Decorating Tips for a Small Entryway Table
This post will provide simple and easy tips for decorating a small entryway table. Why? Whenever I go on apps like LTK or Pinterest, I fall in love with all of the decorating ideas these talented influencers incorporate into their home spaces. Many have spacious hallways where they create stunning entryways that welcome guests (if you have the space, check out this table – I love it).
I, unfortunately, do not have a large entryway.
It’s small and offers few options for furniture placement and what can be purchased for the space.
Why should I decorate my entryway table?
No matter if it’s small or not, it’s still the first space that guests see when they enter my house. I want it to be welcoming and thoughtful.
It’s also the last spot I am before I leave the house, so functionality should be taken into account, too. Here are some simple tips for decorating your small entryway.
How do I know what size entryway table I should get?
Measure. I fell in love with a few tables before I decided on mine. If I hadn’t measured, I would have had to return the beautiful tables I saw because most are wider than 40”. If you have a small space, know what you’re working with to avoid the headache of returning.
Measuring how deep the space is should also be a consideration because, depending on how narrow your hallway is, you may need to get a slim table.
Blue painter’s tape on the floor is an easy way to see if furniture impedes a space’s traffic flow. If you’re looking for a little more storage but unsure of the space, tape the floor and give it a few days to see if you naturally walk around the space or if the movement will become awkward.
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What role should functionality play?
My house was built in the 1960s, so there is very little closet space. I need to account for that. While the look of a beautiful open base console offers more opportunity for decorating and personality, the need for storage is greater.
Determine what you need most. Is it space? Go for a cabinet style that has shelves. Is it aesthetics? Pick a piece you love and get decorating.
How do I decorate my entrway table?
You have three zones:
- The wall zone
- The counter zone
- The base zone
Wall Zone
A statement piece should be hung behind your entryway table. Pieces of art or mirrors are great selections for this area. A beautiful piece of art can add color and character to the space. Because it’s the last space you go to before leaving your house, a mirror offers you one last glance at yourself before you go out the door offering a little more practicality.
Whatever you choose, keep it between 2/3 and 3/4 of the width of your table to offer a balance between the two. While it is a statement piece, it shouldn’t overwhelm the space.
Counter Zone
Some suggest having your larger elements flanking the ends of the table. The items must offer height to them for dimension. This includes lamps, filled vases, or even candle sticks. The heights should be balanced and somewhat close to equal so that it doesn’t look like you’re going down the row from tallest to shortest.
As you can see, my space only allows me to tuck my entryway table into a corner. To put two higher pieces would have engulfed the entire space. I only have the vase filled to add height in the corner and keep the rest open so that it’s inviting to the user.
After adding your larger elements, layer in items of different heights so it feels natural. People love to add books and stack bowls on top. I chose not to because it isn’t where I would read a book. It felt unnatural. I went for function and form, selecting an open bowl where those who enter can drop keys, sunglasses, or headphones.
I also loved closed storage. It offers clean lines and privacy but also a space for what you will want to grab on your way out the door.
One last note on decorating this space, don’t use only one element. For example, if you choose a stone container, don’t use a matching vase or bowl. Use a variety of materials to create organic cohesion.
If you’re not sure what you want to add, hop on Pinterest and search. There is so much inspiration!
Base Zone
If you have an entryway table that has open space on the bottom, don’t leave that space behind! Decorate it. I love seeing ottomans that can be pulled out and used for additional seating in the nearby living room. I also love baskets that can gather your children’s shoes when they enter the house.
Most importantly, have fun with your space. These decorating tips for a small entryway table don’t matter if you don’t love your space. You see it every time you walk through the door. It should reflect what you like and what makes your house your home.
What is your favorite entryway addition? Share below, I would love to hear about it.
