Your entryway is the first thing you see when you come home and the first thing guests see when they walk in. It's also where keys, mail, sunglasses and dog leashes tend to pile up. The right entryway table fixes both problems: it gives the space a welcoming look and gives everyday clutter a home.
This guide walks you through measuring, picking a style and material, deciding how much storage you need, and styling the finished look. We've also linked a few of our favorite Canva Home tables, all with free shipping to the contiguous US.
Step 1: Measure your space
Before you fall for a finish, grab a tape measure. Three numbers matter most.
Depth: the most important number in a narrow hallway
Depth is how far the table sticks out from the wall, and it decides whether your hallway still feels easy to walk through. Measure the width of the walkway, then subtract the table depth to see how much path you'll have left. Most people want a comfortable walking lane plus room for doors to swing open.
- Very tight hallways: look for an ultra-slim table. The Kinsley Ultra Slim 7 Inch White Entryway Table ($127.99) is just 7" deep (36" L x 7" D x 32" H), made for spots where a standard table won't fit.
- Average entries and hallways: 11"–14" deep is a common sweet spot. It gives you room for a lamp and a catch-all tray without crowding the walkway.
Height: aim for about 30–32 inches
Most entryway and console tables land around 30–32" tall. That's a comfortable height for dropping keys while standing, and it lines up well with the arm of a sofa if you also use the table behind a couch. Taller tables can work, but check that they won't sit awkwardly under a light switch or a mirror.
Length and clearance
Measure the wall you have, then leave breathing room on each side. Watch for door swings, baseboard heaters, outlets you'll need for a lamp, and the edge of any rug. A shorter table on a long wall looks intentional when you anchor it with a mirror or art above; a table crammed edge to edge can feel heavy.
Tip: mark the table's footprint on the floor with painter's tape and live with it for a day. If you keep bumping into the tape, go slimmer or shorter.
Step 2: Choose a style and material
Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, so pick a table that connects to what's beyond it.
- Boho and coastal: rattan and woven textures feel relaxed and warm. The Lara Rattan Narrow Entryway Table With Storage ($177.99) pairs natural rattan with MDF and heavy-duty metal, at 39.4" L x 11.8" D (13.8" at the legs) x 31" H. For a slightly wider top, the Zaki Rattan Narrow Entryway Table With Storage ($207.99) measures 39.37" W x 13.78" D x 29.92" H.
- Mid-century and modern: fluted panels, rounded edges and walnut tones are having a moment, and they hide fingerprints well. See the Hazel and Wren tables below.
- Farmhouse and classic: painted finishes, carved legs and warm wood tops feel timeless.
On materials: engineered wood (MDF) keeps tables lighter and more affordable and takes finishes like walnut grain or white paint well. Solid wood legs and metal frames add stability. Whatever you choose, check the listed weight capacity if you plan to set a heavy lamp or stacks of books on top, and use the anti-tip hardware when it's included, especially in homes with kids or pets.
Step 3: Decide how much storage you need
Be honest about what lands in your entryway every day.
- Just keys and mail? A clean top with a tray or bowl may be enough.
- Chargers, sunglasses, dog bags, receipts? Drawers keep the small stuff out of sight. The Pippa Small Space 3 Drawer Entryway Table ($219.99) packs three drawers plus an open shelf into a petite 24" L x 13" W x 31" H footprint, ideal for tight foyers and apartments.
- Shoes, bags and baskets? Look for an open lower shelf where baskets can slide in.
- A long wall to fill? A longer console gives you surface space and storage in one piece. The Wren Fluted Narrow Console Table with Drawers ($279.99) runs 70.87" W x 13.78" D x 33.66" H, with two concealed drawers and a wide open bottom shelf.
- Want storage that doesn't show? The Hazel Fluted Entryway Table with Hidden Drawers ($299.99) hides two drawers in its fluted front, at 55.1" W x 13.7" D x 31.5" H, with an anti-tip device and non-slip foot pads.
Step 4: Style it
Once your table is in place, a few simple layers make it feel finished.
- Hang a mirror or art above it. A mirror bounces light around a dim entry and gives you a last-second check on your way out. Hang it so the bottom edge sits a few inches above the tabletop.
- Add light. A table lamp makes coming home at night feel warm. Make sure you have an outlet nearby, or choose a cordless lamp.
- Use a catch-all. A tray or shallow bowl corrals keys and loose items so the top stays tidy.
- Add height and life. A vase with branches, a plant or a stack of books balances a low lamp.
- Use the shelf below. Woven baskets hold shoes, scarves or dog gear and keep the floor clear.
- Keep it balanced, not perfect. Group items in odd numbers and leave some open surface so it's still useful.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should an entryway table be for a narrow hallway?
For tight hallways, look for something very slim, around 7"–12" deep, so the walkway stays clear. Measure your hallway width, subtract the table depth, and make sure you still have a comfortable path and room for doors to open.
What is the standard height of an entryway table?
Most entryway and console tables are about 30–32" tall. That's comfortable for setting things down while standing and works well behind most sofas.
How long should an entryway table be?
Leave some space on each side of the table rather than filling the wall edge to edge, and keep it clear of door swings. Painter's tape on the floor is an easy way to test a size before you buy.
What's the difference between an entryway table and a console table?
They're very similar. "Console table" usually describes a long, narrow table that can go behind a sofa or along any wall, while "entryway table" describes where it's used. Many of the same tables work in both spots.
Should I choose an entryway table with drawers or open shelves?
Choose drawers if you want to hide small things like keys, chargers and mail. Choose open shelves if you want to use baskets or store shoes. Many tables, like Pippa and Wren, offer both.
Does Canva Home charge for shipping?
No. Shipping is free to the contiguous US, and our tables ship from US warehouses with tracking.
Find your table
Ready to make your entryway work harder? Browse the tables above, or start with the one that fits your measurements: Kinsley for the tightest halls, Lara or Zaki for boho warmth, Pippa for small-space storage, and Hazel or Wren for a long, modern statement. Every one ships free to the contiguous US.