Entry Table

An entry table is a narrow table designed for an entrance, foyer or hallway, providing a practical surface for everyday essentials while creating an attractive first impression. Also known as an entryway table, hall table or console table, it can be used to hold keys, mail and accessories while offering space for lamps, vases, mirrors, artwork and decorative objects.

In Australian homes, an entry table is especially useful because it can bring both function and personality to an often-overlooked area. Slim designs can work beautifully in narrower hallways, while wider statement pieces can anchor a generous foyer. Most console-style entry tables sit within an approximate 75–90 cm height range, with narrower depths particularly useful where walkway space is limited.

Quick Facts About Entry Tables

• Main purpose: Entryway storage, display and organisation
• Also called: Hall table, console table or entryway console
• Typical height: Approximately 75–90 cm
• Typical narrow-hall depth: Around 25–35 cm
• Popular materials: Timber, metal, marble, glass, stone-look and mixed materials
• Common styles: Modern, contemporary, coastal, classic, minimalist and rustic
• Useful features: Drawers, shelves, baskets and lower storage
• Best styling companions: Mirrors, lamps, vases, trays, artwork and greenery
• Key consideration: Available floor space and comfortable walkway clearance

Why Is an Entry Table So Popular?

The main reason an entry table works so well is that it combines decoration with everyday practicality.

Your entrance is the first area you and your guests experience when entering the home. Yet it is often difficult to furnish because it needs to remain open enough for comfortable movement.

An entry table solves this by providing useful surface space without the bulk of a traditional cabinet or sideboard.

It can become a convenient landing point for keys and sunglasses, while also creating a beautifully styled focal point.

Here’s why the proportions matter: a narrow hallway may only need a slim console, while a large foyer can accommodate a broader statement piece. Current Australian furniture guidance commonly places console and entry tables around 75–90 cm high, with narrower 25–40 cm depths often preferred in hallways.

What Types of Entry Tables Are Available?

1. Timber Entry Table

Timber entry tables bring warmth and natural character.

Oak, walnut, mango wood and other timber finishes can complement contemporary, coastal, Hamptons and traditional interiors.

2. Modern Entry Table

Modern designs typically feature clean lines, simple silhouettes and restrained detailing.

They work particularly well in contemporary Australian homes.

3. Entry Table With Drawers

Drawers provide hidden storage for keys, wallets, sunglasses, mail and other everyday items.

This is an excellent choice if your entrance tends to become a clutter collection point.

4. Entry Table With Shelf

An open lower shelf can accommodate baskets, books, shoes or decorative objects.

It provides additional storage without making the furniture feel visually heavy.

5. Marble or Stone-Top Entry Table

Stone and marble-look surfaces can introduce a more luxurious appearance.

They work beautifully with metallic bases and sophisticated lighting.

6. Slim Entry Table

Slimline designs are ideal for narrow hallways and compact apartments.

Their reduced depth allows you to create a useful display area while preserving walking space.

7. Curved Entry Table

A curved or half-round entry table can soften a hallway and reduce the visual sharpness of corners.

This can be especially appealing in smaller or high-traffic areas.

8. Glass and Metal Entry Table

Glass tops combined with metal frames can create a lighter visual appearance, making them suitable for contemporary interiors where you want to avoid a heavy-looking piece.

How Do You Choose the Right Entry Table?

1. Measure the Space First

Before falling in love with a particular design, measure the available wall length, floor depth and surrounding walkway.

Remember to account for:

• Door swings
• Skirting boards
• Stairways
• Nearby furniture
• Light switches
• Hallway traffic
• Drawer or door opening space

2. Choose the Right Depth

Depth is particularly important in an entryway.

For a narrow hallway, a table around 25–35 cm deep can provide useful surface space without intruding too far into the walkway.

For a spacious foyer, a deeper table can create a more substantial visual statement.

3. Consider the Width

The table should feel proportionate to the wall.

A compact entryway may suit a table around 80–100 cm wide, while a larger foyer can accommodate designs around 120–160 cm or more.

Avoid filling the entire wall from corner to corner. Leaving some breathing space generally creates a more balanced appearance.

4. Decide How Much Storage You Need

Ask yourself what the table will actually hold.

If it is mainly decorative, an open design may be enough.

If it will become the household's everyday drop zone, drawers or baskets can make a significant difference.

5. Match the Interior Style

Think about your existing flooring, front door, lighting and furniture.

You do not need everything to match perfectly. Instead, choose an entry table that shares one or two visual qualities with the surrounding space.

What Is the Ideal Entry Table Height?

An entry table generally works well at around 75–90 cm high, with approximately 80–85 cm being a versatile range for many homes.

The exact height depends on the table's purpose and surrounding architecture.

For example, if you are styling a mirror above the table, consider the combined height of the furniture and wall feature.

If the entry table is positioned behind a sofa, its height should relate closely to the sofa back rather than simply following hallway conventions.

How Much Walkway Space Should You Leave?

This is one of the most important practical considerations.

A beautifully styled entrance is not successful if everyone has to squeeze past it.

For many hallways, aiming for around 90 cm or more of comfortable clear passage is a useful planning benchmark. In especially narrow spaces, a shallower table may be the better choice.

Remember to measure the actual usable walkway, including door openings and the route people naturally take through the space.

What Are the Benefits of an Entry Table?

Creates a Welcoming Entrance

A thoughtfully styled entry table immediately makes a home feel more considered.

Provides Everyday Storage

Drawers, shelves and trays can give keys, mail and other essentials a designated home.

Adds Decorative Space

It creates a surface for lighting, artwork, vases and personal objects.

Works in Small Spaces

Slim designs can add function without overwhelming a hallway.

Defines the Foyer

In an open-plan home, an entry table can visually establish the entrance zone.

Adds Personality

The table itself can become an expression of your interior style.

Supports Better Organisation

A designated drop zone can help prevent everyday items from spreading throughout the home.

Where Can You Use an Entry Table?

Although its name suggests one specific location, an entry table can be surprisingly versatile.

Entrance or Foyer

Its natural home is beside the front door, where it can hold keys, mail and decorative objects.

Hallway

A slim console can turn an empty corridor wall into a useful feature.

Living Room

Use one against a wall to display lamps, artwork, books or decorative accessories.

Behind a Sofa

A console-style table can provide a surface for lighting and décor behind a sofa, provided the dimensions suit the furniture.

Dining Room

An entry table can work as a compact display surface or additional serving area.

Bedroom

A narrow console can create a dressing or display area without requiring a large dressing table.

How Do You Style an Entry Table?

The most effective approach is to create height, texture and purpose without overcrowding the surface.

A simple styling formula is:

Something tall + something functional + something personal + something natural.

For example:

• Tall table lamp
• Decorative tray for keys
• Framed photograph or artwork
• Small vase with greenery

You can also add a stack of books or a sculptural object.

Try varying the heights of your accessories rather than lining everything up at exactly the same level.

A mirror or artwork above the table can complete the composition.

Should You Put a Mirror Above an Entry Table?

A mirror is one of the most popular choices because it combines decoration with practicality.

It gives you a final glance before leaving the house while also reflecting light around the entrance.

In a smaller or darker hallway, a mirror can help the area feel more open.

Choose a round mirror to soften a room dominated by straight lines, or a rectangular mirror for a more structured contemporary arrangement.

Entry Table Styling Ideas

Warm Contemporary

Pair a natural timber table with a sculptural lamp, cream ceramic vase and neutral artwork.

Coastal

Use light timber, white accessories, woven baskets and soft blue or sandy tones.

Modern Luxury

Combine a dark console with brass accents, a statement mirror and a sculptural vase.

Minimalist

Choose one beautiful lamp, one artwork and a simple tray. Leave plenty of the tabletop visible.

Japandi

Combine natural timber with restrained ceramics, greenery and neutral tones.

Classic

Choose a traditional console with decorative detailing, a framed mirror and elegant accessories.

House of Isabella Recommendations

At House of Isabella Australia, an entry table can become the foundation of a beautifully considered entrance, helping combine practical organisation with the warmth and personality that make a home feel truly welcoming.

When selecting your piece, consider the wider relationship between your entry table, lighting, mirror, flooring and decorative accessories. Design influences from Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection can provide inspiration for combining natural materials, elegant accessories and statement pieces.

House of Isabella Australia offers Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip, fast delivery Australia-wide, East & West Coast warehouses, a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, and Australian-based customer care.

Trends for 2025 in Australia

Warm Timber

Natural timber continues to bring warmth and authenticity to entryways.

Organic Shapes

Curved edges and rounded consoles can soften architectural spaces and create a more welcoming feeling.

Mixed Materials

Timber combined with metal, marble-look surfaces, glass or stone can create visual contrast.

Sculptural Furniture

Entry tables are increasingly being treated as design statements rather than purely functional furniture.

Textured Finishes

Fluted, ribbed and tactile surfaces add depth without relying on bold colour.

Natural Styling

Vases, greenery, woven baskets and organic accessories help connect the entrance with the relaxed Australian interior aesthetic.

Concealed Storage

Drawers allow modern entryways to remain visually calm while still accommodating everyday clutter.

Entry Table Benefits at a Glance

Common Questions About Entry Tables

What is an entry table?

An entry table is a narrow table designed for an entrance, foyer or hallway. It provides surface space for everyday items and decorative accessories and is also commonly called a console table or hall table.

What is the difference between an entry table and a console table?

In most cases, there is very little difference. "Entry table" describes the table's location and purpose, while "console table" is the broader furniture term. The same table may be called a hall table, entryway table or sofa table depending on where it is used.

How deep should an entry table be?

For a narrow hallway, around 25–35 cm is often a practical range. Wider foyers can accommodate deeper designs, but always prioritise comfortable walkway clearance.

How tall should an entry table be?

Most entry tables sit around 75–90 cm high, with approximately 80–85 cm being a versatile choice for many entryways.

What should I put on an entry table?

A lamp, vase, tray, framed photograph, artwork, books, bowl or small plant can all work beautifully. For a practical entrance, include a tray for keys and other small essentials.

Should an entry table have drawers?

If your entrance regularly collects keys, wallets, sunglasses and mail, drawers can be extremely useful. If the table is mainly decorative, an open design may be sufficient.

Can an entry table be used behind a sofa?

Yes. A console-style entry table can also work behind a sofa, but its height should relate to the sofa back and its depth should leave enough room for movement and furniture access.

The Finishing Touch

An entry table may be one of the first pieces of furniture your guests see, but its importance goes well beyond appearances.

The right table gives everyday essentials a home, provides a beautiful surface for lighting and accessories, and helps establish the character of your interior from the moment someone walks through the door.

Start with the practical details — measurements, walkway clearance, storage and proportions — then let your personal style take over.

Whether you choose warm timber, elegant marble-look finishes, a slim minimalist silhouette or a sculptural contemporary design, the perfect entry table can turn an overlooked hallway into a beautifully welcoming introduction to your home.

Related Glossary Terms

• Console Table
• Hallway Table
• Entryway Furniture
• Console Drawer Table
• Side Table
• Hallway Décor

Disclaimer

Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.