What should be on an entryway table?

The entryway table is often the first piece of furniture guests see when entering your home. It makes a statement and sets the tone for the rest of the home’s decor. An entryway table serves both form and function. It provides a spot to set down keys, mail, and other items when coming and going. The tabletop can also display decor that reflects your style.

When choosing what to put on an entryway table, you’ll want to include useful objects and decorative accents. The ideal entryway table has a balanced mix of function and style. Here are some things to consider including on your entryway table:

Mail Organizer

A mail organizer is an essential functional piece for an entryway table. It provides sorted slots to filing incoming mail, bills, letters, and other paperwork. Having mail neatly organized makes it faster to sort when you’re coming and going. A letter holder or wall-mounted mail organizer are other options.

Key Dish

Designate a dish on your entryway table for collecting keys. A decorative bowl or tray keeps keys from getting misplaced. It also prevents them from scratching the table. Place the key dish toward the back of the table for easy access.

Candle

A large pillar candle or cluster of votive candles make excellent entryway decor. The candlelight creates a welcoming glow. Scented candles also add ambiance. Just be sure to keep wicks trimmed and away from drafty areas.

Tray

Use trays to corral small items like wallets, glasses, dog leashes, and loose change. Trays come in many sizes and materials like metal, wood, ceramic, and woven seagrass. Having a dedicated catchall tray prevents clutter.

Small Lamp

A small table lamp provides both form and function for an entryway. It offers illumination for sorting mail and finding keys. The lamp style makes a decor statement. Consider a lampshade that coordinates with your interior design aesthetic.

Seasonal Decor

Rotate seasonal accents to keep your entryway looking fresh. Spring flower pots, summer seashells, fall garlands, and winter snow globes are simple ways to decorate. Display artwork from your children to add personalized charm.

Vase of Flowers

Fresh flower arrangements enliven any space. A vase of blooms on an entryway table provides a fragrant welcome. Opt for sturdy blooms like orchids or carnations that will last over a week. Cut flowers that wilt quickly can leave a mess.

Basket

Attractive baskets serve multiple organizational needs. Use baskets to hold dog leashes, scarves and hats, or phone charging cords. Nesting a few baskets together takes up minimal space while keeping essentials handy.

Picture Frames

Photographs showing family, friends, pets, and favorite places further personalize the space. Arrange framed photos in different sizes and orientations for visual interest. Opt for wide horizontal frames to fit the table proportions.

Choosing a Style

When selecting entryway table decor, choose items that match your interior design style. Here are some style considerations:

Traditional Style

A traditional entryway often features a wooden table with turned legs. Pewter, silverplate, or crystal accessories suit the classic look. A monogrammed tray adds flair. Dried floral arrangements in white and neutral tones keep it sophisticated.

Rustic Style

Rustic style calls for natural elements like a reclaimed wood table. Galvanized metal mail sorters and woven baskets work well. Mason jars provide rustic flower vases. Textured ceramic table lamps complement the earthy design.

Modern Style

For contemporary cool, try a sleek glass-topped table in chrome or acrylic. Metallic accessories like mercury glass vases and silver candlesticks add shine. Choose blooms with structural interest like orchids or tulips.

Coastal Style

Coastal entryways feature weathered wood furniture and cool blues and greens. Accents like shells, driftwood, and model sailboats evoke the seaside. Billowy hydrangea blooms in white and blue make the perfect coastal bouquet.

Farmhouse Style

The farmhouse look features vintage painted wood furniture, galvanized metal, and burlap accents. Dried botanicals in whitewashed vases fit the aesthetic. Wicker baskets provide charming storage. Checkered table runners add homespun flavor.

Bohemian Style

For free-spirited bohemian style, choose an exotic carved table or colorful mosaic pieces. Display your favorite art glass and ceramics. Pillar candles, greenery and wildflower bouquets express the eclectic vibe.

Minimalist Style

If your taste runs minimalist, select an unadorned table with modern lines. Stick to just the essentials like a sleek lamp, flower vase, and decorative bowl. The clean, uncluttered look creates relaxed harmony.

Tips for Arranging Your Entryway Table

Once you’ve gathered items for your entryway table, it’s time to artfully arrange the vignette. Follow these tips to create an attractive display:

Establish Balance

Aim for symmetrical balance with similar elements like candlesticks and vases placed on each end. Or create asymmetrical balance with larger single statement pieces offset by smaller accents.

Vary Heights

Add visual interest by incorporating pieces of different heights. For example, set a tall vase next to short books or a flower pot elevated on a pedestal.

Mind Scale

Make sure pieces are properly scaled for the table size. Oversized items will overwhelm while tiny pieces get lost. Allow ample surface area for functional purposes.

Edit Clutter

Avoid clutter by regularly editing the tabletop. Remove fading flowers, wilting greenery, and seasonal accents that are past their prime. Don’t allow papers and other organizing items to pile up.

Consider Proportions

The length of rectangular entry tables can handle a greater number of items than narrow consoles. Allow each piece room to shine without crowding. Round pedestal tables suit just a few accent pieces.

Highlight Focal Points

Direct the eye to main design elements like a statement floral arrangement or artwork by placing these at the center or at eye level. Surround focal points with complementary pieces.

Color Coordinate

Tie everything together through a coordinated color palette. Repetition of similar shades creates harmony. Wood, metal, white, and greenery make versatile foundational tones.

Provide Illumination

Include lighting like a small table lamp or LED candles to brighten a dark foyer. This helps make keys and mail sorting easier while providing ambiance. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Choosing an Entryway Table

The entryway table itself acts as the foundation for displaying everything else. Select a table suited for your space and needs with these criteria in mind:

Size

Measure the entry space first. Allow ample clearance for opening doors and traffic flow. A table depth around 20-24 inches suits most needs. Console tables are long and narrow.

Legroom

Account for legroom if the entry space is tight. A table or wall shelves with open bottom space preserves foot room. Pedestal tables occupy more floor space.

Height

Standard table height is 30 inches, but console tables can be 36 inches or taller. If the entry has low ceilings, opt for a shorter table silhouette.

Style

Match the table style to your interior decor. Formal foyers suit dramatic exotic wood tables. Casual country entries work with reclaimed wood or painted furniture.

Finish

Consider the table finish durability too. Glossy lacquered surfaces better resist scuffs and water marks versus natural wood finishes. Tile-topped tables offer decorative impact.

Storage

Built-in drawers or shelves provide concealed storage. Look for entry tables with a shelf above to double the surface space. Baskets or bins fit in the shelves.

Materials

Wood, metal, glass, and stone table tops all have their benefits. Butcher block and concrete suit heavy use. Metal and glass tabletops require less maintenance.

Shape

In narrow spaces, rectangular console tables fit best. Round pedestal tables save room in small entryways. Square table tops have the most surface space.

Assembly

Ready-to-assemble tables cost less but require work. Opt for fully assembled tables if you want easier convenience.

Entryway Table Inspiration

If you need more ideas about what to put on your entryway table, here are some inspirational vignettes to spark creativity:

Minimalist Black and White

– White ceramic lamp
– Matte black dish for keys
– Small green succulent or fern in black planter
– Glass vase with white tulips
– Round wood tray for incoming items
– Black and white photograph in black frame

Rustic Industrial

– Galvanized metal letter caddy
– Faux eucalyptus stems in rectangular gray vase
– Large glass apothecary jar with visible sprigs of lavender
– Wicker tray with leather handles
– Rustic wood bowl for keys
– Simple white taper candles in metal holders

Modern Glam

– Acrylic letter caddy
– Mercury glass vase with white calla lilies
– Round mirror tray with gold accents
– Glass lamp with geometric print lampshade
– Small decorative boxes stacked to different heights
– Glass candle votives in gold holders

Coastal Relaxed

– White shell wreath in round wall frame
– Blue glass bottle vase with sand and grasses
– Jute basket to hold magazines or books
– White painted buoys on threaded rope
– Blue glass hurricane candle holder with shells inside
– Round seagrass woven tray with leather handles

Farmhouse Vintage

– Galvanized tin pail for catching keys
– White ceramic lamp with burlap shade
– Wicker letter caddy with metal trim
– Fresh flower market bundle in white pitcher
– Vintage book stack with bookends
– Wrought iron candle lantern with pillar candle

Bohemian Global Bazaar

– Benjarong ceramic tray with black and white geometric design
– Decorative elephant statue (small)
– Round rattan basket tray
– Red glass lantern with LED candle
– Patterned silk pouf box
– Flowering orchid in patterned ceramic planter

Traditional Elegant

– Silver monogrammed plate or holder
– Crystal candlesticks with taper candles
– Porcelain vase with pink peonies and roses
– Rectangular silver tray with notepad and monogrammed pen
– Chinese-style blue and white ginger jar lamp
– Lacquered jewelry or trinket box

Tips for Entryway Table Upkeep

A few habits will help maintain your entryway table’s beauty and function over time:

• Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup.
• Use coasters under cups or vases to prevent water marks.
• Clean spills promptly to avoid stains.
• Polish metal accents to restore shine.
• Condition leather or wood pieces to prevent drying.
• Freshen flowers weekly and trim wicks on candles.
• Reorganize baskets and trays so items don’t get buried.
• Rotate pieces seasonally to keep the look fresh.
• Protect the tabletop if using temporarily as a party buffet.
• Rearrange items if the tabletop looks cluttered or crowded.

With a little planning and creativity, your entryway table can make a great first impression. Use an organized, stylish vignette to set the tone for a welcoming home.

Example Entryway Table Vignettes

Here are some example entryway table vignettes showcasing different styles:

Rustic Style

Reclaimed wood table	Woven basket for magazines
Galvanized metal mail sorter	Simple white pitcher with wildflowers
Stoneware lamp with burlap shade	Rustic figurine of dog
Wicker tray for keys	Glass lantern with pillar candle

Modern Style

Acrylic table	Chrome wire letter holder
Glass vase with orchid	Decorative glass light orb
Metallic tray with quartz crystals	Decorative box

Coastal Style

White washed wood table	Blue glass bottle with shells
Jute basket for mail	Starfish on stand
Planter with grasses	Glass lamp with conch shell base

Bohemian Style

Mosaic garden stool table	Patterned pouf box
Round rattan tray	White ceramic elephant
Flowering orchid in planter	Red glass lantern with candle

Conclusion

The entryway table sets the stage for welcoming guests and family into your home. Use these recommendations to create a functional, organized, and decorative vignette. Mix inspirational accents that express your personal style. The right entryway table display makes a memorable first impression.