Are you wondering how to decorate a console table in an entryway but don’t know where to start? These pro tips work with any entry space and every style!
Some people are just naturally good at decorating. "I am not one of those people," says Karin Peters of renovatedfaith.com. But, I have found some tried and true tips that not only work on console tables but any decor in your home.
The main function of an entry table is for display purposes as it is the first impression for the rest of your home. And the accessories on an entry table and how they relate to each other is called a “vignette”. But this guide is for people, like me, that don’t use the term “vignette” in everyday life and just want a cute arrangement of accessories that make sense together on their entry table.
Your home’s décor is for no one else but YOU. It should bring a smile to your face, uplift you, and even remind you of what is most important to you.
However, decorating a console or entry table can be a daunting task if you don’t know some basic steps to help you create a display that you’ll love to come home to daily!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONSOLE TABLE AND AN ENTRY TABLE?
If you are wondering about the difference between a console, entry table, and sofa table, there’s no real difference in that they are all just display tables and the same guidelines apply for each.
The only distinction is that a sofa table is usually behind a sofa, an entry table is often in an entry and a console technically is a table against a wall. But for the purpose of this post, I’ll use those terms interchangeably.
HOW TO DECORATE AN ENTRY CONSOLE TABLE
DISCLAIMER: There is one major rule for decorating an entry table and it actually applies for all home decorating in general. Whatever decor or style you like trumps any decor advice anyone gives you. In other words, these “rules” below are just guidelines to help.
For every one of these rules, you can probably find a gorgeous entry table display on Pinterest that breaks that rule.
You have the final say on what looks best and these guidelines are here to help you get started. It’s YOUR HOME so embrace what YOU like. Remember that your home and its decor is there to serve you – not the other way around.
STEP 1: WHERE TO PUT A CONSOLE TABLE
The first thing is to decide where to put your table. There are no hard and fast rules regarding the right place to put an entry table in your home but it’s such an easy way to create a great focal point in a room. For the purpose of this post, I’ll focus on decorating a console table in an entryway but the same principles can be used anywhere in your home!
Also, it’s important to note that a console table can be any sort of display table like a buffet or even a cute dresser. I’ve even seen sewing tables and pianos function really well as entry tables in open spaces.
Console tables are the perfect solution when you have an open space that needs to be filled. Ironically, a well-decorated small console table can give the illusion of more space.
STEP 2: PICK AN ANCHOR WHEN DECORATING A CONSOLE TABLE IN AN ENTRY WAY
Every entry table should have a piece of art, a large round mirror, or even an old window above itas the focal point or anchor.
Think of your anchor piece as the framing of a house that everything else relates to. The width of your focal point should always be less than the width of your table.
Wall mirrors are always really easy to work with because they make the room look larger and you don’t have colors to coordinate with as you would with a piece of art. Also, they provide a crisp, clean look for any decor in an interesting way.
STEP 3: ENTRYWAY CONSOLE TABLE DECOR IDEAS – PICK AN ARRANGEMENT OPTION
There are two basic options to get you started:
SYMMETRICAL ENTRY TABLE DÉCOR IDEAS
One classic way to style any display table is with symmetrical décor. Carrie from Lovely Etc has an excellent example of this with her vintage metal entry table.
Notice how she has flowers on both sides to create a symmetrical look.
Often with a symmetrical layout, you will have the same or a similar tall object on either side with filler items in the middle. You can use vases of flowers, lanterns, or a pair of lamps as your two tall items.
Also, I love how the flowers on each side are not exactly identical. This makes the entry décor a little more interesting and frees you up to find similar items you already have around the house.
She uses the books as filler to fill in the negative space under the mirror. You can also use several short votive candles, or a long flower box with hydrangeas as filler. All of these are great options for a long table in a narrow space.
NON-SYMMETRICAL ENTRY DECOR
The other great option is to have asymmetrical décor. What works well is to have one side with accessories that are tall and skinny and the other side with accessories that are short and wide, which creates a real sense of balance to your accessories.
Notice how the accessories on my faux-stained entry table follow this rule with the skinny and tall vase of flowers on one side and the shorter, wider accessories on the other.
STEP 4: PICK ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ENTRY TABLE DECOR
Here are some basic guidelines to make picking the right accessories easy:
USE “GROUPS OF THREE” WHEN DECORATING A CONSOLE TABLE
A great starting point for arranging console table decor is the “groups of three” rule. Often groupings of accessories look best in odd numbers.
If you have three narrow skinny items on one side of your table like a tall lamp or candlestick, have a combination of heavy objects or short shapely pieces on the other side.
To make items look taller, add a short stack of books underneath. There is no wrong way to do this but by using groups of three you can organize your decorative pieces easily and create great focal points.
You’ll notice how Emily at Small Stuff Counts does an amazing job of decorating with clusters of three. Also, I love how nicely the accessories fill the negative space around the round mirror.
Notice how she keeps the bottom shelf simple too but that doesn’t mean it lacks storage options, as you can see from the basket and white box where she has lots of extra space.
DECORATE A CONSOLE TABLE IN AN ENTRYWAY WITH “COLOR FRIENDS“
Everybody needs a friend and the same applies to decorating! To help the accessories in your entry display to tie together, make sure each item has a ‘color friend’ so there are always at least two objects of each main color in your color palette.
Notice how Angie of Postcards From the Ridge applies this concept making sure that each item has at least one other item of the same color to tie the whole display together.
The fresh greenery in the boxwood wreath ties in with the vase and the purple of the lavender ties in nicely with the throw.
Consider incorporating natural materials and organic elements like woven baskets, wreaths, small plants or faux flowers to add interest to the overall look of your entryway decor.
I love how she uses this bold wallpaper, elegant lamp, and other decorative items to create different focal points in this small entryway.
Not only is this white entry table a great addition to her small foyer, but it is a main focal point of her home by adding lots of her own personal style.
AVOID CLUTTER WITH YOUR ENTRYWAY DECOR ITEMS
The most appealing console table displays are the ones that are not overcrowded with accessories because it creates a cluttered look. This is one of those instances where less is actually more – especially for console tables in smaller spaces.
Don’t feel like you have to fill every empty space on your table with decorative objects. It’s good to air on the side of things being a little sparse as it creates a big impact and a good first impression.
USE ITEMS LARGER THAN A CANTALOUPE
Sometimes small items can make a piece of furniture look too busy. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that all small decor is larger than the size of a cantaloupe. This will automatically create the illusion of more surface space.
See how Diana of 204 Park creates plenty of interest with bold statement pieces and decorative items with the “less is more” approach.
She puts enough to fill the negative space on both sides but keeps her entry decor simple. I love the ottomans underneath that are not only stunning but are a great idea for extra seating.
For more on how to decorate console table seasonally, please continue reading at https://renovatedfaith.com/how-to-decorate-a-console-table/