Buying a Sideboard: Your Guide to Style and Storage

An organised home is a happy home, but aesthetics are just as important. You're looking for a piece of furniture that not only hides clutter but also enhances the atmosphere of your living room, dining room, or bedroom. A sideboard can fill both of these roles perfectly. The challenge is finding the right model in a sea of options.

This guide is designed to help you make an informed choice. We'll focus on objective product specifications and practical tips so you can buy a sideboard that perfectly suits your space and needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Sideboard

Before you make a choice, it's wise to consider a few key points. Proper preparation helps prevent buyer's remorse.

1. Define Your Style: From Industrial to Scandinavian

The style of a sideboard largely determines the look and feel of your room. Popular styles often have specific characteristics:

• Industrial: Characterised by a combination of raw, unfinished materials. An industrial sideboard is often a wood and metal sideboard, featuring dark colours and a rugged aesthetic.
• Scandinavian: Light, functional, and minimalist. A Scandinavian storage cabinet uses light-coloured woods, clean lines, and a calm, natural look.
• Modern: Sleek, minimalist, and often with a luxurious finish. Think of a modern white side table with gold or silver accents and a smooth, sometimes glossy, finish.

Consider your current interior and decide which style would be the best fit or provide an interesting contrast.

2. Functionality First: Drawers, Doors, and Dimensions

A sideboard is, first and foremost, a storage cabinet for the living room or another space. Think about what you plan to store. Do you have many small items? A sideboard with drawers is a practical choice. Need to store larger items like dinnerware or books? Doors with shelves behind them are more suitable.

Measure the available space accurately. Pay attention not only to the width and depth but also to the height. A sideboard that is too high or too low can disrupt the balance of the room. Also, account for swinging doors or extending drawers; ensure there is enough clearance for them.

Top Sideboard Recommendations

Based on functionality, materials, and style, we have selected a few popular choices for you.

Atmosphera Danik Sideboard - Wood and Glass

Why It Stands Out The combination of a wooden structure with a sliding door made of tempered glass and iron gives this piece a distinct character. The design is well-suited for interiors with industrial or vintage influences.

Advantages

• Combination of wood and metal for a robust look.
• Practical layout with two drawers and four shelves.
• The sliding door saves space compared to a hinged door.
• Total weight capacity of 75 kg.

Who Is It For? For those seeking a functional industrial sideboard that adds character to the living or dining room. The mix of materials makes it a striking yet versatile piece of furniture.

Atmosphera Colva Sideboard - Wood

Why It Stands Out This sideboard is notable for its simplicity and functionality, typical of the Scandinavian style. The two sliding doors are ideal for smaller spaces where there is no room for swinging doors.

Advantages

• Sleek and minimalist design that fits a Scandinavian interior.
• Two sliding doors for easy access and space-saving.
• Made of MDF and steel for a stable construction.
• With a width of 100 cm, it offers ample storage without overpowering the space.

Who Is It For? Perfect for lovers of a calm, natural aesthetic. If you need a functional Scandinavian storage cabinet for the living room or hallway, this is an excellent choice.

Tribesigns Modern Nightstand - White and Gold

Why It Stands Out Although presented as a nightstand, its height (65.5 cm) and storage space allow this piece to function perfectly as a compact sideboard or side table. The 3D honeycomb pattern on the drawers and the gold-coloured metal base give it a luxurious, modern look.

Advantages

• Luxurious, modern aesthetic with a white finish and gold accents.
• Three spacious drawers for hidden storage.
• Compact size (50 cm wide) makes it suitable for smaller spaces.
• Adjustable feet ensure stability on uneven floors.

Who Is It For? Ideal for those looking for a modern white side table with the functionality of a sideboard with drawers. It fits well in a bedroom, but also as a stylish storage unit in a hallway or next to a sofa in the living room.

Looking for Something Else?

If you haven't found exactly what you're looking for here, or if you need a more compact solution, check out our selection of side tables with drawers for the living room for more inspiration and functional storage options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sideboards

What is the difference between a dressoir and a sideboard?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Historically, a sideboard was placed in the dining room to store dinnerware, while a dressoir was a broader piece of furniture for the living room. Today, the distinction has blurred, and the name used largely depends on the manufacturer and style.

How tall is a typical sideboard?

Most sideboards have a height between 70 and 90 centimetres. The ideal height depends on its function and the space. A lower model often looks better next to a sofa, while a sideboard in a hallway or dining room can be a bit taller.

Can a sideboard also be used as a TV stand?

Yes, that is possible. However, be sure to check two things: the maximum weight capacity of the top surface and the height. Make sure the TV is at a comfortable viewing height. Some sideboards are not specifically designed to support the weight of a large television. Also, check for cable management options to neatly conceal cords.