This post shows you how I made an entry table for a narrow space and includes instructions on how to make your own! Your entry can go from drab-to-fab easily, too! Styling is easy, too. I even used free art! Read on for details.
Adding an entry way table, if the space is available, is a very welcoming addition to your space. It is so inviting and can be so personalized. No two entry tables really look the same and everyone is different when it comes to table preferences and style themes throughout the home. They can be functional or just for looks.
There are a few factors that go in to choosing the perfect table. Location, function and space availability are the three that set the course for mine. Mine is just for looks. I wanted a table that would make the space beautiful, that would feel warm and inviting and that I could decorate in a simple, yet elegant way.
We built this home about 2 1/2 years ago and the home plan called for a niche in the entry way. A niche is a shallow recess in the wall meant for display. When building this house I knew that I wanted to hang sconce lighting in this space for added warmth so I had them prewired for that purpose.
Our entry way is two stories but is not very wide. When I stand inside the front door I can just about touch the walls if I spread out my arms so it’s a little over 5 feet wide. That makes it challenging when trying to decide on a table for that space.
I have looked around and could never find the right table. I had a vision for this entry way when we built the house and I wanted to build the table but the truth is that it is a lot easier to be lazy. Every time I found one that I kind of liked, there was something about it that was not going to work. Too long, too deep, too short, too shallow, too curvy, too straight….and so on.
All along I have had it in my mind that I would build the table out of these corbels that I have been hanging on to. I bought them at Hobby Lobby about a decade ago. But, you can find them all over if you scour the internet. By using these I would be able to have a table completely against the wall. With a prebuilt table the legs would run into the baseboard and decrease my allowed surface area which meant that either the table would stick out more than I wanted or I would have to find a really skinny table.
I found these and I am obsessed! I love that they are really substantial. BUT, if you want to embark on making your own I just created another table and made these corbels in my garage with just a few tools and a few dollars.
Building the table would also allow me to build the exact measurement that I want for the length. I wanted it to take up almost all of the 75″ available to me. I could also be in charge of the color.
I hung the mirror two years ago and I was tired of looking at the empty space that made it feel like we haven’t finished moving in. So, I woke up one morning and I just did it!!! The hardest part was getting started. That’s the hardest part.
I had also been trying to decide what color to paint the corbels and how I wanted this piece to look for a long time. I finally decided on aged black corbels and a wood top. I could have gone in so many directions because this is a completely customizable piece.
I chose black because my front door is black both on the inside and outside. Also, the color of the iron in the sconce lighting is dark, this space gets so much light and because the artwork frames in that area are black. Deciding if it should all be painted black or not was another choice I had to make. I ended up wanting the top stained in an espresso.
I had an 8′ x 12″ pine board in the garage. I think that I purposely bought it for this project a year ago but can’t remember because 1. it has been a year and 2. I have so much wood in the garage from a bunch of other projects that I just wasn’t sure. I just used it anyway because it fit my need. I also bought a trim piece that was 8′ long that had a beaded detail. I wanted that to mimic the little beaded detail on the corbels in the top.
I measured and cut the board to the width that I wanted. I then mitered the trim piece and secured it to the board on 3 sides with wood glue and a brad nailer. A larger nailer with a higher gauge nail would have split the wood since it was so small and delicate.
I painted both corbels in a dark gray. I wanted to mostly cover the brown, but left a little peeking through. I then used a black paint over the gray. This milk paint dries really fast so I was able to move quickly through the layers.
While that was drying, I stained all of the wood using an Espresso stain from Minwax. While the wood top was drying, I then went back over the corbels with an antiquing wax working it into all of the grooves and wiping excess off. What a difference the black paint and wax makes! After the wax sets up a little, then you buff the wax and that is when it takes on a beautiful shine.
I measured and leveled the screws for the corbels. I attached D-rings to the back of the corbels so I could have more control over the measurements for leveling them out. I could control exactly where they would hang and it would be easier to level.
After leveling them and attaching the screws to the wall for installation I simply hung the D-rings on the screws. I then added Gorilla Glue to the tops of them and attached my table top.
The whole project from beginning to end took me the better part of a day. Thankfully, with all of the knowledge I have from the craft room, I was able to easily whip this out. I wish that I had just done it sooner. It reminded me that the hardest part is starting and it isn’t as hard as you have something made out to be in your head.
When it came to styling I didn’t want to overwhelm this small space. Learn how to get FREE ART for your home that you can print and frame. I kept it simple and used the rule of three. I chose a beautiful oversized plant and 2 frames. Now this space is welcoming and inviting.
In the evenings, when the lights are on, there is a soft glow and beauty greets you when you walk in the front door. I LOVE this entry so much now. It really added some life and warmth to the space!
What are some creative things YOU have done with YOUR entry way? I would love to hear about them!
Also, could you tell me where you got that pretty mirror? Thank you!!
Hi. I absolutely love your entry table. I have a wood cabinet there now with a mirror over it. My space is smaller than yours. I think what you did would be perfect. Love the look. Can you also send me details please?
Thank you
Joanne
Hi, Joanne!
Thank you so much. This is such a great solution to a smaller entry and it turned out better than I imagined. I am happy to provide any details you need. You are welcome to email me at april@aprilcolleen.com with any specifics and I would love to share!
Hi April Colleen!! I too very much LOVE your cornel entry way table. I just ordered some corbels. My husband is going to build it. We just built a brand new house and are so excited!!! Could you please email me your information about the table? Also, when you said the corbels are 28” high, do you mean the actual length of the corbels or how high your table ended up being? Thank you so much!! My corbels are only 22” long. I couldn’t find any others for a better price. Do you think they will work?
Hi, Sally! Congratulations on your new home!! You will love this project when it is completed.The Corbels are actually 28″ high. My table sits a little higher on my wall….which is ok with me! Your corbels will be perfect for your project. Just place them at the right height on the wall to make your table top the height you want it when it is complete. You will have to send pics when you’re done!
Thank you so much!! We haven’t put the table together yet, but I will show you when we finish it!😊
Can’t wait to see it, Sally! I got the mirror years ago and I am so sorry that I don’t remember where. But Kirkland’s and Home Goods has really great mirrors that aren’t too crazy expensive. Have fun with your project!
How high are the corbels – 24″ or more?
Hi, Arras! The corbels are 28″ high!
Beautiful! I would like to make one like this also. I emailed you but haven’t heard back.
Hi, Bonnie! I just sent you an email with all of the information on the details of the build! Please check your inbox. I can’t wait to see what you create and would love for you to share it!
Gorgeous! On an unrelated note, can you please tell me what wood/stain/any other details your breathtaking floors are? I am in love!
Hi, Erin! Welcome and Thank you!! Yes, I think our floors are hand-scraped walnut 5″ wide plank floors from BellaCera. They were the choice from our homebuilder when we built our home. It is an engineered hardwood and I love them. They don’t warp when they get wet, either. I really love them!!!