Original post updated July 16, 2026 (includes affiliate links)
4 minute read……

With the summer season officially just days away, travelling and entertaining starts to happen a lot more frequently.  If you're like me, you want your home to feel warm, welcoming and comfortable for your guests.

I believe first impressions matter, so even if you'll be hanging out in the backyard, you still want to make sure the entry of your home is expression of who you are and how you want your guests to feel when they walk through the door.

With that in mind, today I'm sharing 15 Tips on How to Style a Console Table in an Entryway. I'll breakdown my rationale for styling these four entryways below.

While console tables are often thought of as purely decorative, they can actually do a lot of heavy lifting. A well-styled entryway table can provide storage, improve functionality, create a welcoming atmosphere, and establish the overall tone for your home.

Whether you have a large foyer, a narrow hallway, or a small entry nook, these simple styling principles will help you create an entryway that feels polished, inviting, and thoughtfully designed.
 

WHY ENTRYWAY STYLING MATTERS

Your entryway is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home.

It's where you drop your keys, welcome guests, gather shoes and bags, and transition from the outside world into your personal retreat. A thoughtfully styled console table helps create order while also making your home feel complete and inviting.

The goal isn't to fill every inch with décor. Instead, focus on creating a balance between beauty and function.

15 Designer Tips for Styling a Console Table

1. Start with a Focal Point

One of the easiest ways to create a cohesive console table design is to begin with a large-scale focal point.

This could be:

• A statement piece of artwork

• A mirror

• A collection of framed art

• Architectural wall décor

Artwork is especially useful because it can help establish the color palette for the rest of the styling in your home.

Pro Tip: Choose artwork that's approximately two-thirds the width of your console table for the best visual balance.

2. Include a Light Source

Lighting instantly makes an entryway feel more welcoming. A table lamp provides both function and ambiance while helping your console table feel intentional rather than simply decorated. If surface space is limited, consider candles or wall sconces instead.

3. Bring in Natural Elements

Plants, greenery, branches, and fresh flowers add life to a space in a way that no decorative accessory can. Even a single stem arrangement or small potted plant can soften hard surfaces and make your entryway feel more inviting.

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4. Mix Materials and Textures

The most interesting console table designs combine a variety of materials.

Try mixing:

• Wood

• Metal

• Glass

• Stone

• Ceramic

• Leather

• Woven textures

The contrast between materials creates depth and prevents your styling from feeling flat.

5. Vary Heights

A successful vignette includes objects of different heights.

For example:

• Tall: lamp, branches, artwork

• Medium: vase, candleholders

• Low: bowls, trays, decorative boxes

This variation encourages the eye to move naturally throughout the arrangement.

Pro Tip: Use books to elevate smaller items and bridge awkward height gaps.

6. Use Odd Numbered Groupings of Decor

Use odd-numbered groupings because they tend to feel more natural and visually pleasing. Groups of three are often easiest to work with, but groups of five can work beautifully on larger consoles.

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7. Add Character Through Personal Pieces

A home should tell your story. Incorporate meaningful items such as:

• Travel souvenirs

• Family photos

• Vintage finds

• Handmade objects

• Collected treasures

These pieces share more about you, and add more personality than anything you can buy in a store.

8. Layer for Depth

Layering creates dimension and makes styling feel collected rather than staged.

Try:

• Leaning artwork behind décor

• Placing objects in front of mirrors

• Stacking books beneath accessories

• Overlapping decorative objects slightly

These simple techniques make a big impact.

9. Include Functional Pieces

Beautiful spaces should work for real life. For example, a decorative tray or bowl is perfect for:

• Keys

• Sunglasses

• Mail

• Coins

Similarly, a large basket is great for storing:

• Blankets

• Books & magazines

• Mitts & hats

• Extra pillows

10. Ground the Space with a Rug

If your space allows for it, include a rug that compliments your console table. A rug helps:

• Define the entryway

• Add warmth and texture

• Protect flooring

• Reduce noise

• Make the entire arrangement feel finished

Pro Tip: For busy households, use patterned rugs to help disguise everyday dirt and traffic.

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Okay, so now you have the basics, if you don't have the space to include all of these elements, you'll need to pare this down a bit. Here's how to do that…..

How to Style a Small Console Table

One of the biggest design trends we're seeing right now is interest in styling small console tables and narrow entryways. Many homeowners are working with compact entry spaces that still need to feel welcoming and functional. Here are some additional tips to help you style a small console table.

11. Choose Storage When Possible

If your entryway tends to collect clutter, consider using a cabinet, sideboard, or small credenza instead of a traditional open console table. The extra storage helps keep shoes, bags, and everyday items hidden while maintaining a tidy appearance.

12. Let the Wall Do Some of the Work

When surface space is limited, use the wall behind your console table to create impact.

Consider:

• Wallpaper

• Wainscoting or other millwork

• Large artwork

• Mirrors

• Wall sconces

These elements add personality without taking up valuable tabletop space.

13. Edit Your Accessories

Small console tables don't need lots of décor. A simple combination of some of the following is often all you need.

• Artwork or a mirror

• Greenery

• A decorative bowl

• Candles or a small lamp
  
  

  

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14. Prioritize Function

In smaller entryways, every item should earn its place. Choose pieces that are beautiful but also useful, such as decorative storage boxes, baskets, trays, or cabinets.

15. Think Vertically

When styling a smaller console, varying heights becomes even more important. Tall artwork, branches, mirrors, or sconces help draw the eye upward and make the space feel larger.

A Simple Formula for Styling Any Console Table

If you're not sure where to start, try my designer-approved formula:

1. Large artwork or mirror

2. Lamp or candles

3. Plant or florals

4. Decorative tray or bowl

5. Personal or vintage object

6. Books for layering

7. Rug for warmth, personality and to protect the floor

This combination works for both large and small entryways and creates a balanced, welcoming look without feeling cluttered.

Final Thoughts

You can create a beautiful entryway by combining a few functional pieces with thoughtful layers, texture, greenery, and meaningful accessories. Remember that the goals is to create an entry that feels welcoming, looks organized, and is reflective of who you are.

LOVE DECORATING YOUR HOME?

If you enjoyed these console table styling ideas, you'll love my DIY Interior Design Course. Inside, I'll show you how to create beautiful, cohesive spaces that reflect your style and function for your everyday life.

Whether you're decorating one room or your entire home, you'll gain the confidence and tools to make design decisions with ease.

Explore the Course

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