The entrance, key tray, mirror, bench

The entrance is the room where every journey of the day begins and ends. You set down your keys, your post, you put on your shoes, you check your appearance before going out. Three functional elements are enough to transform a simple corridor into a really useful room.

The key tray. On a slim console (see rule 03.15), a dedicated receptacle for keys, wallet, earphones. Avoids the daily hunt for objects.

The mirror. A large vertical or round mirror above the console allows a last glance before going out, and visually enlarges the entrance.

The bench or chest. To put on shoes without bending, and to store underneath (seasonal shoes, bags, caps).

These three elements form a functional trio that solves 80% of the daily frictions of the entrance.

The key tray on the console.

Console. See rule 03.15, depth 25-30 cm, height 80-90 cm. Adapted to the entrance, often narrow.

Key tray. A single receptacle for everything (raw ceramic, turned wooden bowl, marble tray). Not several small receptacles, just one, readable and accessible.

Composition on the console. A table lamp (40-50 cm high), a key tray, a small vase or decorative object. Triangular composition (see rule 07.2).

The mirror.

Format. Large vertical mirror (80-150 cm in height) above the console. Or large round mirror (60-80 cm in diameter).

Height. Bottom of the mirror at 15-20 cm above the top of the console. Top of the mirror at 1.90-2 m from the floor.

Frame. Thin in matt black metal or brass (contemporary effect), or in wood (warmer effect).

The bench or chest.

Wooden bench. Simple rectangular bench, 100-140 cm long, 35-45 cm seat height. Brands such as Tikamoon, Maisons du Monde.

Wooden or rattan chest. Bench with integrated storage. Ideal in a family (storage for shoes, bags).

Padded bench. More elegant effect, but less functional (no integrated storage).

Position. Ideally facing the console and the mirror, to be able to sit while looking in the mirror and put on shoes.

Optional complements.

Wall hooks. For coats, bags, scarves. To fix at 1.60-1.80 m from the floor (above the bench if possible). One hook per household member minimum.

Small rug (indoor doormat). To absorb water and dirt from shoes. See rule 04.7 on rugs and circulation zones.

Mood lamp. To complement the pendant, a table lamp or a wall sconce that lights the face in front of the mirror.

The case of very small entrances.

If the entrance is less than 1.20 m wide, the bench opposite is not possible. Solution, bench-chest under the console (low bench that fits under the console). Higher console (95 cm) to allow sliding the bench underneath.

In a small interior. The functional trio remains valid even in a studio. A slim narrow console, a vertical mirror above, a small bench or folding chest. It is a daily investment.

Jean-Louis Deniot works entrances as small reception salons. Veined marble console, large gilded mirror, velvet bench, signature lamp. An immediate refinement effect from arrival.

Pierre Yovanovitch often integrates a closed entrance dressing area (full-height wardrobes) with integrated bench. Maximal solution for families, which stores coats, shoes, bags behind flush doors.

For family houses, the Anglo-Saxon mudroom is an excellent reference. A room dedicated to the outside-inside transition, with wardrobes, bench, hooks, water point for muddy boots.