When decorating your home, whether a new HDB or BTO flat or conducting a mini-renovation, you may need additional storage for your bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, or entryway. Choosing the right storage furniture solution is paramount to creating a warm and well-organised space.
A sideboard is versatile storage furniture that can work in your living room, dining room, and other areas of your home that require a spacious storage solution or display surface.
Here's a quick buying guide to help you choose the best sideboard to spruce up your lovely home.
What is a Sideboard?
A sideboard, or what others call a buffet hutch or a credenza, is an elongated and low-storage furniture piece typically found in the dining area or living room. Since it has many cupboards and shelves, a sideboard often works as a storage area for utensils and flatware. It provides ample tabletop surfaces for trays, food items, and table napkins during formal occasions. A living room serves as a place for candles, knick-knacks, and display items. Many homeowners repurpose this versatile furniture and make it a part of their hallways.
The main distinguishing feature between a sideboard, buffet hutch, and credenza is their leg structure. A sideboard has low legs, a buffet has taller legs, and the credenza is designed to sit flat on the floor, although the terms can be used interchangeably.
How to Choose the Ideal Sideboard for Your Home
Answer the following questions before shopping for a sideboard:
- Where do you intend to use your sideboard? What will its purpose be?
- What are the measurements of the room?
- What style are you going for?
- What material is suitable for your needs?
The Purpose of Your Sideboard
Where do you intend to place your sideboard? Will it be in your dining room or living room? Are you looking for storage furniture for your dinnerware and china collection? Ample space for your meals when entertaining, or a place where you organise your decor and living room essentials? Knowing where and what to use your sideboard for is important in assessing the features you need to prioritise. If your main goal is to store items, you may choose a sideboard with a combination of open-door and pull-out cabinets. If it is used as a display unit, you may find a sideboard with glass doors and open shelves.
A sideboard or buffet hutch with multiple drawers is ideal for storing small items like silverware, table napkins, plates, coasters, and placemats. Due to their specific sizes, sideboards with drawers may not be suitable for larger items. Here comes furniture with open door compartments. If placing hot objects on your sideboard’s tabletop, opt for something with a protective or non-porous upper layer.
The Size of Your Sideboard
Sideboards are low but wide, giving you an accessible tabletop surface for dinnerware and decorations when entertaining. Because of their wide configuration, we highly recommend identifying your space requirements first before visiting a local furniture store or browsing online for furniture options. This is to make sure you get the right piece that fits your space. This is how you ensure your sideboard fits your room:
Your Room Dimensions
Take out your measuring tape and measure your available space and the area intended for your furniture. Don't forget to measure your doorways for a smooth moving process. It's important to make sure your furniture will fit your allotted space.
Other Furniture Pieces Present
Measure other furniture pieces in the room where you plan to place your sideboard. This is to make sure you don't create a space that is too crowded. Understand the height and configuration of each furniture piece to create a balanced combination, especially when placed in a dining room with a relatively large dining table. You don't want your sideboard to look too big or too small compared to your dining set. Ensure ample space between your sideboard and dining chairs when pulled out. This is to maintain proper traffic flow and ensure you can still easily open the cupboards even when guests are sitting on the nearby dining chairs.
For the living room, carefully plan your layout so your spacious storage unit can be accessed without cramping your living room.
Sideboard Style
Aside from being a reliable storage solution, a sideboard can also be a significant decorative element in your space. Whether you want a formal dining setting or a homey one presenting the things you love, you can rely on a versatile sideboard.
When deciding on your sideboard style, you need to consider the current style of your existing furniture pieces. Do you want your sideboard to match other furniture pieces, or do you want it to stand out? Hardwood sideboards and buffet hutches are perfect for traditional settings. There are also multiple styles and colour combinations to choose from. You can go from darker wood varieties to lighter wood and coloured choices. Many modern pieces have metal legs and handles, and glass doors.
Sideboard Material
Wood is the most common material used in creating a sideboard. Wooden sideboards come in various colours and styles, perfect for any interior theme, so you don't have to worry about looking for something that will fit your space. Some sideboards come with glass panels, metal frames, and marble tops. These additional materials add texture and variety to the sideboard design. When choosing a sideboard material, determine whether you want to follow the materials used for other furniture pieces in your room or if you want to deviate and make it your point of contrast. If opting for a uniform look, you may follow or match the materials and colour scheme of other furniture pieces present in the same room. You can go from classic mahogany to light oak or contemporary coloured pieces.
Stylish, functional, and practical—who wouldn't love a sideboard in their home? If you're considering a major storage and design makeover for your dining or living room, make sure to check out various sideboard styles and materials online or in-store. You will surely find one that compliments your storage needs and personal style!