Joybuy Insights

Choosing the Right Sideboard: A Practical Buying Guide

A sideboard is often more than just a storage cabinet. It's a central piece of furniture in your living room, dining room, or hallway that must be both functional and stylish. The search for the perfect model can be overwhelming due to the vast array of styles, materials, and sizes. This article serves as a practical guide to help you make an informed decision, free from marketing jargon. We'll focus on the specifications and functionalities that truly matter.

What to Look for When Buying a Sideboard

Before making a choice, it's wise to consider a few key points. This will help you find a sideboard that is not only beautiful but also a practical fit for your home.

Style and Material: From Scandinavian to Industrial

The style of the sideboard largely determines the atmosphere of the room. A wooden sideboard brings warmth and a natural feel, fitting into many interiors. Within this category, there are many variations:

  • Scandinavian sideboard: Characterised by light wood types, clean lines, and a minimalist design. Often combined with slender, angled legs.
  • Industrial sideboard: Frequently combines wood with dark metal, creating a bold and robust look. Think of details like metal frames, handles, or even a glass door in a steel frame.
  • Modern sideboard: Typically features a sleek and minimalist design, often in neutral colours like white, grey, or black, sometimes with a high-gloss finish.

The material is not just a matter of taste but also of maintenance and durability. MDF is a commonly used and affordable material, while solid wood is a more authentic and often more expensive option.

Functionality and Size: Drawers, Doors, and Dimensions

Think carefully about what you want to store. Do you have many small items? Then a sideboard with drawers is a practical choice. For larger items like dinnerware or books, cabinets with doors are more suitable. A sideboard with sliding doors is a smart, space-saving solution, ideal for a smaller room or a narrow hallway where hinged doors would get in the way.

Measure the available space accurately. A 100 cm sideboard is a popular width that fits well in many living rooms without being overpowering. If you have a narrow hall or limited space, a narrow sideboard (with a shallow depth) can be the perfect storage cabinet for the living room or hallway.

Recommended Sideboards for Every Home

Based on functionality, material, and design, we have compiled a list of popular choices for you.

Atmosphera Colva Sideboard - Wood, 100 cm

Atmosphera Colva Sideboard with sliding doors

Why It Stands Out This sideboard combines a Scandinavian style with a highly practical feature: sliding doors. The combination of a light wood colour and a sleek design makes it a versatile piece of furniture.

Key Features

  • Space-saving: The two sliding doors are ideal for smaller spaces.
  • Stylish design: The natural wood look and minimalist frame fit well in a Scandinavian or minimalist interior.
  • Practical size: With a width of 100 cm and a depth of 35 cm, it offers ample storage without taking up too much floor space.
  • Material: Made of MDF with steel legs for a stable construction.

Who It's For Ideal for those looking for a compact and stylish Scandinavian sideboard for the living or dining room. Especially useful if you have limited space and appreciate the functionality of sliding doors.

HaluPeit Sideboard - White and Gold, 100 cm

HaluPeit Sideboard in white and gold

Why It Stands Out This piece distinguishes itself with its modern and luxurious appearance, featuring a combination of white and gold-coloured metal details. The rounded doors give it a soft and elegant look.

Key Features

  • Modern aesthetic: The white and gold finish lends a chic and bright feel to any room.
  • Flexible storage: Features closed cabinets, open compartments, and an adjustable shelf to meet various storage needs.
  • Durable materials: According to the manufacturer, it is made of moisture-resistant MDF and rust-proof metal, making it a durable choice.
  • Thoughtful design: The 12.5 cm high legs make cleaning underneath the cabinet easy.

Who It's For Perfect for lovers of a modern, sophisticated style. Although it could also fit in a bathroom, its dimensions and appearance make it an excellent, stylish sideboard for the living or dining room.

Atmosphera Danik Sideboard - Wood and Glass

Atmosphera Danik Industrial Sideboard

Why It Stands Out The Danik sideboard is a piece with character that combines the warmth of wood with the bold look of an industrial sideboard. The sliding door made of tempered glass and iron is a real eye-catcher.

Key Features

  • Varied storage: This model offers a mix of open and closed storage, with two drawers, shelves, and a door.
  • Robust character: The combination of fir wood, steel, and glass gives it an authentic, neo-vintage look.
  • Functional design: With two spacious drawers, this is a practical sideboard with drawers for storing items like cutlery or documents.
  • Solid construction: The unit has a maximum load capacity of 75 kg, indicating a sturdy build.

Who It's For This sideboard is an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement and love the industrial or rustic interior style. It offers a great balance between aesthetics and practical storage options.

Discover More Options

Haven't found your ideal sideboard yet? Everyone has different needs when it comes to dimensions, style, and budget. Fortunately, a wide range of options is available. If you want to explore more styles, from classic to modern, take a look at our full collection.

Explore all sideboards and buffets here

Frequently Asked Questions about Sideboards

What is the average height of a sideboard? The height of a sideboard typically varies between 70 and 90 centimetres. The models in this article, such as the Atmosphera Colva sideboard (80.5 cm) and the Danik sideboard (85 cm), fall within this standard range. This height is practical because the top surface is at a comfortable level for placing items, and the proportions are well-balanced in most living rooms.

What is the difference between a sideboard and a buffet? In practice, the terms 'sideboard' and 'buffet' are often used interchangeably and refer to the same type of low storage cabinet. Originally, a buffet was a piece of furniture in the dining room for setting out dishes, while a sideboard offered more general storage. Today, there is no longer a functional distinction.

How do I choose the right size sideboard for my living room? Measure the wall where you plan to place the sideboard. Ensure you leave at least 15-20 cm of space on either side of the furniture. This prevents the room from looking crowded and cramped. Also, pay attention to the depth, especially in narrow spaces or walkways. A narrow sideboard of about 35-40 cm deep is often a good choice.


Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer