No one ever really talks about a console table. I doubt they're ever really named when making a list of essential pieces of furniture for your home, but few pieces of furniture have its level of impact and practicality. These slim tables are humble, but they offer a hell of a lot of style. They come in a range of materials, sizes and shapes, but the all serve the same job description: A relatively long and narrow table that's meant to provide a surface without taking up too much space.

After spending some time getting inspired by design books and YouTube tours of tasteful homes, I'm fully bought into the idea. I want one behind my sofa. I want one in my entryway. Maybe under the window in my bedroom. And you know what, I can have all these because that's how versatile and functional a console table is—it can be anything and everything. Don't have room for a proper media console or a home bar? Try one of these, because they're slimmer and smaller and offer just enough room to fit a few essential accessories. But even though they don't hold a ton of stuff, they make a big impact in a room. They're the kind of piece that gives a space a really cool design-with-a-capital-D feel. Which, if I'm being honest, is what I'm going for. Herewith, a few options for your place.