What Is The Difference Between Entryway Table And Console Table?

Definition of an Entryway Table

An entryway table, also sometimes called an entrance hall table or foyer table, is a piece of furniture located near the entryway or front door of a home (Source). The purpose of an entryway table is to provide storage and a surface to place items when entering or exiting the home.

Entryway tables are typically narrower and have a lower profile compared to other types of tables. This allows them to fit well in the often narrow spaces near front doors. Many entryway tables feature a drawer or cabinet to allow for organized storage for items like keys, mail, gloves, and other frequently used items.

The convenient storage and location of entryway tables make them useful for temporarily setting down items when arriving home or getting ready to head out. Their narrow design also makes them well-suited for fitting into smaller entryways.

Definition of a Console Table

A console table, also known as a sofa table or hall table, is a long, narrow piece of furniture designed primarily for decorative purposes. As the names suggest, console tables are commonly placed against a wall, behind a sofa, or in an entryway or hall.

The primary purpose of a console table is decorative rather than functional. With their slender silhouettes and elegant designs, console tables help anchor and beautify a space. They provide a spot to display decorative objects in a home’s entryway or behind a living room sofa. Their long, narrow profiles allow them to fit in tight spaces and complement existing furnishings.

While console tables can provide some storage with shelves or drawers, their slim dimensions limit storage capacity compared to other furniture pieces. They are designed for holding lamps, framed photos, flower arrangements, or other decorative accents rather than serving as a functional storage solution.

Overall, the defining characteristics of a console table are the narrow, elongated shape, placement against a wall or behind seating, and decorative aesthetic to elevate a room’s style.

Typical Locations

Entryway tables are most commonly placed near the front door, in an entryway or foyer. This makes them convenient for setting down keys, bags, mail, and other items when entering the home. Many entry tables are narrow enough to fit in tight entry spaces.

According to Bob Mills Furniture, “One of the most common placement for console tables in the living room is behind the sofa. This is why these tables are sometimes called sofa tables” (source). Console tables are also frequently placed against a wall or behind a sofa to decorate and fill space. Their slim profile makes them ideal for placement in areas where a full table won’t fit.

Standard Dimensions

When it comes to dimensions, there are some key differences between entryway tables and console tables:

Entryway tables are often on the smaller side, usually around 30-36 inches tall and 36-48 inches long. This compact size makes them well-suited for placement in foyers, hallways, and other tight spaces near your home’s entrance.

Console tables tend to be taller and longer than entryway tables. They usually stand about 30-34 inches tall, but are 50-70 inches long. The elongated rectangular shape of console tables allows them to fit well behind sofas or against walls in rooms throughout the home.

So in summary, entryway tables pride themselves on their petite, space-saving dimensions, while console tables make a statement with their long, elegant silhouettes.

Materials

Entryway tables are often made of durable woods like oak that can withstand high traffic areas of the home without getting scratched or damaged. Oak is a common choice since it is a hardwood that resists dents and scratches. Other good options include maple, walnut, or hickory.

Console tables frequently feature more delicate materials and ornate details since they are not subjected to as much wear and tear. Console tables are often made of wood veneers over particle board or MDF. This allows more intricate inlays, carvings and shapes without the expense of solid wood. Veneers with marble, glass or metal accents are common. The dainty legs and lightweight materials make console tables easy to move around.

Storage

One of the key differences between entryway tables and console tables is the inclusion of integrated storage. Entryway tables commonly feature storage options like drawers, cabinets, or shelves to hold keys, mail, bags, and other items that get dropped when entering the home.

For example, this glass-top entryway table from Houzz has two drawers for tucking away small accessories. The storage keeps clutter out of sight but still easily accessible.

Console tables, on the other hand, do not typically have built-in storage. Their design focuses more on decorative appeal for hallways, behind sofas, and other locations. If storage is needed, decorative baskets or trays may be paired with a console table instead of integrated drawers or shelves.

Decorative Elements

When it comes to decorative embellishments, console tables and entryway tables tend to differ. Console tables usually incorporate more decorative details like ornate carvings, inlays, turned legs, and other embellishments. The goal with a console table is to make it a visually appealing showpiece in addition to a functional piece. Entryway tables, on the other hand, typically have much simpler designs that are focused more on utility than decorative allure. Their purpose is to provide storage and display space in a high-traffic area, so they emphasize practicality over aesthetic frills.

Cost

When comparing the typical cost of entryway tables vs console tables, there is quite a difference in price points. Entryway tables are on the more affordable end, with average prices ranging from $100-500. According to Amazon, most entryway tables fall in the $100-200 range, with some more high-end options costing up to $500.

Console tables tend to be more of an investment piece, with elegant styles made of fine materials. According to Bed Bath & Beyond, nice console tables can cost $400-600 on average. However, it’s not uncommon to find luxurious console tables priced at $1000+ from high-end retailers. The elegant styles and fine craftsmanship make these pieces show-stopping additions to an entryway or any other part of the home.

Multi-Use Potential

With their sleek design and convenient storage options, both entryway tables and console tables are highly versatile pieces of furniture that can serve a variety of functions outside of their typical purpose.

Entryway tables are commonly placed in hallways or bedrooms to provide extra storage solutions, in addition to their role greeting guests at the front door. Their narrow design allows them to fit into tight spaces while still offering space for decor, Keys, or other essential items. Many entryway tables feature drawers or shelves to tuck away odds and ends. This storage capacity makes entryway tables useful for supplementary storage needs even outside of an entryway.

Meanwhile, console tables are often repurposed as desk or sofa tables when not used as traditional decorative tables against a wall. Their slim profile suits them well to placement behind a couch or as a writing surface. Console tables placed behind sofas provide a convenient surface for lamps, decor, or other living room items. Their versatility also allows them to substitute as workspaces in a pinch when a separate desk is unavailable. With stylish designs to match various decor schemes, console tables transition seamlessly into different rooms and layouts.

Key Differences Summary

To recap, there are several key differences between entryway tables and console tables:

• Entryway tables are typically placed near the entrance of a home to hold keys, bags, mail, etc., while console tables are usually put against the wall behind a sofa or in an entry hallway.

• Console tables tend to be longer and narrower, often with a deeper shelf, while entryway tables are more compact and square.

• Entryway tables are focused on storage and function with features like drawers, shelves, and cubbies. Console tables are more decorative, with elaborate legs, carved details, or glass tops.

• Console tables are considered more of an accent furniture piece and focal point. Entryway tables blend in discreetly near the home’s entrance.

• Entryway tables are typically less expensive than the more decorative console tables.

The main purpose differs between the two – entryway tables provide storage and utility, while console tables make a design statement and display decorative objects. But both add function and style to a home.