How to Style an Entryway With a Console Table

An entryway is the first and last space you see each day, and a console table can make it neat and welcoming. This guide shows you how to style a console table, from choosing the right size for a narrow hall to layering a mirror, lamp and baskets, with practical ideas for Canadian winters. Start with our console tables to see the range of sizes and shapes.

Choose a Size That Fits Your Entry

Styling starts with proportion. A table that is too large crowds the doorway, while one that is too small looks lost. These guidelines help:

• Depth: 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) suits a narrow hall, and 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) works where you have more room.
• Walkway: leave about 36 inches (91 cm) clear in front, and keep at least 30 inches (76 cm) if the hall is very tight.
• Width: a table roughly two-thirds the width of the wall usually looks balanced, with space on each side.
• Height: many consoles stand 30 to 34 inches (76 to 86 cm) tall, which is comfortable for dropping keys or mail.

Check that the front door and any closet doors can swing fully open without hitting the table. For more help with clearances, see our guide to arranging furniture so a room works, which applies to hallways too.

Start With a Mirror and a Lamp

A mirror and a lamp are the classic pair for good reason. The mirror brightens a narrow space and gives you a last look before you go out. Choose one about two-thirds the width of the console and hang it a few inches above the tabletop, roughly 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm), so the two read as one group. Aim to have the centre of the mirror near eye level.

The lamp gives you soft, warm light instead of a harsh overhead fixture. Pick a base that is tall enough to balance the mirror, use a warm-white bulb, and tuck the cord behind the table. Browse our lamps and lighting if the table has a power outlet nearby. In a tight hall where a lamp would steal surface space, a wall light can do the same job.

Add Storage Without Clutter

A pretty entryway still has to work. Give every item a home so the tabletop does not become a landing strip for everything:

• A tray or small dish holds keys, sunglasses and wallets.
• Baskets under the console take scarves, mitts, toques and dog leashes.
• A drawer or closed cabinet hides mail, chargers and spare keys.
• Hooks on the wall above or beside the table take bags and coats.

If you need even more room, take a look at our entryway storage, which includes benches and cabinets that can sit beside or under your console.

Layer the Top of the Table

Good styling looks effortless, but it follows a few simple ideas. Use items of different heights, such as a tall lamp, a medium frame or vase and a low bowl, so the eye moves across the surface. Group things in threes, which often looks more natural than pairs. Add something living, such as a plant or a few branches in a vase.

Above all, leave about a third of the surface empty. A table crowded with decor leaves no space for the things you actually need to set down when you come through the door.

Add a Bench, a Stool and a Rug

If there is room, slide a bench or a pair of stools under the console. They give you a place to sit and take off your boots, and they tuck away when you do not need them. A low-profile runner or a washable mat adds colour and protects the floor. Choose one with a non-slip backing and make sure the door clears it. A boot tray at the edge catches slush and road salt before it spreads through the rest of the house.

Style for the Seasons and for Winter Boots

An entryway that works in January needs a different setup from one in June. Keep the table styling simple and swap a few small items through the year instead of replacing furniture:

• Winter: a basket for mitts and toques, a boot tray, a warm lamp and a wool throw folded on the bench.
• Spring: bare branches or tulips in a vase, and a lighter rug.
• Summer: fresh flowers or a leafy plant, with sunglasses and sunscreen in the tray.
• Fall: small gourds or a bowl of pinecones, with an umbrella stand nearby.

Keep the floor space clear for boots and coats during the coldest months. For ways to carry the same warm feeling into the rest of the house, read our tips on making your living room cozy for Calgary winters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a console table be for a narrow hallway?

For a narrow hallway, 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) deep is usually a good range, and some slim consoles are even shallower. Aim to leave at least 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) of clear walking space in front, and check that doors can open fully.

What do you put on a console table in an entryway?

A practical mix works best: a lamp, a mirror or art above, a tray for keys, a small plant or vase and a basket or two underneath. Keep a third of the surface clear so you can set down mail and bags when you walk in.

How high should I hang a mirror above a console table?

Hang the mirror a few inches above the tabletop, roughly 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm), so it reads as part of the table. The centre should sit near eye level. Choose a mirror about two-thirds as wide as the console for a balanced look.

What can I use if I do not have room for a console table?

Try a very slim shelf mounted on the wall, a narrow table that is only 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep or a wall-mounted organizer with hooks. Even a small shelf with a tray and a mirror can give you a landing spot for keys.

See Console Tables in Person

Proportions matter in an entryway, and they are easiest to judge when you stand beside a piece. Visit our showroom at Unit D200, 9737 Macleod Trail SW in Calgary to check table depth and height against your measurements, and browse our mirrors online to find one that suits your wall.