We all have seen sideboards, but most of us might not know what they are called. Today, we are going to discuss it. How often have you stepped into a dining room and spotted a long, elegant, and stylish piece of furniture against the wall?
I assume that at least once you have seen it. You can say that it sets a statement for the whole room to follow.
But it's not all about the good and mesmerizing looks. When it comes to sideboards, they are pretty useful and provide a lot of practical storage in the most subtle fashion possible.
Now, this blog is a complete guide, so whatever your queries are, we have got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What Is a Sideboard?
A sideboard is a serving piece often found in dining rooms and is used to store dining sets and serving dishes. It is often made with a combination of drawers, cabinets, and open shelving that offers space to store items while showcasing them.
However, in modern times, the usage of sideboards has changed to not just being practical but also being stylish. Thus, they are also an addition to hallways, living rooms, and even home offices.
A sideboard can multifunction, serving as a storage unit for items such as dinnerware and wine glasses, books, photo frames, and even decorative lamps. Aside from serving as a storage space, sideboards also enhance the style of the room.
Credenza vs. Buffet vs. Sideboard
- Credenza: A low, concealed storage cabinet with sliding doors, perfect for living room TV stands and study rooms.
- Buffet: A combination display cabinet and drawers for plating, serving, and storing tableware, perfect for formal dining rooms.
- Sideboard: Multifunctional storage and display cabinet, ideal for dining rooms, entryways, and hallways.
Quickly Select Based On Your Needs
- Looking for minimalist, hidden storage? → Credenza (sliding doors hide clutter)
- Frequently entertain at home? → Buffet (serve food on the countertop and store wine glasses below)
- Looking for multifunctional storage in a small apartment? → Sideboard (doubles as a decorative table and miscellaneous storage)
How to Choose the Ideal Sideboard for Your Dining Room
1. Determine the Sideboard Size
Now, determining the size of a sideboard is very important and can be a daunting task; however, we have helped thousands of customers get the right size that speaks for itself.
So, with our experience, we have made a list of 4 steps that will help you get the perfect sizing for your sideboard.
Step 1: measure your wall space. You want a sideboard to fill in the area without the room feeling overcrowded.
Step 2: Confirm the clearance for the foot traffic check. 24 inches is the minimum clearance needed to the side of the sideboard and to the dining chairs or table for comfortable movement.
Step 3: Contemplate height. Most sideboards are 30 - 36 inches tall, which makes it easy to serve food and drinks at shoulder height.
Step 4: Keep proportion in mind. Long sideboards complement long dining tables. A small, compact sideboard is ideal with a more petite dining table.
2. Compare Storage Features
Choose a sideboard storage design based on your storage needs.
- Tableware and table linens → Choose a sideboard with drawers and cabinets.
- Wine and barware → Choose a sideboard with a wine rack or glass rack
- Display space → Choose open shelving or a spacious countertop
3. Choose a Suitable Material
Your choice of materials sets the tone for your sideboard.
A solid wood sideboard is timeless and offers durability. It can be stained or painted to match your style.
But, we all know that they can be very expensive, so if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option. Then engineered wood or MDF is the choice you are looking for.
But that’s not all, because if a touch of glamour is on your mind, there are sideboards that are made of metal and glass that offer a sleek, modern touch.
4. Choose a Design: Sideboard Styles
Each sideboard has a distinct character, as they differ in style. A traditional sideboard is usually made of wood and has intricate details that give a room a warm and formal vibe.
Modern sideboards usually have sleek finishes, which is a perfect combination for contemporary spaces.
However, mid-century sideboards are characterized by tapered legs that have a retro charm. These rustic sideboards are made from reclaimed wood, giving a warm, earthy feel.
Now, a lot of options can leave you questioning yourself. Thus, to make an informed decision, ask yourself what tone you want to set for your room and what will suit your style, combined with the overall presence of your room.
Once you have answers to that, you can choose between a modern sideboard or a vintage-style sideboard.
Conclusion
Now, a sleek sideboard will get the attention, but if you want to keep it locked there, you need to accessorize it by styling the top with trays, vases, or art. Then you can always have other furniture complement it to make the overall presence of the room sublime.
Explore HomeyFad’s furniture collection for buffets & sideboards that suit your style and amplify your home decor. From contemporary to classic wooden designs, sleek, timeless elegance, and rustic warmth—there’s something for everyone.
Your dream dining setup is just a click away—contact us today to find the perfect fit.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use sideboards in other rooms except the dining room?
No matter which room you want the sideboard to be in, you can do it. They have become a style statement that provides functionality, and if you feel the need to install it in your lounge hallway, you can do it.
Q2: Besides sideboards, are there other storage options?
A: Of course, there are many options suitable for your home. For example, cabinets, dressers & chests, console tables and display & china cabinets are all available!
Q3. How do I style the top of a sideboard?
There’s no right answer for this. But if you are looking to decorate or style the top of your sideboard, use lamps, trays, vases, or other pieces of art like frames to make it stand out. Mix and match items to find the right fit for your sideboard that assists the overall feel and look of your room.