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Design 101
The Ultimate Guide to Sideboards
September 26, 2024
Sideboards are functional and stylish pieces in the modern home. These versatile furniture pieces can serve as storage units, display areas, and room dividers, making them a great addition to many rooms.
Beyond their ample storage capabilities, sideboards also serve as eye-catching design elements. From the dining room to the home office, the sideboard makes the perfect focal point for display items, artwork, and lighting.
Let’s explore the basics of sideboards, from their style origins to the best sideboards on the market today.
What Is a Sideboard?
In the 18th and 19th centuries, sideboards were a staple in upper-class dining rooms. Placed against the wall in a dining room, these furniture pieces were used to store cutlery, plates, and table linens. That’s where the name originally came from — the side of the room.
Now, sideboards have evolved to become a part of modern interior design trends. The sideboard isn’t confined to the dining room anymore. Modern-day sideboards can be placed in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even entryways.
Difference between a sideboard and a buffet
While the names are often used synonymously, there are differences between a sideboard and a buffet. The buffet typically has longer legs and a larger size. The height usually comes up to the countertop level, with an expansive top ideal for laying out food buffet style.
A sideboard, on the other hand, tends to be shorter and narrower. It’s more flexible in its placement and ideal for holding decorative items or everyday essentials. It’s also more likely to come with additional storage options, like built-in drawers or cabinets.
Where to place your sideboard
On a basic level, sideboards serve as an extra space to store whatever you need, which makes them a versatile choice for almost every room in the house. Here are a few placement ideas for your sideboard.
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Bedrooms
A sideboard in the bedroom makes for a powerful storage solution. Placed under a window or along a wall, a sideboard can make the perfect place to store clothes while also displaying books and other trinkets.
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Living rooms
In the living room, a sideboard can work in a wide variety of ways. Place your TV on top and other electronics underneath, or simply use it for storing books and board games. Arrange it side by side with a floating couch or on the open floor to help divide the room.
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Home offices
As a trendy alternative to filing cabinets, a sideboard in the home office is perfect for storing books, notebooks, folders, and other stationery. The drawers can also help you organize loose items like paper clips, staples, pens, and more.
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Hard-to-style areas
A sideboard makes the perfect addition for hard-to-style areas, like hallways, foyers, entryways, or nooks under the stairs. Use one to fill the empty space and tuck away any clutter.
Sideboard Dimensions
On average, sideboards have a depth of 20 inches and a length of 60 inches. However, some sideboards will be longer and narrower — an ideal fit for hallways or other small spaces — while others will be broader to allow for more storage space.
When it comes to height, sideboards can vary significantly depending on the style of the piece. Though they’re generally lower than counter-height, you can expect to find sideboards between 30 and 40 inches tall.
What size sideboard should you get?
While they’re usually long and low, sideboards still need to be carefully selected for their proportions before adding them to your space. A small room may need a narrower or smaller sideboard, for example, while a bigger room may support a broader piece. The sideboard should always be proportional to the rest of your furniture for a balanced look.
The size also depends on how you want to use it. A broader sideboard can fit larger objects like dishes, linens, or other larger household items. Smaller sideboards would be more suitable for decorative purposes.
How To Match Your Dining Table With Your Sideboard
When matching your sideboard with your dining room table, focus on getting the dimensions just right. The best sideboards for your dining room will be about the same height as the tabletop, if not slightly lower. It should also run no longer than the length of your dining table to avoid overpowering the space.
For the most harmonious look, aim for a sideboard that’s roughly two-thirds the length of your dining table. This way, it can complement your dining room table without looking too bulky or too small.
The Best Sideboards for Your Home
Whether you’re looking for furniture to take on your storage needs, furniture to showcase your decorative items, or a combination of both, choosing the right sideboard can make all the difference.
With so many options available in different sizes, styles, and materials, it's hard to know where to start. From elegant antiques to functional modern pieces, here are the best sideboards in every style, for every purpose.
If you want a sideboard that maximizes storage space, the best options feature a mix of spacious cabinets and drawers, offering plenty of room to stash away everything from tableware to linens.
For small spaces, the best sideboards are compact and sleek, often with a narrow profile and multifunctional features. Opt for designs with open shelving or glossy surfaces to create a sense of openness and light.
Black sideboards offer a sleek, modern look. Whether matte or glossy, these sideboards are versatile enough to complement just about any decor style
White sideboards bring a clean, fresh, and airy look to any room. They often come in simple, versatile designs that blend seamlessly with various decor styles.
The best modern sideboards feature clean lines, subtle hardware, and functional storage solutions. Look for minimalist designs and a sleek, polished surface for a fresh and streamlined look.
Mid century modern sideboards showcase iconic vintage design elements like tapered legs and rich wood finishes, while also keeping things modern with clean, geometric lines.
If you want to lean into elegance, these sideboards combine refined details with a touch of luxury. Look for sophisticated finishes like polished wood and decorative elements like intricate handles or subtle inlays.
The best antique sideboards showcase craftsmanship and character, bringing a sense of history to your space. Rich finishes and intricate carvings bring a sense of aged elegance to your space.
Wood sideboards bring out the best of natural beauty with their rich textures and varied finishes. From classic oak to reclaimed wood, these sideboards offer durability and timeless style.
Unlock the Potential of Sideboards in Your Home Decor
They may be mostly known for their surface space and storage capacity, but you shouldn’t underestimate the style potential of these multipurpose furniture pieces. A sideboard is a subtle piece that can add style to your room, feature your best decor, and store away some of your clutter — enhancing the room without overpowering it.
Looking for a sideboard to add to your home? Find the best storage cabinets in every style in our catalog, from sideboards to credenzas.
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