apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Look for a nightstand. I use them everywhere because my apartment (like everyone) is so small. They're usually only about 15 inches deep and I think they just look like chests taken out of context.

IKEA does a very narrow wall-mounted unit with flip-open drawers. Of course, it's laminate, so you'd have to keep it at a safe distance from real wood so that its fakeness doesn't leap out at the eye.

Chinatown. Wooden apothecary chests are small enough for the space, and it sounds like that would go with your decor.

I've also seen people use old library-card catalog cabinets -- which are very shallow, but convenient for keys, change, and other small things that accumulate at the door. The look isn't for everybody, though.

I agree with the Chinatown comment--though I don't know Chinatown's wares because DC has a lame-o fake Chinatown--I was thinking Chinese furniture--there are often different interesting pieces that would fit there.

We bought a beautifully simple, light blue lacquer table with a small drawer and shelf below for our entryway at the Golden Calf in Williamsburg. It comes also comes in red, black or brown. Unfortunately they don't have images on their website, but its a fun store so you should just go there... http://www.goldencalf.net/

They also sell a low, more stylized table cited in Domino
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/edspicks/asian_mod_noir?slide=4

Since the maximum length you can accommodate in your foyer space is 30", look at 30" long chests. These will usually measure 18-22 inches deep depending on design and offer drawer storage. A bowfront chest will offer slightly more tabletop space than a conventional square chest. There are a number of manufacturers and retailers with chests available in that size, ranging from Kindel, Henredon, and Stickley to Ikea. Though some of the manufacturers pieces can be expensive, with patience and perseverance, you can get them inexpensively off of Ebay and Craigslist.

Have you checked Ballard Designs? Their aesthetic tends toward more traditional, but they have a few options in a compact width. This Gustavian Side Cabinet has clean lines, enclosed storage, and at 12.5" deep, it won't protrude too far into the foyer space: http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Furniture/Cabinets/Storage-Cabinets/Gustavian-Side-Cabinet/p/7256?path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1474%2C1681&iProductID=7256

Even these options are described as good for a small entry way:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Furniture/Cabinets/Bathroom-Cabinets/Piccola-Cabinet/p/1837?path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1474%2C1673&iProductID=1837
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Furniture/Consoles/Wood-Consoles/Positano-Console-Table/p/2645?path=1%2C2%2C1443%2C1477%2C1989&iProductID=2645

These are great pieces:
http://wisteria.com/prodinfo.asp?number=W1070

http://wisteria.com/prodinfo.asp?number=W1945

I like the idea of using a mid century-ish magazine rack--the kind where the magazines are displayed vertically in rising tiers.

Target has short cabinet/chest that I have considered a few times for my hallway that comes in a dark brown color. This is one of those pieces that Target actually carries in store. My plan was to replace the pulls with something that looks a bit more contemporary.

The dimensions seem like they might work for you.

http://www.target.com/Exotic-Retreat-Cabinet/dp/B000JY1EVQ/ref=sc_ri_3/601-8008832-2039311

Home Decorators Collection has lots of of stuff that is shallower than standard furniture, so it is perfect for a smaller space. A lot of what they sell is awful, but some is simple and attractive. Prices are low and construction is adequate - just don't expect wooden drawers... These are 13" - 14" deep and 42" long - make a cardboard box and see if the size works or if you bump into it. http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Craftsman_Wide_Three-Shelf_Bookcase_with_Wood_Doors/540/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Wuchow_42W_Three-Shelf_Bookcase_with_Wood_Doors/250/

Crate and Barrel has a few pieces that might work:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1090&f=22291
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1123&f=22298
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1123&f=22314