The entryway is more than a corridor—it is the first impression of your home. In luxury interiors, console tables, mirrors, and tray systems aren’t just functional—they signal proportion, calm, and intent. Here’s how to get them right for Indian homes.
Why Entryways Matter in Luxury Homes
Every home has a threshold moment—the shift from outside chaos to inside calm. The entryway console table is often the first surface you or your guests encounter.
For Indian homes, this space does double duty:
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It must work hard—keys, phones, packages, festival offerings, all land here.
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It must look intentional—because the entryway is where design judgement begins.
As our founder, Anmol Sachdeva, puts it:
“A console isn’t just a table—it’s a welcome. It sets the tone for what follows.”
Depth Rules: Proportion Meets Function
The Goldilocks Zone
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For most Indian apartments and villas, 30–40 cm depth is the sweet spot.
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Any deeper than 45 cm and you’ll start obstructing walkways.
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Shallower than 28 cm and the console looks mean, more like a shelf than a table.
Length & Balance
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A console should span ½ to ⅔ of the wall it’s on.
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Too small looks apologetic, too long dominates circulation.
Leg vs Base
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Slender, leggy consoles (metal frames, stone tops) work beautifully in tight foyers.
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Solid consoles with drawers feel grounded in larger villas or corridors.
Design cue: Always mark the depth with painter’s tape on the floor before buying. Walk past—if you turn sideways, it’s too deep.
Mirror Heights: Vertical Calm
A console table almost always pairs with a mirror. It’s functional (final check before stepping out) and aesthetic (opens up tight foyers).
Height Rules
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Base of mirror: ~90 cm from floor (eye level from console top).
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Top of mirror: 180–200 cm for elongation.
Shapes
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Round mirrors soften a narrow foyer, work well with sharp console edges.
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Rectangular mirrors emphasize height, formality, and symmetry.
Proportion
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Mirror width should be no wider than the console and ideally 70–80% of its length.
Tray Systems: The Invisible Luxury
The difference between a cluttered entryway and a luxury foyer? A tray system.
Why Trays Matter
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They edit chaos: keys, coins, phones, rakhi envelopes, even couriers slips.
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They signal control: items grouped in brass, marble, or leather trays feel intentional.
Materials
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Brass trays: add warmth and festive readiness.
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Marble trays: cool, clean, editorial.
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Leather trays: texture, understated elegance.
Dual-Tray Method
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Functional tray: holds daily clutter.
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Decorative tray: hosts flowers, diyas, or seasonal décor.
Lighting & Styling Layers
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Lighting: A console glows when paired with a slim table lamp or wall sconces—layered light adds dimension.
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Composition: Work in threes—a tall element (lamp/flowers), a mid (books/tray), and a low (sculpture).
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Negative space: Leave breathing room; restraint reads more expensive than crowding.
India-First Realities
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Dust: Trays keep small items grouped, easier to lift and clean.
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Festivals: Always place diyas or incense on a brass/marble tray, not directly on wood or veneer.
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Small apartments: Slim consoles with mirrors visually double the depth of a foyer.
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Monsoon: Avoid porous woods at entry; stone, metal, or lacquered finishes fare better.
Summary
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Depth: 30–40 cm works for most foyers; mark with tape before buying.
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Mirror: Start at 90 cm, top out at 180–200 cm; keep within console width.
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Trays: Use dual-tray system—one functional, one decorative—for invisible luxury.
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Styling: Three layers (tall, mid, low) plus negative space = balanced calm.
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India-first: Plan for dust, festivals, and narrow foyers with trays and mirrors.
FAQs
What is the ideal console table depth for Indian apartments?
30–40 cm depth suits most foyers; deeper risks obstructing circulation.
How high should a mirror be hung above a console?
Mirror base at ~90 cm, top between 180–200 cm for eye-level reflection and vertical proportion.
What should go on an entryway table?
One functional tray (keys, wallet, phone), one decorative (flowers, diya at festivals), plus a lamp or tall object for balance.
How can I make a narrow entryway look bigger?
Use a slim console with a mirror, keep trays for clutter, and light the wall with sconces or lamps.
