When we think of a dining room, the table and chairs come to mind first; yet the order and character of the room are often set by the wall right next to the table. Used well together, a console and a mirror form a pair that both solves storage and adds depth to the room. When choosing a dining room set, putting these two pieces at the very start of the plan makes the whole arrangement around the table easier.
The console is the working piece of the dining room. A dedicated place for serving plates, special occasion sets, tablecloths and napkins stops them from being carried back and forth between the kitchen and the room. On evenings with guests, the top of the console becomes a serving point that keeps the table from getting crowded: drinks, dessert or spare plates wait here while the table stays clear.
The most important measurement when placing a console is the distance from the table. Enough space must be left between the console and the edge of the table so that people can pass easily behind pulled-out chairs. Being able to open the console doors or drawers without anyone having to get up also makes daily use noticeably easier.
A mirror placed above the console is one of the most effective decorative touches in a dining room. By reflecting daylight from the window and, in the evening, the light over the table back into the room, it makes the space look brighter. Especially in small or narrow dining rooms, it visually opens up the wall and makes the room feel larger than it is.
The width of the mirror should be in proportion to the console; a mirror slightly narrower than the console gives a balanced look, while one that is too small can get lost on the wall. Hanging height matters too: when the bottom edge of the mirror sits just above the console and its center is roughly at eye level, the view feels natural both for those sitting and those standing. It is also worth paying attention to what the mirror reflects; a window or a pleasant corner gives a far better reflection than a door or a busy wall.
The top of a console can easily turn into a shelf for odds and ends. A vase, a pair of candles or a small group of objects is enough; leaving part of the surface empty looks elegant and keeps space ready for serving.
When the console and mirror match the overall language of the dining room set, the room reads as a whole. For those who want a shimmering, striking table setting, the Bronza dining room set, with its console featuring fluted details on the front and an asymmetric round mirror, is a fine example of this pair. For lovers of natural textures, the walnut console in the Legna dining room set plays the same role with its travertine details. The Traverta, Salda, Asia, Bodrum and Atlas dining room sets, which appeal to different tastes, each offer an alternative with their own character among modern dining rooms.
A well-chosen console and mirror turn the dining room from a place only for meals into one of the most inviting corners of the home. If you would like to bring the same care to the rest of your home, you can browse the sofa set and modern bedroom collections, and explore all dining room models to find the best choice for your table.