How to Decorate a Console Table in an Entryway
I get it! The idea of decorating a console table from scratch can feel a little overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!
These simple tips can make a beautiful impact, and today I wanted to walk you through how and where to place decor to create a look you’ll absolutely love.
A Minimalist Moment
For a lot of us, a “less is more” approach is the most practical choice for an entryway, and that’s especially true if your entry is on the smaller side (or you don’t really have one at all).
Leaving some breathing room to appreciate a few special pieces will create a calm feeling and make the space seem bigger, even in a compact area. Here’s a brilliant strategy for a smaller console: tuck a bench right underneath it to maximize your space.
Now you’ve got a spot to sit while putting on your shoes before leaving, and it all fits together in one neat little zone. In this case, more actually looks like less! [photo from Z Design at Home]
If your table doesn’t need to hold everyday items like mail, you could try layering a couple of framed art prints and then just add one or two other decorative touches.
What you get is a dimensional arrangement that doesn’t take up much room at all. [below: the Waterfall Inlay Console Table from Anthropologie]
I don’t want to get too far off track from today’s focus on console tables, but if you’re really committed to a minimalist style, you could always choose a bench for your entryway instead.
It sits lower, which frees up wall space, and you can even place an item or two on the seat if you need the bench to act as a part-time table! I’m completely obsessed with this Arch Bench from Bower, featured at Domino:
Here’s a great idea for a small console table: build one single stack of decorative items.
The stack of books with a lamp on top shown below is just fantastic, seen here with CB2’s Peekaboo Smoke Acrylic Console Table:
You can craft an asymmetrical display by clustering a few things off to one side. This gives you a big visual payoff, even with small items.
Plus, a lot of the surface stays clear, which results in a minimalist, tidy feel. [below: the Oscarine Lucite Mirrored Coffee Table from Anthropologie]
Working with Tiers
If there’s no real limit to what your entry can handle, then let’s go for it! Now I’m sharing some really fun design concepts that are perfect for any table, especially those with more than one level.
To keep a cluttered appearance at bay, bring in pieces of a single color, like the white planters and vases in the image below. The greenery adds another layer to this scene with the Aalto Console Table from Cox & Cox:
When you arrange multiple items on several tiers, aim for an intentional, curated feel.
It’s best to avoid using the table as a drop zone for whatever you’re holding when you walk in the door. [below: the Caged Black Marble Media Console from CB2]
Finally, don’t think you need to cover every inch of every shelf. As always, having some empty space can bring a sense of calm, which is especially nice for an entryway console table that greets you when you come home.
Below is the Wesley Console Table from Urban Outfitters, which holds everything from dried botanicals to a bowl for smaller things.
Here is another approach worth considering: keep it uncluttered with just a few things on the top tier of your table and a single container or plant on the bottom.
The vibe here is all about simple elegance, not abundance. [below: the Grey Topped Console Table from Cox & Cox]
To get started, add a container or two for holding things like keys, mail, shoes, and more! Below you can see a mix of decorative and useful pieces on Crate & Barrel’s Echelon Console Table:
You could also go with a console table that has built-in drawers to get the most storage possible, like this beautiful table from Cox & Cox:
The Styling Essentials
Alright, let’s dive into some of the foundational tips that I always come back to. These are the game-changers! Make a big impact with some greenery.
Seriously, there’s nothing quite like a simple vase with some tropical leaves or a modern planter with your favorite plant to make a welcoming statement right in your entryway.
In the picture that follows, you can see the Elke Marble Console Table with Brass Base from Crate & Barrel:
You can generate interest by showcasing decor with a variety of heights. Lamps are an excellent way to use that vertical space while also brightening up your entryway.
Stacking boxes and books can also give you the height you are looking for. Lower items, like trays for holding mail, can be really useful too. [photo below from Nate Berkus, featured at Beautiful Habitat]
It’s pretty obvious, but you should always pick a console table that fits with your home’s style. For instance, if you want to steer clear of a cluttered feel, you might think about choosing an acrylic piece.
Since it’s transparent, it creates the illusion of having more space. Below we have the sleek Peekaboo Acrylic Console Table from CB2:
You shouldn’t hesitate to use a mirror or a piece of art as your main focal point. Below you can see a gorgeously styled vignette built around a round mirror. [photo below from 204 Park]
