When you have a smaller space, like a student dorm room or tiny apartment, functional furniture and storage is tricky. Sometimes the kitchen nook is so small that you can't fit a normal table, and the hallway too narrow for a normal console. Folding console tables, while practical, can make it feel too temporary and bare. And it's hard to get hold of free or thrifted furniture that fits in the space.
One idea which I think is nifty is looking at more worn furniture, like wobbly end tables or dining tables that are so banged up that they're ready for the burn pile. You can then cut the table to the desired depth and discard the damaged parts (or make two console tables!). Paint/refinish them, attach them to the wall and turn them into console tables that fit your space and style.
Kitchen breakfast console
Source: Unknown (tried Google Lens and Tineye, only got Pinterest and Lushome results)
Nicely refinished wood, and seems to fit the style of an eclectic kitchen (I sincerely hope that the original table wasn't in a good condition before being thrifted though).
Entryway console table
Source: Sarah M. Dorsey of Dorsey Designs
Interesting take on a console table. The link shows the process step-by-step.
Another hallway console table
Source: Unknown (tried Google Lens and Tineye, only got Pinterest and other sh-t results)
Fancy table remade as a console, matched with empty picture frames for organizing mail and miscellania by the entryway. Shabby chic, but some probably like that style. To each their own...
Stacked consoles
It's beginning to get weird...
...
... this is going to far...
... for f--k's sake, stop...
... console-ception!
I'm stopping here before I burn this post down.
