The Simple Way to Transform Any Space with One Piece of Furniture
It’s often the narrow spots in our homes—hallways, entrances, or awkward gaps behind the sofa—that prove the hardest to style. Yet these are precisely the areas where a modern console shines. Sleek, unfussy, and built for purpose, this underrated piece has fast become the go-to for those looking to add both function and visual interest without overdoing it.
Below, we break down exactly why the modern console deserves a permanent place in your home, and how to choose or customise one that fits your space.
What Is a Modern Console, Really?
In design terms, a modern console refers to a slim, elongated table that’s often placed against a wall or the back of a sofa. It’s more about subtle practicality than heavy decoration. You won’t find ornate carvings or clunky features here. Instead, think clean lines, natural materials, and simple finishes that blend in without disappearing completely.
Designers and homeowners alike use them for all sorts of purposes: holding keys in the entryway, displaying art or books in a hallway, or providing a spot for lighting in a dim corridor.
Perfect for Small or Narrow Spaces
If you’ve got a tight hallway or a narrow corridor that feels bare but can’t take bulky furniture, a slim hallway console is an ideal solution. It offers just enough surface area for daily-use items or décor, without encroaching on foot traffic.
Here’s why it works:
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It draws the eye along the wall, creating the illusion of a more structured, designed space.
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It breaks up long stretches of blank wall without needing artwork or oversized furniture.
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It creates a landing zone for essentials—mail, keys, or bags—especially near the front door.
If storage is a concern, look for models that include drawers or open shelves. These versions still keep the silhouette slim but offer that bit of extra practicality for busy homes.
Style It Without Overstyling
When it comes to styling a modern console, restraint is key. This is not the place for a dozen tiny objects or layers of trinkets. Aim for 3–5 items, and vary the height, texture, and scale.
Here’s a go-to formula that rarely fails:
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One statement piece—like a table lamp, sculpture, or tall vase
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A smaller element—perhaps a bowl or stack of books
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Something with height—dried foliage, branches, or a narrow mirror
If you’re going for a console table for narrow space, keep accessories minimal so you don’t overwhelm the proportions. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce materials like timber or stone in a subtle way—especially if you’re echoing finishes used elsewhere in the home.
The Appeal of Customisation
Not all homes are built the same. And while there’s a wide market for off-the-shelf furniture, more homeowners are seeking custom furniture in Melbourne that fits their space precisely—both in dimension and in design.
A custom modern console can be made to match existing cabinetry or to serve a very specific function (for example, to fit perfectly under a power point or alongside a heating panel). It also allows you to choose the exact timber, finish, and leg profile that matches your home’s aesthetic.
If your space requires a longer-than-standard piece or you’d like additional storage, having it custom made ensures you don’t need to compromise on quality or fit.
Make It Work in Different Rooms
While often seen in entryways, a modern console can work in almost any part of the home:
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Living Room: Behind a sofa, it can anchor your seating area and provide a surface for ambient lighting or art.
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Bedroom: Use it as a vanity with a small stool and mirror, especially in rooms without built-in dressing areas.
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Dining Area: It can serve as a subtle bar or serving station, without needing a bulky sideboard.
The versatility of this piece lies in its ability to serve a need without becoming the focal point.
Materials Matter
When selecting your console, pay attention to the materials—especially if it’s going to be a high-touch area like an entryway.
Some popular options include:
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Solid timber: For warmth and durability.
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Powder-coated steel: For a more industrial or minimal look.
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Stone or terrazzo tops: Great for contrast and texture.
A contemporary hallway furniture piece like this doesn't need to be loud. It just needs to work—functionally and visually.
The Modern Console Tables That Are Redefining Melbourne Interiors
When it comes to considered interiors, a modern console can often be the unsung hero. These pieces do more than fill space—they define it. Whether positioned in a hallway, living area or behind a sofa, a well-designed console anchors the room, giving structure and interest without demanding attention. MOMU’s latest console offerings—Angelo, Kaizen, and Boyd—are handcrafted in Melbourne and built to do just that. Each is distinct in its design approach, yet all embody a refined, sculptural edge that speaks directly to contemporary Australian interiors.
Angelo Console Table
Price: $4,990
Dimensions: L 140 x D 40 x H 85cm
Custom Sizes Available
Description
The Angelo console table introduces movement through soft curves and graceful arches. There’s a quiet rhythm in its design—each curve invites the eye to travel, making it a standout for transitional spaces. Designed and handcrafted in Melbourne, this modern console lends sculptural interest without overwhelming its surroundings.
Features
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Crafted from American Oak.
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Offered in a selection of timber stains or satin paint finishes.
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Made to order with custom dimensions available.
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Currently on display in our Melbourne showroom.
Kaizen Console Table
Price: $4,790
Dimensions: L 140 x D 50 x H 85cm
Custom Sizes Available
Description
With its triangular legs and integrated square top, the Kaizen console is all about geometry reimagined. This design pushes beyond symmetry and balance to bring a sense of dynamic stability. A nod to mid-century architecture with a distinctly modern twist, Kaizen makes an ideal addition to open spaces or entryways that benefit from architectural structure.
Features
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Constructed from American Oak.
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Customisable in both stained and satin paint finishes.
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Handmade in Melbourne to order.
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Available in custom sizes upon request.
Boyd Console Table
Price: $4,950
Dimensions: L 140 x D 40 x H 85cm
Custom Sizes Available
Description
Boyd doesn’t wait to be noticed. It delivers a bold, linear presence that feels deliberate and thoughtful. With a sharp silhouette and architectural stance, this modern console is ideal for interiors that lean into confident design choices. It’s built to hold its ground—styling optional.
Features
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Made using American Oak.
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Available in a range of custom stains or satin finishes.
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Built to order in our Melbourne workshop.
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On display now at our Bentleigh East showroom.
Why a Modern Console Table Belongs in Every Home
A modern console is more than a surface—it’s a statement. Whether used for storage, display or simply to add proportion to a room, it carries both functional and aesthetic weight. Each MOMU console is built with this in mind. From the softness of Angelo’s curves to the sharp resolve of Boyd, these pieces strike a balance between sculpture and practicality. And because every console is made locally in Melbourne, customisation is always on the table.
Final Thoughts
A modern console is one of those rare furniture pieces that balances usefulness with simplicity. It’s a smart addition to any space that needs something—but not too much.
Whether you’re looking to complete a hallway, create a welcoming entrance, or simply need a spot for your keys and a lamp, the console might just be the hardest-working table in your home.
And if you want it done right, have it custom made. Especially if you’re in Melbourne, where quality furniture makers are producing some of the best designs in the country.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re looking to enquire about a custom size or want to view these pieces in person, we’re here to help. Contact us today.
Contact Us
Phone: 1300 052 495
Available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm (AEST)
Email: enquiry@momu.com.au
Visit Our Showroom
Address: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
All other times and virtual appointments by booking.
Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the journey from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is a breeze. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in Google Maps.