An entranceway table can be a great way to make a strong first impression in your home. As guests enter your home, an attractively styled table gives them a taste of your style. But with limited space, what are the best items to display? Here are some ideas for what to put on your entranceway table.
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The Purpose of an Entranceway Table
First, let’s consider the purpose of an entranceway table. These tables typically serve a few key functions:
- Provide a spot to place keys, mail, and other items brought into the home
- Create a welcoming first impression for guests
- Reflect your personal style and design aesthetic
- Add decorative interest to an entry space
With these goals in mind, you’ll want to include items on your table that are visually appealing, express your style, and help keep your entry organized.
Essential Items for an Entranceway Table
There are a few staple items that look great on almost any entryway table:
A lamp
A small table lamp provides both form and function. Be sure to choose one that aligns with your overall style. Consider finishes like brass, nickel, ceramic or glass for a modern look or carved wood or crystal for a traditional style. Scale down the size appropriately for your table.
A tray or basket
Use trays or baskets in a natural material like rattan, wood or metal to corral smaller items. This keeps things tidy while adding texture. A few ideas of what to put in your tray:
- Mail and letters
- House keys
- Sunglasses and reading glasses
- Face masks
- Dog leashes
- Gloves and hats
A vase
Fresh or faux flowers instantly liven up a table display. Choose blooms in seasonal colors. For variety, consider displaying branches, dried botanicals or a plant instead of cut flowers. Just be sure your vase or planter suits your overall aesthetic.
Books
A few coffee table books stacked horizontally help fill space and introduce color and texture. Choose titles and cover designs that represent your interests and personality.
A candle
Candles make a wonderful focal point and infuse a space with welcoming light. Opt for taper or pillar candles in complementary colors and materials. Be sure to place on a dish or candlestick holder.
Optional Decorative Touches
Once you’ve included the essentials, there are endless possibilities for extra embellishments. Here are some ideas:
Framed photos or artwork
Personalize your space with a few cherished photos in frames that match your decor. Or select a piece of artwork in your favorite colors.
A dish for keys
Use a beautiful dish to corral loose keys. Opt for an eye-catching material like marble, glass, ceramic or hammered metal.
Greenery
Bring nature inside with pots of succulents, air plants, herb gardens or a dish garden. Just be sure to select plants suited for your lighting conditions.
Sculptural objects
Abstract sculptures, geodes, coral and other unique objects make excellent focal points.
A box or basket for mail
Use a lidded box or woven basket to organize mail in a subtle yet chic way.
Style Ideas for Different Aesthetics
You can tailor your entranceway decor to match your personal style. Here are some ideas:
Modern
- Glass, marble or metal tray
- Black and white abstract photography
- Geometric ceramics
- Brass lamp
- Pile of glossy design books
- Green or white succulents
Rustic
- Woven jute tray
- Creamware jug
- Dried lavender stems
- Set of nature books
- Stoneware lamp
- Dish garden
Traditional
- Silver tray
- Crystal candlesticks
- Framed family photo
- Stack of classic literature
- Brass lamp
- Blue and white porcelain vase
Eclectic
- Handwoven tray
- Vintage books
- Abstract sculpture
- Glass terrarium
- Gold mirror
- Patterned pillow
Tips for Styling Your Entranceway Table
Follow these best practices when designing your entryway table display:
- Select a table proportionate to your space – don’t overcrowd.
- Layer decor for visual interest, but don’t overdo it.
- Incorporate contrasting colors, textures, heights and materials.
- Refresh displays seasonally – try fresh blooms in spring, gourds in fall, etc.
- Edit constantly – rotate items, remove things you don’t need.
- Keep surfaces tidy and dust free.
- Don’t block pathways or cover up architectural details.
- Make sure your style suits your personality.
Sample Entranceway Table Vignettes
Here are a few example tablescapes showcasing stylish, functional entranceway decor:
Vignette #1: Rustic Lodge
- Reclaimed wood table
- Wicker tray holding gloves, hats and keys
- Stoneware lamp with burlap shade
- Faux antler dish holding mail
- Stack of nature books
- Glass vase with dried pampas grass
- Framed photo of mountain landscape
Vignette #2: Sophisticated Gallery
- Marble topped console table
- Abstract metal sculpture
- Matte black tray holding sunglasses and masks
- Glass dome enclosing terrarium
- Brass picture frames displaying art photographs
- Herringbone patterned book – “Modern Architecture”
- White porcelain lamp with black shade
Vignette #3: Vintage Market
- Salvaged wood table with turned legs
- Worn leather tray holding keys and mail
- Glass cloche covering lavender sprigs
- Stack of vintage books – Dickens, Austen, etc.
- Distressed metal lamp with burlap shade
- Framed botanical line drawing
- White pitcher holding dried wildflowers
Vignette #4: Global Boho
- Rattan side table
- Colorful ceramic dish holding keys
- Brass lamp with drum shade
- Pile of travel books – “Morocco”, “India”, etc.
- White and blue ceramic vase with eucalyptus stems
- Framed world map print
- Decorative globe
Conclusion
An entryway table sets the tone when you first walk through the front door. Tailor your display to your personal tastes by including essentials like a lamp, books, greenery and a tray. Then have fun styling with colors, textures and accessories that express your unique style. Refresh your arrangements seasonally to keep your space feeling fresh and inviting.