A grand entrance

9 entryway table décor and colour scheme ideas to make a bold first impression.

Tell your story

“Entrances are an opportunity to create a statement and start the story your home will tell. Dramatic art pieces are very personal and create great impact when paired with an interesting piece. This detailed occasional cabinet was custom-made to create texture and a visual reference to local carvings, in a more slick and fun way. Paired with the Solomon Omogboye art piece it creates a beautiful statement in this light and airy space.” – Joanne Taylor, owner and head of design at Taylored Spaces

Incorporate scent

“Adding a room fragrance near the entryway of your home is a great way to enhance a multisensorial experience for visitors and yourself on arrival. Choose a scent that makes you feel at ease and ensures your home feels like a sanctuary. Using scent to enhance a feeling of wellness is key to making a house feel more like a home.” – Courtney Louw, senior designer at Woolworths Home

Curate the space

“Carefully curated items displayed in your entrance will create mood and define personality. In the first image below, we see beautifully shaped and reflective ceramics and glassware, on a slick ebony timber bench which takes the place of a console in this entrance. In the second image, we have created a reflective wall-to-wall niche with copper mirror and timber panelling – using the nib to define the space with a floated console and play on texture. Use of simple sculptural accessories creates a sophisticated and interesting story. All items custom designed and manufactured to suit.” – Joanne Taylor, owner and head of design at Taylored Spaces

Decorative vases

“One way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your entryway table is by adding decorative vases. You can use a single large vase or a cluster of small vases to add visual interest to your table. Additionally, you can add fresh flowers or dried botanicals to your vases to bring some natural elements into your space.” – Johann De Waal, marketing manager at KARE Johannesburg

Quirky lamps

“Animal-themed lamps can also be a fun and playful addition to your entryway table décor. They can add a touch of whimsy and humour to the room while providing functional lighting. For example, you could choose a table lamp in the shape of a giraffe, monkey, or dog to bring warmth and personality to your décor. Just be sure to select an appropriate-sized lamp for your table so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.” – Johann De Waal, marketing manager at KARE Johannesburg

Use a mirror

“A mirror is not only practical for checking your appearance before leaving the house, but it can also make your entryway feel more spacious and brighter. Choose a mirror that is proportional to your table and fits the overall style of your home. A decorative frame can add interest to the mirror and complement the décor of your entryway.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Show off artwork

“Artwork can add personality and style to your entryway table. Choose a piece that complements the colours and style of your home. You could also create a gallery wall of small pieces of art or photographs.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Include a splash of colour

“Entryways can often be forgotten spaces; however, the space doesn’t always require a lot given that you may have one wall to work with. Make sure to keep the area simple and not overly cluttered. If you are on a budget but still want colour on the wall, paint an arch to add a playful element to the space while not using litres of paint. 

“Pair a neutral shade with Dulux Ink Explosion to add depth while adding brighter accent colours like mustard yellow that pair beautifully with dark ink blues. Add an oval mirror that mimics the soft arch curves. Mirrors also allow a small space to look and feel bigger and brighter.” – Palesa Ramaisa, Sub-Saharan Africa colour projects designer at Dulux

Play matchy-matchy

“Matching the wall colour to the console cupboard creates a very seamless look and feel to a room. Current design trends also use the same colour throughout giving interiors a completely different and unique look. Where doors and skirting would be left neutral in the past, new interiors call for emphasising their appearance, creating a layered look that welcomes guests effortlessly. Use Dulux Triton Green to get the look.” – Palesa Ramaisa, Sub-Saharan Africa colour projects designer at Dulux