The entry of a house does more functional work than most people give it credit for. Shoes, coats, keys, bags, and the first impression of the home all happen in the same 15 square feet. Most people furnish their entryway last, if at all, and most entries feel like it.
Here is how to actually set up an entryway or foyer that functions rather than just fills space.
The hall tree: the most functional piece in the entry
A hall tree combines a coat rack, a bench, and often a mirror and storage hooks into one piece. In a small entry with no closet, a hall tree solves most of the organizational problems at once -- somewhere to hang coats, somewhere to sit and put on shoes, and sometimes a shelf or cabinet for bags and accessories.
What to look for:
- Bench depth: The seat needs to be deep enough to actually sit on -- at least 14 inches, ideally 17 to 18 inches. A narrow decorative bench that you cannot actually use is a waste of entry space.
- Hook capacity: Count the hooks and think about real use. If four people live in the house, four hooks means the entry is always full. Aim for more hooks than people.
- Width vs. wall space: Hall trees range from about 36 inches wide to over 60 inches. Measure the wall you intend to place it on and leave at least 24 inches of clearance on each side -- entries feel cramped fast.
- Storage below: The best hall trees have a storage compartment under the bench seat with a lift top or open cubbies. This is where shoes actually go in daily use. A bench without storage below becomes a shoe pile in most households.
Entry bench (without a hall tree)
If you have a coat closet nearby or enough wall hooks already, an entry bench by itself solves the shoe problem without the bulk of a full hall tree. A bench should be the same height as a dining chair -- 17 to 18 inches -- so people can sit comfortably to put on shoes.
The key choice: upholstered bench or wood bench. Upholstered is more comfortable but stains and wears in the highest-traffic spot in the house. A wood or painted bench with cushion is more practical -- the cushion can be removed and cleaned separately.
Console table in the entry
In a larger foyer, a console table along one wall is the standard solution. It provides a surface for keys, mail, and a lamp, and with a mirror hung above it, it makes the entry feel larger and more finished.
Console table sizing for an entry:
- Height: 30 to 34 inches is the standard. This is high enough to keep things off the floor without being awkward to reach.
- Depth: 12 to 16 inches is the typical range. Anything deeper starts to block the entry path. In a narrow hall, stick to 12 inches.
- Width: Should not exceed 60 percent of the wall width so the entry feels open rather than blocked.
Entry mirror
A mirror in the entry has two functions: the practical one (last look before leaving the house) and the spatial one (a full-length or large mirror makes a small entry feel bigger by reflecting light and depth). In a dark entry, a mirror also reflects the lamp on the console table and doubles the perceived light.
Placement: hung above a console table, the mirror bottom should be 6 to 8 inches above the table surface. For a leaner mirror propped on the floor, allow enough space that it does not block traffic -- a leaner in a narrow entry becomes an obstacle.
Storage benches and entry organizers
For entries that need maximum function in minimum space, a storage bench positioned under hooks gives you the complete solution: hook storage above, seat in the middle, shoe storage below. This is essentially a deconstructed hall tree and works well in entries where the wall space does not accommodate a taller piece.
Entry organizers with separate cubbies for each household member -- a designated spot for one person's shoes, bag, and coat -- function better than shared storage in families with children. The structure prevents the pile-up that happens when storage is communal.
What to avoid
Avoid putting too much in a small entry. One well-chosen piece with adequate storage is more functional than three pieces that crowd the space. The entry is a traffic area first -- furniture placement should always preserve a clear 36-inch path through the space.
Avoid very light upholstery in the entry. Entry furniture takes more abuse than most furniture in the house -- shoes, bags, children, and wet coats. Darker fabrics and easily wiped surfaces hold up better in this location.
Browse our hall trees, storage benches, and accent pieces at our Mesquite showroom. If you describe your entry dimensions, we can help you figure out whether a hall tree fits or whether a bench and console table combination works better for your space.
Quality Home Furniture has served the Dallas-Fort Worth area from our Mesquite showroom since 1975. We're a family-owned business at 227 US HWY 80 E, Mesquite TX -- open Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 1pm to 6pm. Call (972) 288-9322.
Before you choose an entry piece, measure the wall and the path -- a hall tree that is too wide for the space is worse than none. Our guide to measuring your room before you buy includes hallway and entry clearance rules.
Console tables are also a common entryway piece used in living rooms behind sofas. Read our guide to end tables and side tables for sizing guidance and how console tables work behind floating sofas.
An entry mirror is one of the most functional pieces in a home. Read our guide to using mirrors in your home for height rules, sizing relative to console tables, and how to position an entry mirror so it reflects light into the space.
If you are specifically looking for sizing guidance for a console table in an entryway or hallway -- width, depth for traffic clearance, and storage options -- read our dedicated guide to console tables and sofa tables.