Choosing a Console Table and Mirror for an Entryway

A reader, Melissa, recently wrote to me asking for help with her entryway.

“I just love your style and design approach of mixing the old with the new. I have recently moved into a new home (a 2-story traditional) and slowly adding my personal touch to each space.

I have been on the hunt of a great console table for our entryway. I love the idea(s) of a simple box frame console table against a large floor mirror, an acrylic waterfall console and/or a statement table. I like the less is more approach. The space where I would be putting the console table is approx 48″ W and is directly across our staircase. I have attached some links of the table styles I have been considering. Can you provide me with any suggestions of tables or how to choose the right console table?”

I’ve gotten similar questions in the past, so I asked Melissa if I could answer here on the blog. She agreed and also sent a few photos of her entryway so we could see the space she’s working with. I have several ideas and options, but before we get into all of that, let’s look at her inspiration photos.

Source: Taylor Jacobson Interior Design, featured by My Domaine

Source: Jessica de Ruiter’s home, featured by One Kings Lane

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Melissa also linked to these three tables (each very similar): the Slim Console Table in Natural Steel from Room & Board, the Nolita Mini Console Table from CB2, and the Box Frame Console Table from West Elm.

Very different from the inspiration images! And then there’s the acrylic waterfall console idea in there too. Here are a couple of photos of Melissa’s space. The spot where she would like to put a console table is about 48″ wide and doesn’t look to be very deep. She is planning on replacing the mirror.

Looking first at the entry with the teal console table, I found several similar pieces. I included a lamp and a couple of vases too, should the inspiration have as much to do with the color as it does the shape of the table.

• Taylor Jacobson Interior Design (Inspiration Image)
• Henredon Sofa Table, Chairish
• Rustic Ceramic Vases, West Elm
• Beverly Table Lamp, Lamps Plus
• Jordan Console/Desk, Bungalow 5
• Chiba Console Table, Selamat
• Harlow Console Table, Bungalow 5

The Malone Campaign Console Table from West Elm is worth a look too. I included the matching nightstand in a post last week, but while that came in teal, the console table is only in white, mint, or red.

Next, we have several options for the vintage/antique tables in Melissa’s other two inspiration photos.

• Jessica de Ruiter’s Home (Inspiration Image 1)
• Better Homes & Gardens (Inspiration Image 2)
• Spanish Carved Console Table, Chairish
• Petite Console Table, Wayfair
• Classic Design Hall Console, Wayfair
• 19th Century Oak Gateleg Table, One Kings Lane
• Peterson Console Table, Wayfair
• 19th Century Carved English Console Table, One Kings Lane

Finding something similar online is a bit difficult, as your best bet is a combination of scouring thrift shops, flea markets, garage and estate sales, and Craigslist, plus patience. The newer tables above are a bit lacking in charm, but they’re very affordably priced and they’d be great paired with more interesting finds (mirror, lamp, accessories, rug). The antiques that I’m drawn to have turned legs or carved details. I included a few examples here that may be a smidge out of Melissa’s comfort zone, but if she’s into them, they could be amazing.

Two out of three of Melissa’s inspiration images had vintage Persian rugs (like this one), and all of them had white walls, simple accessories (like the glass column vases and lamp), and natural materials with texture (worn woods, woven baskets, a sisal rug). Keeping that as a base for mockups, I paired mirrors with six of my favorite tables from the options above.

Look 1: Tork Brass Mirror • Beverly Table Lamp • Dahlias • 19th Century Oak Gateleg Table • Beachcomber Round Basket
Look 2: Maroc Wall Mirror • Fig Leaf Branches • Harlow Console Table • Eyelash Baskets
Look 3: Moroccan Gilt Mirror (similar to Melissa’s) • Peekaboo Acrylic Console Table • Rustic Ceramic Vases • Round Belly Baskets
Look 4: 1940 Églosmisé Mirror • Glass and Gold Table Lamp • Spanish Carved Console Table • Halton Basket
Look 5: Acacia Wood Mirror • Dahlias • Peterson Console Table • Huntington Baskets
Look 6: Sailor’s Mirror • Fig Leaf Branches • Nolita Mini Console Table • Beachcomber Round Basket

Any of these combinations would work for Melissa’s entry — it’s just a matter of personal preference! Which is your favorite, and which do you think would be best for her space?