Putting the finishing touches on your home can be a daunting task. At the end of the day we all want a space that is cohesive and our home decorating looks intentional. As home designers we are always helping clients to create a space they love. The entryway is where you welcome people to your home and your design style! Here are three of our top tips for styling your front entryway table. Follow along below as we take you through the art and science of creating a beautiful entryway table.

Below is the sample entryway table we will walk you through why this table set up is so pleasing to the eye and help you understand the fundamentals you will need to create the look at home. It’s more than just good design - it’s science!

Tip #1: Proportion

In our sample table you will see items of different sizes but most importantly the items are still in proportion to each other. What does that mean? It means while we have large and small items the large isn’t so large that the small item looks out of place or that you don’t see it at all. The table is also in proportion to the wall - it fits comfortably and isn’t too long making the space look stuffed or too short causing it to be lost on the wall. The items on the table are also in proportion to the wall. The lamp doesn’t tower higher than the wall, blocking the railing. If the vase was smaller or did not feature the greenery the blank wall would dominate and you wouldn’t notice the vase.

Tip #2: Balance / Symmetry

The eye is naturally drawn to visual displays that offer balance / symmetry. In the first markup the console table offers balance on the bottom with the two baskets offset to one side - opposite the large lamp. Think if the baskets reversed and the large one under the lamp. Would it feel as balanced? A blank space with nothing can help to create balance.

The symmetry comes in if we think of drawing a line down the middle of the table. The lamp, small basket and large white space balance off of the large basket and vase.

In the next markup - since we read from left to right - the eye starts at the top of the lampshade, travels down to the vase then down to the large basket on the bottom shelf and eventually back up to the candle grouping. Allow us to geek out for a moment here as to why. This is know as the golden ratio and is aesthetically pleasing because it is common in the natural world.

The candle grouping becomes prominent even though these items are the smallest. When setting up your entry table consider how your eye moves around looking at different items.

Tip #3: Groups of Three

Why three you ask? When you use odd numbers of items it forces your eyes to move around more making it visually interesting. How many groups of three do you see in this entryway table display? We see 3!

The first are the three items across the top of the table with the candle grouping acting as one item. Notice how there is a large, a medium and a small item in this group and that they are in proportion to each other.

The second is the candle grouping of 3 items this grouping also has a small, a medium and a large item which are also in proportion to each other. Notice how the taller is on the left then your eye moves to the medium and stops on the smaller in a mini-golden ratio.

The third is the table and two baskets acting as a group of three also with a small, a medium and a large item. How would you feel if all of the baskets were the same size? If they were all large and filled in the space at the bottom of the table - would it be as pleasing to the eye or would it feel bottom heavy?

We hope these tips help you when styling your entryway table at home. For some inspiration checkout our Pinterest Inspiration Board for more front entryway ideas!

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Photo Credit: Maleesha Perera

Golden Ratio Diagram Credit: vecteezy.com