A console is the first impression of your home — the quiet introduction to your taste, rhythm, and design philosophy.
It frames your entryway, supports your rituals, anchors your artwork, and creates balance between architecture and décor.
But online, consoles are often misunderstood — bought for “style” without evaluating depth, height, stability, load-bearing, or material integrity.
Here's TAS Living’s definitive guide to choosing a console that feels sculptural, proportionate, and enduring.
☑️ DO: Understand the Architecture of Your Entryway
A console works only when it respects the architecture around it:
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Ideal height: 30–34 inches (same as most sideboards/pedestals).
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Ideal depth: 10–16 inches — anything deeper disrupts flow.
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Ideal length: 36–60 inches depending on wall width.
The console should feel like it belongs — not squeezed in or floating awkwardly.
TAS Rule: If your entryway is narrow, choose a light, airy console (slim legs, open base).
If the wall is wide, choose a grounded piece with visual weight.
❌ DON’T: Ignore Sightline Logic
A console is always part of a bigger visual story:
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Height must align with mirror centerline at 58–62 inches above the floor.
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If placing art above, leave 6–8 inches between the top of console and frame.
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Picture lights must be centered exactly above the artwork.
When in doubt:
Mirror → Console → Tray → Vase → Light → Wall Sculpture
That is the hierarchy of luxury calm.
☑️ DO: Prioritize Materiality Based on Use
Consoles face more micro-contact than you think — keys, bags, diffusers, trays, lamps.
Choose material with intention:
|
Material |
Strengths |
Best For |
|
Marble (Makrana/Italian) |
Timeless, luxe |
Entryways, formal zones |
|
Travertine |
Textural, grounded |
Modern interiors |
|
Walnut / Teak Wood |
Warm, sculptural |
Living rooms, halls |
|
Brass (PVD-coated) |
Rich, sleek |
Contemporary foyers |
|
Metal + Stone Mix |
Strong, versatile |
High-traffic areas |
Avoid: Glossy surfaces in dusty Indian climates. They dull fast.
Prefer: Honed marble, oil-finished wood, matte metal — timeless, elegant, calm.
❌ DON’T: Forget Stability and Load-Bearing
A console must never wobble.
Frequently ignored online:
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Shelf weight limits
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Overhang proportions
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Frame reinforcement
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Wall anchoring options
If you plan to place lamps, statues, or heavy décor, ensure the top is minimum 18–20 mm stone or 25 mm engineered wood.
At TAS Living, consoles are solid-core frames with weight-balanced surfaces — they stay stable even with asymmetrical styling.
☑️ DO: Match Style to Intent, Not Trend
Your console sets the emotional tone of the space:
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Minimalist home: choose clean lines, matte surfaces, linear metals.
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Classic home: choose fluted wood, softened edges, natural stone.
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Designer modern: choose monolithic stone, sculptural pedestals, bold silhouettes.
A console is not just décor — it’s character.
❌ DON’T: Crowd the Top Surface
Luxury = space + silence.
Avoid overloading with:
🚫 Candle clusters
🚫 Photo frames
🚫 Trinket collections
🚫 Random souvenirs
Instead, follow the TAS Living 3-Point Styling Rule:
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One sculptural vertical (vase / lamp).
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One tray system (keys, incense, diffuser).
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One grounding object (bowl / book stack).
Anything more = clutter.
Anything less = calm.
☑️ DO: Respect Flow & Clearance
Entryways in Indian homes are often tighter than you think.
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Maintain 36 inches walkway clearance.
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Avoid protruding handles or sharp edges.
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If next to a door swing, maintain 6-inch buffer.
Good design respects the choreography of daily life.
❌ DON’T: Choose Without Checking Maintenance Reality
Stone consoles react differently:
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Honed marble → may stain, but looks rich.
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Polished marble → reflective but scratches show.
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Travertine → porous, needs sealing.
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Brass → fingerprints, needs soft cloth.
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Wood → sensitive to direct sun.
For Indian homes, choose surfaces that handle festivals, humidity, and dust well.
☑️ DO: Buy When You Know the Exact Wall Color or Finish
A console shouldn’t “almost match” the wall — it should either contrast or harmonize intentionally.
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Light walls → darker wood or metal console.
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Warm-toned walls → stone with cool veins.
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Textured walls → choose simple, monolithic console.
TAS Living consoles are built for quiet backgrounds — they shine without shouting.
Summary
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Measure height, depth, and walkway clearance.
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Match the console to your entryway architecture and sightlines.
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Choose materials based on lifestyle, not trend.
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Style minimally and intentionally.
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Invest in human craftsmanship, not catalog gloss.
The console is the opening line of your home’s story — choose one that speaks with quiet confidence.
