If you’re searching for a clever storage solution that’s unbelievably stylish, then you can’t go wrong with a dining room sideboard. There are plenty of options to peruse that look sublime in any setting, including space-saving tallboys and classic buffets. Plus, we have designs that boast built-in shelves, handy drawers and sliding wicker baskets to keep your home free from clutter.
If you don’t know the difference between a sideboard with baskets or a corner sideboard unit, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll help you find the dining room sideboard of your dreams.
There are five key things to consider before making a purchase: size, style, colour, storage and durability. Keep reading as we run through each one in more detail. We’ll also suggest several high-quality furniture pieces from our best-selling Florence and Edvard Oslen ranges for inspiration.
What is a sideboard?
A sideboard, also known as a buffet or buffet table, is a multi-functional furniture item. Not only does it inject dull rooms with some much-needed personality, but it provides extra storage in dining areas, kitchens and living rooms. Thanks to the roomy inner compartments, you’ll finally have a home for all your prized possessions.
Gracious hosts can also transform dining room sideboards into convenient serving spaces. Our traditional wood designs feature scratch-proof and heat-resistant wooden surfaces, perfect for holding food platters, hot plates and serving dishes.
Discover more ways to use a sideboard and how to style it on our blog.
5 tips for choosing a dining room sideboard
1. Find the right size
When choosing a dining room sideboard, the first step is to find the right size. It must be in proportion with the room’s dimensions and furniture, otherwise, it will look out of place. And if it’s too small, it may get lost amongst everything else that’s going on.
The average height of a dining room table is 28 to 30 inches, and most people prefer their sideboard to be slightly taller. Standard sideboards sit between 34 and 38 inches – the ideal height for serving food and accessing dinnerware.
If you have a modest dining room, you may want to consider a tallboy instead. Although less traditional, tallboys are compact while offering ample storage for plates, tablecloths and napkins. The wicker-style baskets are suitable for storing a range of food-related items due to their handy wipe-clean design.
Another excellent option for awkward spaces is a corner sideboard unit. It fits snugly into otherwise unused nooks while maintaining all the benefits of a conventional sideboard. With two spacious compartments, gorgeous, panelled doors and elegant Georgian feet, it’s proof that good things come in small packages.
Whichever design you choose, always make sure there’s enough room to open your sideboard doors and drawers comfortably. It’s also a good idea to leave at least 24 inches of space between each piece of furniture to improve the flow of movement.
2. Experiment with different styles
Whether you live in a modern or vintage home, there’s bound to be a dining room sideboard to complement your interior décor. Perhaps, you want something that matches your table and chairs? Or if you’re feeling daring, you could clash styles for a dash of eccentricity.
You can find stunning sideboards in our Florence and Edvard Oslen ranges. Our Florence furniture emphasises comfort, practicality and companionship, making each mealtime one to remember. White, truffle and dove grey sideboards seamlessly blend in with neutral schemes. Meanwhile, sage green and navy blue sideboards make eye-catching statement pieces.
Colour aside, every design is brilliantly functional. If you’re a fan of entertaining, this sideboard with wine rack can hold an evening’s worth of refreshments. Like your own company? You’ll love a smaller but equally lovely sideboard with baskets.
Inspired by the Danish mantra of hygge, the Edvard Olsen range focuses on simplicity, timelessness and cosiness. With that in mind, this Scandinavian-inspired range features both light oak sideboards and golden oak sideboards crafted from natural materials that are highly resistant to daily wear. The pièce de résistance is a matte lacquer finish that preserves the natural patina. What’s more, you can choose between two-door or three-door styles to meet your storage needs.
3. Add a pop of colour
You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds to completely revolutionise your dining room. Simply introduce a painted sideboard to add a pop of colour to flat-looking spaces.
Bringing the outside in is one of the most popular home decor trends in 2022 – think bright, open plan concepts, indoor gardens and wood accents. You can also achieve the look by incorporating earthy, natural tones.
Combining navy blue sideboards and sage green sideboards is reminiscent of balmy summer evenings, where dusk settles over rolling country fields. Both shades are wonderfully soothing for busy professionals and families who struggle to switch off and unwind.
On the other end of the spectrum are minimalist and brutalist interiors, celebrated for their simple silhouettes and understated palettes. If you prefer neutrals, dove grey kitchen sideboards are versatile enough to use in dining rooms. Unlike slate greys, dove grey has a warm beige undertone to make your space feel welcoming and homey.
Can’t see a colour you like? Luckily for you, we offer a brilliant customisation service that lets you design furniture your way. From rainbow hues to personalised handles, you have the opportunity to create a masterpiece that reflects your personality.
You could choose a two-tone sideboard with crystal handles or a distressed finish that screams shabby chic. If you want to create a cohesive aesthetic, request matching upholstery that ties in with your curtains and soft furnishings. With no limits to what we can create, the possibilities are endless.
4. Think about storage
The best dining room sideboards feature innovative storage options to organise your space. With that in mind, we’ve incorporated a treasure chest of built-in shelves, deep drawers and removable wicker baskets to keep your treasured trinkets safe.
Love a tipple after work? You can find sideboards with wine racks to store your favourite vintages. Or if you have a busy morning schedule, a breakfast bar with storage can double up as a buffet table and a kitchen storage unit, making a great spot to grab a quick coffee.
5. Prioritise durability
Of course, you want to invest in a sideboard that’ll last for many years. That’s why we lovingly handcraft our designs from premium materials like oak and pine.
Pine is a soft wood that’s resistant to shrinking, swelling and warping. Its outstanding flexibility makes it water-resistant, meaning you can place cups of tea on top of your sideboard without having to worry about accidental spills. Most importantly, pine develops a handsome, rustic finish from age and use.
Oak furniture is suited to heavy traffic areas because it’s exceptionally durable. Oak is also much harder than pine, able to withstand the nastiest knocks and scratches. As well as being durable, its distinctive wood grain oozes country house charm.
For added protection, our sideboards have brushed acacia wood tops. Acacia is naturally antibacterial so that you can safely prepare and serve food for the whole family.
Ready to find your ideal dining room sideboard?
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect dining room sideboard, then browse our complete collection online today. Our designers have combined flawless aesthetics with practicality, creating a range of sideboards to suit all décor styles and arrangements.
Whether you prefer minimalist Edvard Oslen or decorative Florence sideboards, our high-quality furniture will seamlessly slot into your daily life. Choose between corner units, spacious tallboys and classic buffets to suit your room’s dimensions. Each piece offers ample storage for dinnerware, making it even easier to host large parties and get-togethers.
Plus, if you can’t find a sideboard that speaks to you, our custom paint service is on hand to help bring your vision to life.
If you want to learn more about our sideboards, please call 01989 763343 or email [email protected]. One of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.
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