The material of your console table affects everything from its appearance and durability to its maintenance requirements and price. Each material brings distinct advantages and limitations, and understanding these differences helps you choose a piece that will suit your lifestyle for years to come.
This guide examines the most popular console table materials available in Australia, providing an honest assessment of each option's strengths and weaknesses.
Solid Timber
Solid timber remains the most sought-after material for console tables, prized for its warmth, natural beauty, and longevity. Australian homes feature timber consoles in species ranging from European oak and American walnut to locally sourced Tasmanian oak and blackwood.
Advantages of Solid Timber
- Durability: Well-made solid timber furniture can last generations with proper care
- Character: Natural grain variations mean each piece is unique
- Repairability: Scratches and damage can often be sanded and refinished
- Timeless appeal: Timber never goes out of style and suits most decor schemes
- Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, timber is a renewable resource
Disadvantages of Solid Timber
- Cost: Quality solid timber furniture commands premium prices
- Weight: Solid timber pieces are heavy and difficult to move
- Sensitivity: Susceptible to moisture, humidity changes, and direct sunlight
- Maintenance: Requires periodic treatment to maintain finish
Australian Climate Consideration
In Australia's variable climate, solid timber can expand and contract with humidity changes. This is normal and doesn't indicate a defect. Position timber consoles away from air conditioning vents and direct sunlight to minimise movement.
Engineered Wood (MDF, Particleboard, Plywood)
Engineered wood products are manufactured from wood fibres or particles bonded with adhesives. They're typically finished with veneer, laminate, or paint. Most affordable console tables use engineered wood construction.
Advantages of Engineered Wood
- Affordability: Significantly cheaper than solid timber
- Consistency: Uniform appearance without natural variations
- Stability: Less prone to warping than solid timber
- Design flexibility: Can be finished in any colour or pattern
- Lightweight: Easier to move and assemble
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood
- Durability: Generally less durable than solid timber
- Water sensitivity: Particularly vulnerable to moisture damage, which causes swelling
- Difficult to repair: Chips and damage are often irreparable
- Shorter lifespan: May need replacement in 10-15 years
- Environmental concerns: Some products contain formaldehyde; look for E0 or E1 rated products
Metal
Metal console tables range from industrial steel frames to polished brass and gold-finished pieces. Metal is commonly combined with other materials—timber tops on iron bases, glass tops on brass frames—but all-metal consoles also exist.
Advantages of Metal
- Strength: Extremely sturdy and stable
- Slim profiles: Metal allows for thinner legs and frames than timber
- Low maintenance: Easy to clean with a damp cloth
- Style versatility: Available in matte black, brushed brass, polished chrome, and more
- Moisture resistance: Unlike timber, metal won't warp in humid conditions
Disadvantages of Metal
- Temperature: Metal surfaces feel cold and can cause condensation
- Scratching: Painted or powder-coated finishes can chip
- Weight: Solid metal pieces are very heavy
- Rust potential: Iron and steel can rust if protective coating is damaged
- Floor damage: Metal legs can scratch or dent timber floors without felt pads
Glass
Glass console tables create a sense of lightness and visual openness, making them popular for small spaces. Most use tempered safety glass, which is stronger than regular glass and breaks into small, blunt pieces if shattered.
Advantages of Glass
- Visual lightness: Doesn't visually crowd a space
- Modern aesthetic: Creates a contemporary, sophisticated look
- Easy cleaning: Smooth surface wipes clean easily
- Versatility: Neutral appearance suits any colour scheme
- Light reflection: Helps brighten darker spaces
Disadvantages of Glass
- Fingerprints: Shows smudges and requires frequent cleaning
- Breakage risk: Can crack or shatter from impact, though tempered glass is safer
- Scratching: Glass surfaces can scratch from decorative objects
- Sharp edges: Some designs have edges that pose injury risk
- Not child-friendly: Potential hazard in homes with young children
Safety Note
If choosing a glass console table for a home with children or pets, ensure it uses tempered safety glass at least 8mm thick. Avoid designs with sharp corners, and consider adding corner protectors during early childhood years.
Marble and Stone
Marble-topped console tables are statement pieces that add instant luxury. Beyond marble, you'll find consoles with granite, travertine, and engineered quartz tops. These materials are typically paired with metal or timber bases.
Advantages of Marble and Stone
- Luxury appearance: Nothing else looks quite like natural stone
- Unique patterns: Every piece of natural stone has distinctive veining
- Cool surface: Stays pleasantly cool, ideal for Australian summers
- Durability: Resistant to scratches when properly sealed
- Value: Quality stone pieces hold their value well
Disadvantages of Marble and Stone
- Cost: Genuine marble commands premium prices
- Weight: Extremely heavy, difficult to move, may require floor reinforcement
- Porosity: Marble stains easily and requires sealing
- Etching: Acidic substances (citrus, wine) can etch marble surfaces
- Chipping: Edges can chip from impact
Rattan and Natural Fibres
Rattan console tables bring organic texture and a relaxed, coastal vibe to interiors. Other natural fibre options include wicker, cane, and seagrass. These materials are often woven over timber or metal frames.
Advantages of Rattan
- Lightweight: Easy to move and reposition
- Texture: Adds warmth and visual interest
- Sustainability: Natural, renewable material
- Affordability: Generally less expensive than solid timber
- Suits Australian style: Perfect for coastal and Hamptons-inspired interiors
Disadvantages of Rattan
- Durability: Less sturdy than timber or metal
- Cleaning difficulty: Woven surfaces trap dust and are harder to clean
- Fading: Natural materials can fade in direct sunlight
- Humidity sensitivity: Can become brittle in very dry conditions
- Limited weight capacity: May not support heavy objects as well as solid materials
Reclaimed and Recycled Materials
Console tables made from reclaimed timber, recycled metal, or upcycled materials appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking unique character pieces.
Advantages of Reclaimed Materials
- Environmental benefit: Reduces demand for new materials
- Character: Imperfections and patina tell a story
- Uniqueness: Each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind
- Conversation starter: Often has interesting provenance
Disadvantages of Reclaimed Materials
- Inconsistency: Quality and appearance vary widely
- Unknown history: Previous treatments or contamination may be unclear
- Limited availability: Specific pieces may not be reproducible
- Higher prices: Labour-intensive sourcing and preparation increases cost
Making Your Decision
When choosing your console table material, consider these questions:
- What's your budget? This often narrows options immediately
- How will it be used? High-traffic entryways need durable materials
- Who lives in your home? Families with young children may want to avoid glass
- What's your climate? Coastal homes face different challenges than inland properties
- How long do you want it to last? Investment pieces warrant higher-quality materials
There's no universally "best" material—only the material that's right for your specific circumstances. By understanding each option's characteristics, you can make a choice you'll be happy with for years to come.