Entryway Console Table Styling: Mirror Size, Lamp Height and What Goes on Top

Most DecoraHub marble console tables are 45 to 47 inches long, 15 to 16 inches deep and 31 to 32 inches high. Those three numbers decide the size of the mirror above, the height of the lamp on top and how much of the foyer stays free for walking. This guide works through each one.

First check the passage

A foyer needs 36 inches of clear walking width after the console is in place. With a 16 inch deep console, the foyer has to be at least 52 inches wide. In a narrower passage, choose the 15 inch deep Golden and Black Base Marble Console (45 x 15 x 31 in, ₹37,499) and keep the floor under it empty. Full placement dimensions are in the console table dimensions guide.

The mirror

• Width. Two thirds to three quarters of the console length. For a 46 inch console that is 30 to 35 inches. A mirror wider than the console looks unstable.
• Gap. Hang the bottom edge 6 to 8 inches above the marble top. More than that and the two pieces stop reading as one arrangement.
• Centre height. Around 58 to 60 inches from the floor, so that adults see their face without bending.
• Shape. A round mirror softens a geometric base such as The Zenith. A rectangular mirror suits curved bases such as the Golden Heart Shaped Console.

Match the frame to the base finish. Gold with gold, black with black. See metal wall mirrors.

If not a mirror

A mirror facing the main door is avoided in many Indian homes. Alternatives for the same wall: metal wall art sized to the same two-thirds rule, a metal wall clock of 24 to 30 inches, a piece from the Islamic wall art collection, or texture wall art.

The lamp

On a 31 inch console, a lamp 24 to 30 inches tall puts the shade at standing eye level, which hides the bulb. Place it at one end, never the centre. If there is no plug point near the console, use a rechargeable lamp or a wall sconce above. One lamp is enough on a 46 inch top. Two lamps suit the 60 and 72 inch Echo Modern White and Echo Modern Black consoles.

What goes on the top

1. One tall object at the end opposite the lamp. A vase with stems, 18 to 24 inches high.
2. One tray near the door side for keys, wallets and sunglasses. A tray protects the marble from metal scratches and keeps clutter in one place.
3. One low object in the middle. A bowl, a stack of two books or a small sculpture.

Leave a third of the top empty. A 46 x 16 inch top is 5 sq ft. It fills quickly.

For Diwali and pujas, place diyas and incense on a brass or steel plate. Wipe oil and kumkum off the marble the same day. Care steps are in the marble console table buying guide.

Under the console

Open bases such as The V Luxurious Console (46 x 16 in, ₹35,999) leave floor space below. One ottoman pushed halfway under gives a seat for putting on shoes. Two small ottomans suit the longer Echo consoles. Avoid shoe racks under a sculptural gold base. It hides the part you paid for.

The wall and the floor

• Wall. A foyer wall is often only 30 to 40 sq ft. Wallpaper on Luxury paper costs ₹5,970 to ₹7,960 for that area. See wallpaper prices per sq ft. Choose a plain texture if a mirror or art will hang on it.
• Floor. A 3 x 5 ft carpet in front of the console, from ₹7,999. Sizes are in the carpet size guide.
• Divider. Where the main door opens straight into the living room, a PVD partition beside the console creates a foyer that the floor plan did not provide.

Three foyer budgets

Common questions

How high should a mirror hang above a console table?
6 to 8 inches above the top, with the mirror centre at 58 to 60 inches from the floor.

How wide should the mirror be?
Two thirds to three quarters of the console length.

Will a gold base tarnish near the main door in a humid city?
PVD coated SS304 bases resist it. The difference from electroplating is explained in PVD coating vs electroplating.

Where can I see more designs?
In 12 console table styles and the full console table collection. For help choosing, use the contact page.