Advice for decorating entryway

last year

last modified: last year

First let me start by saying I'm wary of sharing photos of my home because of the absolutely brutal comments I see here from time to time, but alas I need help.

We moved into our newly built home a few months ago and inherited this Pembroke table that I really love from my mother-in-law. I've tried a few different setups in this entryway, but I would like to get the opinions of you folks who are decor-savvy. I am really having a hard time looking at it objectively. I feel like the wall may need something on either side of the mirror, but at the same time I don't want to overwhelm the small space, either. I do not wish to relocate the table or the mirror at this time. With that in mind, what- if anything- would you add to this space? There isn't adequate space to add chairs on either side of the table, which is what I wish I could do. But it's simply too narrow/shallow. As you enter the front door, there are only 6.5 feet from left to right, and I need to allow space to open the door, which is on the same side as this table. I've considered a tall potted plant or tree on the right side, but I'm worried it would make the space look lopsided.

On the other side of the entryway is a coat closet, so that wall is not usable. Thanks in advance for any advice.

**EDITED TO ADD MORE PHOTOS AT DIFFERENT ANGLES**

Featured Answer

Jilly

last year

last modified: last year

Congratulations on your new house! How exciting! Looks so lovely.

I’m wondering about having a couple of pieces of small art on the wall right of the mirror. Two that are stacked.

I just grabbed these for the mock-up, not suggesting them specifically:

Sorry, the mock-up looks funky because the photo is at an angle, but I hope it gives an idea.

You could certainly add another piece or two of art on the other side of the mirror, too, if you’re more into a balanced look. I’m just not sure of your style and if you like a more minimal look or not.

Or more of a matching look:

I think with adding art, nothing else needs to be on the floor. You could play around with various sizes and placement using cardboard or paper with painter’s tape. The mirror and any art would look so pretty at night with the lamp on. :)

But if you don’t want to add art, maybe live with it as is for a bit and act when inspiration hits, or try a not-too-large plant on that side — maybe one on a stand instead of a pot on the floor.

Another idea is an interesting umbrella stand, like in these entries:

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Comments (7)

dan1888
last year
More pics from different angles and some farther back too. Using this picture, I feel the placement is close to the entrance area. I'd like to see additional angles and with the door open.
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A C
Original Author
last year
@Jilly thanks for the helpful mockups. I was considering doing this and that really helps me with the decision. It does need art. And I happen to have a plant stand I could use there to the right side of the table. Good idea!

@dan1888 I added a few more photos. The space is quite shallow, and I am standing against the opposite wall to take the straight-on photo of the table.
dan1888
last year
Your photos help and your space looks really nice from what you've posted. You'll notice the closet wasn't placed on the open wall where your grouping is because that space is a traffic lane to enter and exit. Having nothing there is the most relaxing feeling for people coming into your home. You stand where the table is for greeting visitors. A larger piece of art could go on that wall. The table without the mirror might go on the wall past the closet if it doesn't interfere with the room opposite.
A C thanked dan1888
Valinta
last year
The items are very nice, but the tall mirror would do better with a wider table underneath. I know you said they can’t be moved, but find another respectful home for the table. A beautiful mirror stands well on its own.
A C thanked Valinta
AC M
last year
I think what you have is a darling little gateleg table. Do some of the legs swing out perpendicular to the fixed ones? A Pembroke table has 4 fixed legs with non- leg supports for the table leaves when opened. Your table is lovely, and it’s so nice to use a piece with family history.
I agree with dan1888 that you should either move the table to the wall with the closet door, further in from the front door as the table would be a better scale in that area, or alternatively, slide it down the wall it’s on now, further away from the front door. You could also add a decorative umbrella stand next to it, to give the grouping more weight, as well as introduce a pretty pattern or texture. The mirror looks a little bit big for that table, you could hang it on its own right as you enter the door, and then put a grouping of pretty prints, or plates, or anything decorative that won’t overwhelm the table above the table itself. I think in any event, you should probably slide the table away from the front door by about one length.
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RL Relocation LLC
last year
door hardware, a light that fits more with the style of the space, maybe a rug that blends and brings out more of the color of the door and floor.
A C thanked RL Relocation LLC