Design Ideas for the Top of the Entry Table

An entry table makes a statement about you and many times becomes the first impression of your home to visitors. Set up the table with items resembling the colors of the home and pick furniture that is scaled to the space. A floral arrangement or live plants give visual impact. Does this Spark an idea?

Console Table

For a slim-width console table, scale down your tabletop design. Place a small flower arrangement on one side of the entry table, such as a vase of flowers, a potted plant, such as mother-in-law's tongue, which grows upward, or a tall, slender grouping of bamboo stalks in a decorative container. Add a compartmentalized basket to hold your keys, mail and change in the center. A table lamp or a grouping of taper candles brings harmony to the table design, as these items offset the flower arrangement on the other side.

Large Rectangular Table

Place a floral arrangement in the center of the table and group a set of three decorative pieces on one end with three candles of similar width on the other. Or, position two table lamps on opposite ends of the table and arrange small potted plants between the two. Another option is grouping a collection of pottery, or other decorative items, on one side of the table and balancing it with several tapered candles or a flower arrangement on the other. Include a box to hold small items, such as keys or mail.

Half-Moon Table

A half-moon table suggests that the weight of the design belongs in the center where the table is widest. Place thinner pieces on the sides of the table, such as groupings of taper candles, tall, thin plants or a vase of decorative greenery, table lamps and family photographs. Toward the wider portion of the table, add a basket to hold small items, such as key chains, cards or mail. Place a floral display in the widest section of the table.

Round Table

A large foyer space allows you to use a round table as your entry table. A round table display is usually ornamental and for display purposes. Displays include one massive, elaborate floral arrangement in the center with greenery sprawling over the table or it could be more refined, with a large wooden bowl or platter of fresh fruit. Another option includes a low-lying, horizontal floral display placed in front of a set of taper candles grouped together into a half-moon behind the arrangement.