Spruce Up Your Entryway With These Table Decorating Ideas

The entryway is the first space guests see when entering your home. An elegantly decorated entry table makes a wonderful first impression and provides a functional area to organize essentials. From choosing the perfect style to adding special touches, decorating your entryway table can completely transform the look and feel of this high-traffic space. Read on for clever ideas to spruce up your front entry table into a stylish and inviting focal point.

Crafting a coordinated entryway design sets the tone when you walk through the front door. An intentionally styled table immediately greets you and visitors with visual interest. Use these table decorating tips to elevate your entrance and complement your home's decor seamlessly.

Measure Your Entryway and Table

Before decorating your front entry table, take measurements of the full entry space including width, depth and ceiling height. Note the size of your existing console table or entryway furniture. Scale is important for choosing the right sized decor and balancing the proportions. For example, a dainty table looks dwarfed in a grand two-story foyer. Meanwhile, an oversized piece overwhelms a tiny wall nook.

Measure the area to see if you need additional storage solutions like a shelf or basket. Knowing the dimensions allows you to select appropriately sized statement pieces and accessories. Arrange furnishings and decor with ample walkways and clearance. You want a welcoming flow, not a cluttered maze. Record measurements to refer back to when shopping or ordering items online.

Table Size and Placement

The ideal entry table size fits the room's scale and offers usable surface area. Rectangular console tables typically range from 2-4 feet long and 12-18 inches deep. Round or oval occasional tables are commonly 24-36 inches in diameter. Include measuring tape when thrifting to uncover hidden gems. Purchase a table to fit now, or size up if planning an entry remodel down the road.

When placing your entryway table, make sure it does not obstruct openings. Traffic flow is a top priority, especially in smaller foyers. Angle the table if needed to allow enough space to comfortably pass through. Tables hugging the wall free up precious square footage. Floating pieces make narrow halls appear wider, though keep 12-15 inches of clearance on either side. Pedestals and hairpin legs further open up room below. Measure first and use painter's tape on the floor to map placement.

Select a Decor Style

Evaluate the interior design style of your home's existing spaces. Match the style and finish of your entryway furniture to flow seamlessly from room to room. For example, pair a reclaimed wood table with farmhouse touches or a sleek glass top with contemporary decor. Consistency creates a pulled-together look. An ornate French provincial console clashes next to mid century modern living room chairs.

Decide if you want an elegant, minimalist, or lavish entry table look. A gilded antique mirror and fresh floral bouquet exude refinement. Alternatively, a sleek tray holding a single ornament makes a modern statement. For dramatic opulence, layer on luxe elements like crystal candleholders, porcelain vases, gilt frames, and a chandelier overhead.

Choose a cohesive color scheme to connect your entry decor. Neutral white or black furniture allows bolder hues to shine. Woods and metallics add warmth and timeless appeal. Cool tones feel refreshing and serene while warm shades are welcoming. Look for paint swatches and fabric snippets throughout your home. Repeat those colors with throw pillows, blankets, paintings and floral stems to pull the whole space together.

Match Existing Decor Style

If your interior decor features sleek lines and modern materials like leather and chrome, seek out similar finishes for your entryway table. A solid marble tabletop with metal hairpin legs and an abstract print in crisp white framing has a contemporary vibe. The industrial farmhouse aesthetic utilizes reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, and vintage elements. A distressed wood console paired with a washed linen runner and rayon pom-pom basket fits right in.

For traditional decor, look for an elegant entry table with turned legs, carved details, and a rich wood tone. Classical shapes and either golden, silver or crystal art objects complete the look. If your home embraces laidback cottage charm, bring in woven wood, rattan textures, painted finishes, and dainty florals. Curating decor that reflects the style of your interiors results in a polished, pulled-together aesthetic from entry to living spaces.

Incorporate Functional Storage

While dazzling first impressions are ideal, entryway tables still need storage for real-life organization. Basket trays corral mail, keys, and other everyday carry items to keep surfaces clutter-free. Look for styles with built-in drawers or lower shelves to stash gloves, hats, dog leashes, and reusable grocery bags. Install a wall mount rack to hang coats and provide extra space between furniture.

Clever Hidden Storage Solutions

For discreet storage, look for benches or ottomans with lift-top lids to hold clutter out of sight. Upholstered cubes slide underneath console tables as sneakily spacious stowaways. Vintage stepladders add visual interest while providing surfaces to neatly display decorative objects. For the farmhouse look, hang a trio of galvanized buckets from ladder rungs.

Incorporate baskets and attractive bins for a pretty way to organize essentials. Place woven baskets for incoming mail and house keys on a tray. Round rattan bins fit inside cabinet shelves to divide items. Wire mesh steel sorters with multiple compartments are perfect for organizing cables and chargers. Lidded bins keep communal gloves and hats accessible but contained.

Maximize Wall Space

Maximize vertical storage with wall mounted racks for hanging coats, bags and umbrellas right by the entry. Choose designs with hooks, pegs or open slated shelves. Stagger hanging heights to accommodate coats on top and bags below. In a narrow galley entry, go vertical with wall hooks directly above the console table to free up floor area. Place a shallow floating wall shelf above to hold decor, hats, or keys.

Include Statement Pieces

Make your entry table the focal point by anchoring it with substantial statement decor. The significant scale immediately draws the eye while properly balanced smaller accents keep the vignette intriguing. Incorporate visual weight through mirror size, pronounced silhouettes, or solid mixed media materials. Then prevent clutter with thoughtful restraint. The impact stems from bold contrast.

For lavish texture, make a mirrored tray the centerpiece to instantly expand and illuminate. Position an oversized vase of fresh lush palms on an acrylic pedestal. Rolled matte stoneware vases make an earthy declaration. Abstract art makes a unique impression. Lean a sizable framed canvas against the wall behind the table. Though volume catches the eye, don't overwhelm a petite foyer.

Framed Mirrors Reflect Light

Mirrors magnify light to make spaces appear larger while providing a quick check before heading out the door. Go grand with an ornate frame surrounding antiqued mirrored glass. Floating shelves that incorporate small mirrors amplify the reflective impact. Tiny affordable acrylic mirrors also shine when clustered in groups. Adhere whimsical shaped mirrors for playful pops of light. Check consignment shops boasting vintage finds.

Scale Down in Small Spaces

Avoid massive pieces in pint-sized entryways that will feel chaotic instead of dramatic. Low ceiling nooks demand shorter furniture. Narrow spaces need light legs or transparent furnishings. Floating console shelves work in awkward angled foyers. Choose one thoughtfully scaled statement piece, like a graphic black and white print in a slim frame. Then decorate the tabletop sparingly. A sleek lamp, small plant and ceramic catch-all tray keep it serene.

Add Soft Touches

Include fabric accents and natural elements to warm up your entryway table vignette. Velvet pillows in soothing hues provide plush contrast to hard edges and surfaces. Toss a cozy blanket over a bench cushion. Try different textural throws layered and draped for dimension. Jute and sisal mats bring organic depth.

Fresh floral bouquets, potted plants or petite dried arrangements infuse life. A trio of simple daisies cheers up a console. Succulents thrive with minimal care. Tall slender vases allow greenery to cascade. Farmer's market finds and foraged stems switch out seasonally. Faux boxwood, eucalyptus and palms permanently punch up the palette.

Rattan, Wood and Ceramics

Introduce nature-inspired textures with home accessories. Coiled rattan breadbaskets, woven trays and birdcages look chic holding decorative objects. Wood polish reveals the natural grain in bowls, candlesticks and urns. Hand thrown pottery like ridged jars, hammered vases and organic shapes add artisanal appeal. Display sculptures, geodes, decorative bottles and earthy elements.

Seasonal Touches

Rotate accents to celebrate the seasons. Spring welcomes flowering branches like magnolia, camellia or cherry blossom. Summer showcases wildflowers and greenery like fern fronds. Fall shines with warm hues in leaves, gourds and mini pumpkins. Winter embraces evergreen accents like pine cones, holly sprigs and red berries mixed with pine, cedar and spices.

Use Trays to Organize Essentials

Trays instantly tidy up entry tables by corralling small items into a single decorative container. Less clutter equals a calmer impression. Contrasting colors or finishes elevate the look. Metallics lend modern sophistication. Pretty patterned porcelain sets a feminine mood. Natural woven rattan makes an earthy statement.

Search flea markets and antique shops for unique vintage trays with personality. Repurposed pieces like engraved tins, colored glass and oxidized silver glimmer with patina. Display trays prominently or stash them inside drawers to stay organized. Simply switch out the contents to refresh your look. Stacked trays save space while providing separation.

Everyday Carry Essentials

Designate an entry tray to collect daily carry items like keys, sunglasses, hand sanitizer and loose change. Check each time you leave to ensure you have essentials. The ritual also keeps these small objects from scattering around the house. Place the tray near seating to handle getting ready tasks. Include charging cables to power up devices as needed.

Entryway Mail Station

Use a designated tray as a mail and document drop zone. Key rings and smartphone pouches prevent papers from sliding around. Sort mail right away to route envelopes to your home office, junk mail to the recycle bin and magazines into their own basket. Assign letter trays or wall-mounted open bins for each family member. Mounted wooden cubbies with nameplates organize permission slips and school notices.

Incorporate Greenery

Plants instantly amplify visual interest and bring life to interior spaces. Greenery choices range from petite succulents and air plants to cascading vines and tall leafy varieties. Low maintenance plants, like snake plants and pothos, stay healthy with minimal care. Orchids and bromeliads thrive indoors with the right conditions. Fresh-cut blooms need changing regularly.

Potted Plants

Place a potted plant atop an entryway table or tuck one into a pretty cachepot. Miniature varieties like pilea, ferns and ivies fit perfectly without overcrowding. Indoor palm plants make a bold tropical statement. For farmhouse style, try a galvanized tub planted with trailing ivy. Arrange several mixed succulents together for varied shapes and textures.

Opt for plants that suit your space's light exposures. Bright west or south facing entries support most varieties. Low light halls may only nurture pothos, Chinese evergreens or zz plants. Benches with cutouts to hold pots keep greenery off the floor. Add grow lights if needing supplemental sun. Water weekly and fertilize during growing season.

Fresh and Faux Flowers

Fresh flowers instantly jazz up any space with vibrant hues and natural fragrance. Buy moderately priced blooms like carnations, mums and daisies from the grocery store and trim stems to fit your vase height. Tap florist friends for leftover wedding flowers on the cheap. Change out fresh arrangements weekly.

Faux floral arrangements mean no upkeep; a must for frequented common areas. Go for high quality silk varieties. Dust regularly with a lint roller. Rotate faux flowers seasonally just like you would cut stems. Skip hyper-realistic boxwood balls and roses in favor of organic bunches and runners that feel playful.

Display Meaningful Artwork

Showcase artwork with personal significance and visual impact. Black and white family photos lend timeless appeal to console tables, while colorful abstract art makes a contemporary statement. Group coordinating pieces into a gallery wall or feature framed botanical prints.

Canvas prints from your own high-resolution photos ensure a perfect custom fit. Upload snaps of favorite travel memories, wedding moments and smiling family candids. Brass picture ledges neatly display unframed prints and you can swap them out on a whim. Purchase wall mounts allowing art to be easily moved around.

Reflect Personal Style

Surround yourself with pieces that make you smile. Display nostalgic souvenirs from childhood vacations and funky flea market finds. Show kids' artwork front and center. Given the high-traffic location, choose sturdy acrylic or wood frames over fragile materials.

Alternate floating shelves with framed photos and meaningful objects. Mini easels are perfect for propping up recipe cards, love notes and inspiring quotes. Prop larger artwork against the wall if console tables lack surface area. Stagger overlapping frames for visual interest and wow factor.

Rotate Seasonal Art

Keep your entry decor looking fresh by rotating seasonal artwork, prints and home accents. Dark moody landscapes suit winter months while bright blooming florals welcome spring. Showcase summer travel pics or line up a cheerful row of school photos each fall. Download printable art celebrating holidays and occasions. Displaying 2-3 swapped out pieces makes a big decorating impact.

Add Warm Lighting

Proper illumination transforms any space from dull to dazzling. Ambient lighting warms up your entryway while providing a welcoming glow. Accent lighting illuminates display objects to enhance their visual appeal. Avoid an overly bright and sterile environment with thoughtfully designed fixtures at various heights.

Table and Floor Lamps

Table lamps provide both task lighting and cozy atmosphere. For small entry tables, opt for lean tapered silhouettes that occupy minimal surface area. Swing arm sconces mount to the wall without taking up table space. Seek out dimmable fixtures to set just the right mood.

For ample ambient lighting, position taller floor lamps in unused corners. Go for antique torchiere styles that direct light upward to illuminate the whole area. Place floor lamps near benches or seating instead of passageways to avoid bumping into them. Soften overhead lighting by switching to lower wattage bulbs.

Twinkle Lights and Candles

Nothing is quite as welcoming as flicker firelight. A large pillar candle makes a substantial stylish statement, while clusters of tiny tea lights lend cozy charm. Choose unscented votives to avoid overwhelming entry aromas. Nestle small candles amongst entryway accessories for pops of ambient glow. Group larger candles in identical vessels for harmonious repetition.

String lights instantly create a playful lived-in feel. Drape extra strands along a stair rail or weave through a macrame wall hanging. Outline doorway arches or frames for soft magical glow. Wrap tiny bistro bulbs around terrarium plants. Add puck lights underneath shelves or inside cabinets to spotlight favorite objets d'art when closed.

Change Up Decor Seasonally

Reinvigorate your entryway table display by decorating for the seasons and holidays. Simple updates like fresh florals and decorative accents keep spaces feeling current. Commit to editing and curating special pieces to prevent overwhelming clutter.

Celebrate the season by styling your entry vignette to suit the time of year. For summer, display bright blooms in yellows and pinks. Drape a white cotton macrame wall hanging dotted with petite mirrors. Line up seashells and driftwood along a console runner.