How To Choose The Right Sideboard: A Complete Guide
Sideboards are among the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. Originally designed as serving stations for dining rooms, sideboards have evolved into stylish storage solutions that can enhance nearly any room in your home. Whether you’re looking to organize dining essentials, declutter your living space, or create a welcoming entryway, the right sideboard can transform your space. A hallway sideboard, for example, offers both practicality and style — providing a convenient place to store keys, mail, and everyday items while giving guests a beautiful first impression as they enter your home. Choosing the right sideboard is key to achieving a balance between functionality and timeless design.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect sideboard, from design and size to materials and functionality.
What Is a Sideboard?
A sideboard is a long, low storage cabinet that typically features drawers, cabinets, and shelves. Though sideboards have long been a staple in dining rooms for keeping china, glassware, and table linens organized, today they’re much more versatile. You’ll often find them adding both style and storage in entryways, hallways, and even bedrooms. A living room sideboard, for example, can serve as a sleek solution for storing books, media accessories, or decorative accents while also acting as a statement piece that anchors the space. With their balance of practicality and design, sideboards have become an essential addition to modern homes.
Also known as buffets or credenzas, sideboards are ideal for anyone seeking to blend aesthetics with practicality.
Why You Need a Sideboard
Before we get into the specifics of how to choose one, it's helpful to understand why you might need a sideboard in the first place.
1. Storage
One of the most obvious benefits is storage. Sideboards provide a neat and stylish way to store dinnerware, cutlery, table linens, books, or electronics—whatever suits your lifestyle.
2. Style Statement
Choosing the right sideboard can truly transform a room, adding a unique touch that catches the eye and brings the entire space together. Whether your home leans toward mid-century modern, farmhouse charm, or Scandinavian minimalism, there’s a sideboard that perfectly complements your aesthetic.
For a warm, natural look, rustic sideboards are a beautiful choice. Their textured finishes, natural wood grains, and sturdy craftsmanship bring character and authenticity to any setting — ideal for creating a welcoming and lived-in feel. If you prefer something lighter and more classic, pine sideboards offer timeless appeal with their soft tones and versatile design. They pair effortlessly with both traditional and contemporary décor, making them a dependable choice for almost any room.
From sleek, modern styles to rustic statement pieces, the right sideboard doesn’t just store your essentials — it enhances the overall atmosphere of your home, tying together function, beauty, and personality in one effortless piece.
3. Functionality
Beyond storage, sideboards offer surface space for decor, lighting, or even as a makeshift bar or coffee station. Their multi-functional nature makes them a smart investment.
How To Choose The Right Sideboard
Now that you’re convinced you need one, let’s dive into how to choose the right sideboard for your space.
1. Measure Your Space
Before browsing styles or materials, you need to understand your room's dimensions. Measure the space where you plan to place the sideboard, including height, width, and depth. Ensure there’s enough clearance for doors and drawers to open fully.
Tip: Leave at least 24–36 inches of clearance in front of the sideboard to allow for easy access.
2. Determine the Purpose
What will your sideboard be used for? Identifying its primary function helps narrow down the style and features you'll need.
- Dining Room: Look for sideboards with spacious drawers and shelves for storing cutlery, serving ware, and table linens.
- Living Room: Choose sideboards that feature open shelves if you want a stylish way to display your books and decorative items.
- Entryway: Choose a compact model with closed compartments to keep shoes, keys, or mail organized and hidden.
3. Choose the Right Style
Sideboards come in various styles, each suited to different interior aesthetics:
- Mid-Century Modern: Clean lines, tapered legs, and walnut or teak finishes.
- Contemporary: Sleek surfaces, minimal hardware, often with metal or high-gloss finishes.
- Rustic/Farmhouse: Distressed wood, visible grains, and a cozy, lived-in feel.
- Scandinavian sideboards: Soft, natural wood hues combined with clean, uncomplicated shapes create a look that feels effortlessly elegant and inviting
- Industrial: Metal frames, reclaimed wood, and rugged character.
Pick a style that complements your existing furniture and décor. Matching finishes and hardware can create a cohesive look, but mixing styles can also add character when done thoughtfully.
4. Select the Material
What your sideboard is made of plays a big role in how it looks and how long it will last.
- Solid Wood: Offers longevity and timeless appeal. Great for traditional or rustic settings.
- MDF or Engineered Wood: More affordable, available in modern designs, but less durable than solid wood.
- Metal: Perfect for industrial or minimalist homes. Often used as accents or frames.
- Glass: Adds a touch of sophistication, often used in doors or display panels.
- Veneer: Provides the warmth and appearance of genuine wood without the higher cost.
5. Evaluate Storage Options
Think about what you’ll be storing and choose a sideboard that offers the right combination of:
- Drawers: Ideal for cutlery, napkins, and smaller items.
- Shelves: Perfect for stacking plates, books, or displaying decor.
- Cabinets: Great for larger items like serving bowls, white vases, or small appliances.
- Open vs Closed Storage: Open shelves are visually lighter but require organized styling. Closed compartments help keep clutter hidden. If you have a craft table with storage built in, then why not use some open storage in addition.
6. Consider Height and Proportion
Sideboards typically range from 30 to 40 inches in height. Taller units offer more storage, while lower ones can double as media consoles. Consider how the sideboard’s height relates to nearby furniture—especially dining tables or sofas.
7. Color and Finish
Choosing the right color and finish ensures your sideboard fits harmoniously within your room. Natural wood tones bring warmth and texture, white finishes offer a clean, airy vibe, and bold colors can turn the piece into a stunning focal point.
For a timeless appeal, neutral tones and classic wood finishes are always safe bets, blending effortlessly with a variety of interior styles. But if you’re looking to inject personality and creativity into your space, don’t be afraid to experiment with colourful drawers or vibrant accents. A pop of color can completely transform the mood of a room — think a deep navy or forest green sideboard with gold hardware for a refined statement, or a mix of playful tones for a more eclectic, modern look.
By thoughtfully choosing your finish, you can make your sideboard either blend seamlessly into your décor or stand out as the hero piece that brings character and charm to your home. The right finish enhances not just the furniture itself, but the entire mood of the space — soft wood tones bring warmth, glossy finishes add sophistication, and colourful designs inject personality.
To complete the look, consider styling your sideboard with layered lighting and décor. Pairing it with indoor lanterns for living rooms adds a welcoming glow and creates an inviting, atmospheric touch. Whether placed beside artwork, mirrors, or vases, these lanterns highlight your sideboard’s texture and tone, turning a practical storage piece into a beautifully styled focal point that feels both functional and refined.
8. Quality and Craftsmanship
Examine construction details before buying. Look for details like dovetail joints, sturdy solid wood drawers, and drawers or doors that open and close effortlessly Avoid flimsy particleboard or poorly assembled units if you're looking for long-term value.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the perfect sideboard means finding a sweet spot between style and practicality. By considering your space, intended use, style preferences, and budget, you’ll find a piece that enhances your home both practically and aesthetically.
Investing in the right sideboard not only improves your storage options but also helps create a more organized and visually appealing environment.
Looking to find the perfect sideboard for your space? Explore beautifully curated storage solutions at The Bonnie Home—where timeless design meets everyday functionality. Shop now and elevate your home with a sideboard you’ll love for years to come.
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