Updated July 2026.
To choose an entry console, first adjust the depth: 25 to 40 cm is enough not to obstruct passage, while maintaining at least 90 cm of clearance. Aim for a height of 80 to 90 cm, a width suitable for the wall, and storage, a drawer or a niche, to store keys, mail, and small everyday objects.
Depth and Passage: The Key Criterion for an Entryway
In an entryway, depth takes precedence over everything else. A console 25 to 40 cm deep is sufficient to place keys, mail, and a lamp without obstructing circulation. The guideline to remember: keep at least 90 cm of clear passage in front of the console to move around with your arms full without bumping into anything. If the entryway is narrow or limited to a corridor, reduce the depth to 20 to 25 cm, or choose a half-moon model that fits flush against the wall and softens the angles.
Height and Width
Most consoles are 80 to 90 cm high, the height of a table. This is the right height to empty your pockets in one motion when you arrive, and it often leaves room to slide a bench, stool, or basket underneath. For width, match the console to the wall section: leave some space on each side rather than filling the entire wall, and avoid it extending over a door or light switch. A longer, lower console visually stretches a small entryway.
Storage: Keys, Mail, and Small Objects
A tidy entryway relies on well-thought-out storage. A drawer holds keys, mail, and small items you don't want lying around. A niche or low shelf can accommodate baskets, shoes, or a day bag. On the top, stick to the essentials: a catch-all tray, a lamp, or a vase are sufficient. This distinction between hidden and visible items is what separates a welcoming entryway from a cluttered catch-all furniture piece.
Style, Mirror, and Light
The entry console is the first impression of the home: take care of it. Match its material to the rest of the entryway—warm wood, graphic black metal, or a mineral top. Above it, a mirror remains a classic: it enlarges the space, reflects light, and is useful when leaving. Place its bottom edge 20 to 30 cm above the console top. Complement with a table lamp or a wall sconce, following our guide for lighting an entryway and hallway.
A Console Is Not Just for the Entryway
Its slender silhouette makes it a chameleon piece of furniture. Placed behind a sofa in the middle of a room, a console defines the living area and holds lamps and objects. Along a living room wall, it replaces a sideboard when space is limited. It can also serve as a dressing table in a bedroom or a temporary desk when you're looking to set up a discreet office space. If you're furnishing your living room, our guide on choosing a TV stand complements this reflection well.
Dimensions at a Glance
| Dimension | Good Guideline |
|---|---|
| Depth | 25 to 40 cm, 20 to 25 cm in narrow entryways |
| Height | 80 to 90 cm, at hand height |
| Clear Passage | At least 90 cm in front of the console |
| Storage | Drawer for keys and mail, niche for baskets |
Fenalor's Tip: Measure the width of the passage before the depth of the console. In an entryway, a slender, well-cleared console is better than a deep model you bump into every morning with your arms full.
Which Top for a Truly Lived-In Entryway
The top of an entry console receives tossed keys, a placed bag, a wet umbrella: its material is not just an aesthetic detail. Solid wood and thick veneer hold up well and can be repaired, as a scratch can be sanded and re-oiled. Metal, varnished or powder-coated, resists impact but can show lasting marks from deep scratches. Glass is elegant and visually light, provided you accept daily fingerprints and frequent cleaning. Mineral tops, marble or travertine, bring a real presence but remain porous: a wet key or bottle bottom can stain, and a water-repellent protector is essential. Finally, a lacquered panel offers the best balance between price and appearance, but is susceptible to corner impacts. In all cases, a leather or ceramic catch-all tray protects the most used area. Our guide on travertine in decor details this maintenance.
Very Small Entryway: The Wall-Mounted Floating Console
When the entryway is less than a meter wide, a floor-standing console quickly becomes an obstacle. A wall-mounted floating console solves the problem: fixed without legs, it completely frees up the floor, visually lightening the room and simplifying vacuuming. Fix its top 80 to 85 cm from the floor, the same height as a freestanding model, and limit the depth to 20 to 25 cm. The critical point is the mounting: for plasterboard, use appropriate expansion anchors and check the stated load capacity, often limited to 15 or 25 kg for this type of furniture; for a load-bearing wall, hammer-in anchors are sufficient. Under the console, a narrow bench or two stacked baskets can reclaim the freed space without closing it off. To complete, see how to choose an indoor bench at the right height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What depth for an entry console?
Allow 25 to 40 cm in depth to place keys and mail without obstructing passage. In a narrow entryway or hallway, reduce to 20 to 25 cm, or opt for a half-moon model. Always maintain at least 90 cm of clearance in front of the console for comfortable movement.
What height for an entry console?
An entry console is most often 80 to 90 cm high, the height of a table. This is practical for emptying your pockets in one motion upon arrival and for sliding a bench or basket underneath. Match this height to a mirror placed directly above.
What to store in an entry console?
A drawer holds keys, mail, and small items you don't want lying around. A niche or low shelf can accommodate baskets, shoes, or a bag. On the top, limit yourself to a catch-all tray, a lamp, or a vase to keep the entryway tidy.
How to decorate above an entry console?
A mirror is a classic: it enlarges the entryway, reflects light, and is useful when leaving. Place its bottom edge 20 to 30 cm above the console top. A frame, a wall sconce, or a pendant light completes the scene depending on the ceiling height.
To find the right console, browse our entryway selection and our furniture. Consider lighting with our guide to lighting an entryway and hallway, and dress up the wall above with well-arranged wall shelves.
