Styling Your Entryway Table

First impressions matter and the entryway to your home sets the mood for the rest of your interior design.

We’re all too familiar with the various states of distress that your entryway sees from shoes kicked off at the end of a long day to tangled leashes littering the floor, so how do you create a space that’s both functional enough to store your all of your coats, shoes, and belongings and yet still stunning? Foyer tables are a key element to that.

What is a foyer table used for?

Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO  Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Your entryway table should serve as a catch-all for the last-minute items you might grab when you’re heading out the door. From car keys to sunglasses, an entryway table should be small enough that it doesn’t take up too much space in the foyer but yet functional enough to hold all of your essentials.

That being said, if you’re someone who’s constantly forgetting things as your heading out the door, it might be smart to have a console table with built-in storage (i.e. shelves or drawers) in your entryway, that way you can keep your various sundries out of sight but close at hand.

How tall should a foyer entry table be?

Design by MICHELLE BERWICK  Photography by LARRY ARNAL

Most entryway tables are on average around 30 inches tall. This is the average table height so most foyer tables will be available in this size. You’ll want a mid-size table that fits well in both larger and smaller spaces.

Now, the type of table you choose is an entirely personal preference. You might be looking for a built-in console with designated slots for mail, business cards, and keys or an open-legged table with ottomans tucked under in case you need to take a seat while removing your shoes. Whatever your needs may be, there’s a creative entryway table storage solution for you.

How do you style an entryway table?

Design by KATE DAVIDSON  Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Like most interior design, entry table styling varies depending on taste.

Console table decor can include everything from books to artwork to your favorite collection of seashells. Almost anything goes when it comes to curating an entryway table —just be sure that you don’t overwhelm the space that you’re in with too many knick-knacks and remember to leave space to set things down!

With these tips in mind, all entry tables should include:

• Layers

• A grounding visual weight

• Substantial styling pieces

• An elevated top

Now, when we say layers, we mean entry table decor that varies in color, texture, height, and material. We want the entryway table to hold dimension and visual interest and not feel flat. Maybe you have a wooden table —add other raw elements like a wicker stool underneath, a clay vase on top, and a glass-blown lamp off to the side.

Grounding your table is important as this balances visual weight. Baskets, vases, and stacked coffee table books are all great pieces to ground your entryway table.

Substantial styling pieces are the significant accessories on your table. Match materials and echo shapes throughout. You can match the scale of two pieces on either side of the console or use layered artwork in varying shades of the same color.

And lastly, elevate the top of your table by adding an art piece, a mirror, or even a statement pendant to create visual height. 

What should I hang over my entryway table?

Design by SARA BEDERMAN  Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

When thinking about what to hang over your entry table, large styling pieces such as mirrors or artwork are the most popular ways to draw the eye in. There are so many options to choose from and deciding what to use as your focal point often depends on how you want to set up the mood for the rest of your home. 

Maybe you live in a historical remodel and you want to add an old stained glass window above your entryway table. Or perhaps you’re more into a clean contemporary look and opt to lean a black round mirror atop the console. Whatever you choose, this anchor piece should act as the frame for the rest of your entryway table styling and work to tie everything together.

Curious to know what types of flooring would work best in your entryway? Check out our blog on How to Take Care of Your Entryway Floors for more tips and advice.