I Tested (and Rated!) All the Console Tables at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best Ones for Every Space

Few pieces of furniture have the power to make or break a space like a console table does. It might be a relatively small piece compared to, say, a sofa or dining table, but it’s still usually one of the first things you see when you walk into a room (or maybe even when you walk into your home, in general). You can place one almost anywhere — try it behind your sofa, or in a short hallway. Although the way you style a console table makes a big difference, finding the actual right table for your space is key. That’s why I was excited to look at all of the console tables on display in Pottery Barn’s Flatiron store in Manhattan for Apartment Therapy’s Personal Shopper series.

I’ve looked at a lot of furniture and decor from Pottery Barn for the series, including bed frames, sofas, rugs, accent chairs, and more. I’ve got even more shopping guides planned, but today I’m focusing on console tables. Read on to see which of the seven models I viewed is best for your space.

As one of the premier home retailers across the country, Pottery Barn is a reliable brand that has demonstrated its ability to stay on top of trends, ahead of production and shipping delays, and true to its bestselling classic Americana roots. 

Beyond this, Pottery Barn has its Design Crew to help with planning, logistics, and aesthetics. Not only can you take your pick from virtual, storefront, or in-home meetings with crew members, but they’ll also listen to your every desire when it comes to your dream space — be it one room or your entire home — and develop custom renderings. Oh, and they’ll do it for free. Yep, free. No need to purchase anything, although I can pretty much guarantee you’re going to want to.

I judged every Pottery Barn console table in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped me determine the right scenario for each table.

• Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., detailing, dark wood) or more contemporary (i.e., sleek, light wood)?
• Storage capacity: How much storage space does the table offer? Can it store a variety of different items? Does it have a mixed variety of storage options (i.e., drawers, shelves, cabinets)?
• Space requirements: How much space does the table take up? Does it require a lot of horizontal floor space, or is it relatively compact? How tall is it?
• Versatility: Can the table be used for a variety of purposes? Can it double as a bookshelf or dining room buffet?
• Durability: Does the table stain or scuff easily? Is it made from fragile materials? Would it age well with regular use?

What impressed me: The blocky corner legs and weathered appearance.

The Rockport console doesn’t look small because of its chunky legs, but at 54 inches long, it was the most narrow table I looked at. It’s kind of rough to the touch and has sharp corners, so I wouldn’t get this model if you have young kids. The wood finish has a gray tone that lends a coastal vibe, as is the case with many of Pottery Barn’s furnishings. It’s a weathered aesthetic that’ll add a nice bit of texture to the area behind your couch.

The other good thing about the Rockport is that because of its highly textured finish, damage won’t show easily. If you accidentally scratch it, it’s no biggie. The base of the table serves as an undershelf; other than that, the table doesn’t offer any storage. But the open, airy look it creates could just prove ideal for a small room.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 54 inches long, 16 inches wide, 30 inches tall
• Solid reclaimed pine wood
• Available in 2 finishes

What impressed me: The sleek, bisected design and textured finish.

Despite its clean lines and simple design, the Folsom console table is impossible to ignore because of its large size. It’s the same length as an average sofa, so you’d likely have no problem making it fit in your living room. It could also work in a long hallway; brighten up the space by displaying decor on it. It’s not the most practical table storage-wise because it essentially has only two shelves, so I would recommend this pick for bigger spaces.

I viewed this table in the “charcoal” finish and noticed that it had visible scratches on its surface, so if you get it try to avoid scuffing it, and be sure to use a coaster if you set a drink on it. But other than that, the Folsom is sturdy and will serve as a good anchor piece for a room that could use a little extra something.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 84 inches long, 15 inches wide, 30 inches tall
• Kiln-dried SPF wood and veneer engineered wood
• Available in 2 finishes
• Also available in a 54-inch size and as a storage console table

What impressed me: The traditional corner details and glass/brass combo.

For a vintage-inspired aesthetic, look no further than the Everson table. It caught my eye from across the store because of its twinkling brass frame. Adding to its glam aesthetic are detailed legs that lend just enough ornamentation, and two tempered glass shelves that serve as a sophisticated backdrop for decor.

Obviously, this table is best for people without pets or kids. Although I’m sure the Everson is durable enough to hold up for a long time, I wouldn’t put it in a home with little ones running around. Because of its delicate appearance, I could see this table working well in a living room or even a bedroom. Set it opposite your dresser for extra accessory storage or to use as a cute mini library. And how dazzling would it look holding a perfume collection? So many fun styling options!

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 58.5 inches long, 14.5 inches wide, 30.5 inches tall
• Steel and tempered glass
• Available in 3 finishes

What impressed me: The tall undershelves and three-section design.

After the Folsom table, the Modern Farmhouse model is the biggest console I saw on Pottery Barn’s floor. As its name suggests, this pick is best for a large home where it won’t feel like it’s cramping your space. I think the fact that it’s broken up into three sections helps the table look less imposing, though, and gives it a nice bit of structure. It almost reminded me of three wide nightstands pushed together, and I think it would be cute to put big woven baskets in each “cubby” to help declutter. Like the more narrow tables I looked at, this one similarly has a height of 30 inches, which also helps it look less gargantuan.

Additionally, I enjoyed the “Fog” finish I viewed. By keeping the wood light in color, it prevents the table from feeling too heavy for a given space. Storage-wise, the drawers are short but wide and would make good homes for mail, extra furniture tools, and other items you want to keep on hand but out of the way.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 90 inches long, 17 inches wide, 30 inches tall
• Kiln-dried solid poplar wood, engineered wood, MDF, and oak wood veneers​
• Available in 2 finishes

What impressed me: The open side storage and rustic wooden construction.

The Newport was my personal favorite out of all the tables I viewed. Its open storage design is breathtaking in person; the two side shelves are a fabulous place for large flower vases and help give the table a sculptural appearance. The kiln-dried wood has a rustic finish, so I think pairing the table with similarly rustic or antique-looking decor is a must.

At 58 inches long, the Newport isn’t that big, which is part of what makes it so versatile. You could place it pretty much anywhere, whether your dining room could use some warmth or your home office feels flat. You could also use the table for purely decorative purposes or, again, adorn its base with bins for a practical storage purpose.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 58 inches long, 16 inches wide, 30 inches tall
• Solid kiln-dried wood and solid kiln-dried oak veneers
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The hidden-in-plain-sight drawer and thick surface and legs.

There’s more to the Laguna than meets the eye, and by that I mean it has a wide, smooth-gliding drawer that I almost didn’t even notice because it blends into the surface so seamlessly. If you hate a cluttered tabletop, the drawer will come in handy for hiding pocket change, mailbox keys, dog-walking accessories, and other out-the-door items.

If you don’t want to use it in your entryway, the table would also work wonders to transform a bare wall in a living room. Use it to prop up a large work of art, or show off your freshly picked floral arrangements. The table has a grayish-ivory finish that’s undeniably coastal, and its thick top and legs are absolute units. Despite the simple design, the unique block legs add dimension and visual intrigue.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 72 inches long, 18 inches wide, 32 inches tall
• Solid spruce wood, spruce veneers, and MDF
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The ample shelving and mixed materials.

Out of all the tables, the Tanner easily had the most storage space to offer. In total, it has three long surfaces that couldn’t be better for holding your book collection — especially your favorite coffee table books with display-worthy spines. Aside from legs that flare out at the bottom, this pick lacks adornment, and its black steel frame lends an almost industrial appearance.

The spaces this table would suit best are quiet rooms meant for working or relaxing, like your guest room, library, or office. I think the tempered glass would be a tad delicate for an entryway; I’d be hesitant to throw my house keys or sunglasses onto it out of fear of scratching the tabletop. 

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 65 inches long, 14 inches wide, 30.5 inches tall
• Forged wrought iron and tempered glass
• Available in 1 finish