vase. I once shoved a cheap supermarket bouquet into a thrifted Art Deco bowl, and it looked like I’d hired a florist. Keep it simple—one or two plants max, or you’ll lose that polished vibe. If you’re cursed with a black thumb like me, faux greenery works wonders—just don’t skimp on quality.
🕯️ Candle Holders & Candles: Mood Lighting, Deco Style
Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like a well-placed candle. Art Deco candle holders—think chrome, glass, or marble with clean lines—are your console’s best friend. Pair them with tall, unscented candles in black or ivory for drama. Group three holders of varying heights for a balanced yet eye-catching display. I lit a set of gold-rimmed candles during a dinner party, and my guests couldn’t stop gushing about the vibe. Bonus: candles hide any console scratches when you’re too lazy to polish. Win-win!
🪞 Mirrors & Trays: Reflect the Glamour
A mirrored tray on your console is like a cheat code for elegance. It corrals your books, figurines, and candles while bouncing light around like nobody’s business. Choose one with beveled edges or a metallic rim for that extra Deco flair. I snagged a hexagonal tray online, and it’s now the MVP of my setup—everything looks fancier on it. If you’ve already got a wall mirror, skip a second one on the console to avoid a funhouse effect. Instead, lean a small, framed Art Deco print against the wall for depth.
🏺 Vases & Bowls: Functional Art
Vases and bowls are the unsung heroes of console styling. A tall, narrow vase in smoked glass or brass screams Art Deco without trying too hard. Fill it with a single peacock feather for a quirky nod to the era. Bowls, meanwhile, are perfect for holding keys or stray trinkets while looking effortlessly chic. I’ve got a shallow obsidian bowl that’s basically a black hole for my loose change, but it looks so good nobody cares. Stick to one or two pieces—your console isn’t a flea market stall.
🗄️ Storage Boxes & Baskets: Hide the Mess in Style
Let’s be real: consoles attract junk like moths to a flame. Enter storage boxes and baskets, the Art Deco way to fake tidiness. Look for lacquered boxes with inlaid patterns or woven baskets with metallic accents. I stashed my random cables in a faux-shagreen box, and now my console looks like it belongs in a design magazine. Place one box under the console or on a lower shelf for easy access. Just don’t overdo it—Art Deco thrives on clean lines, not clutter.
📌 Noticeboards: A Practical Twist
Who says noticeboards can’t be glamorous? A small, framed board with a velvet or cork surface adds function without sacrificing style. Pin up a few Art Deco-inspired postcards or a sleek to-do list written in gold ink. I stuck a mini noticeboard next to my console for mail and reminders, and it’s saved me from losing my mind. Keep it subtle—think of it as a supporting actor, not the star.
Books aren’t just for reading—they’re decor superstars.
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak,” Rachel Zoe once quipped, and your console is your megaphone. Art Deco books and figurines, paired with thoughtful accents like vases, candles, and plants, create a space that’s uniquely yours. Don’t overthink it—just play with textures, keep it balanced, and let your personality shine. My console used to be a dumping ground for keys and takeout menus, but now? It’s a time capsule of glamour that makes me smile every time I walk by. Yours can be too!
So, grab that dusty console, channel your inner flapper, and get decorating. Mix bold books, sleek figurines, and a few well-chosen accents. Your space deserves to sparkle, and you’ve got the tools to make it happen. Now go forth and Deco-fy!