High Gloss Storage Units with a Contemporary Twist

High gloss storage gains a contemporary twist when the shine is balanced rather than left to dominate. The current approach pairs reflective lacquer with softer, more tactile elements: warm wood, matt walls, brushed metal legs, natural textiles and muted colours in place of stark white. Handleless fronts, low proportions and a restrained number of objects keep the look sleek, while those contrasting materials stop it from feeling cold or dated.

Gloss went through a phase of being all white, all shine and all at once. What we see in well designed homes now is more considered. A single glossy sideboard grounds a room, its surface catching light without turning the space into a showroom. Our collection of modern high gloss sideboards UK sale includes pieces in deeper tones and two tone finishes that lend themselves to this updated style.

Why high gloss still earns its place

Gloss has practical qualities that are easy to overlook. A lacquered surface wipes clean in seconds, resists the light marks that show on matt finishes and reflects light back into the room. In north facing British living rooms, or narrow terraced houses where daylight only reaches so far, that reflection can make a real difference to how bright the space feels.

The challenge is that gloss is assertive. Used without thought, it can look clinical. The contemporary twist is really about context: placing gloss among materials that soften it.

Move beyond pure white

Bright white gloss is still widely available and suits very minimal schemes, but many of the most interesting high gloss pieces now come in grey, taupe, black, deep green or cream. These shades give the reflective quality without the glare, and they sit more comfortably alongside warm woods and natural fabrics.

Two tone designs are another good option. A gloss carcass with an oak top, or gloss doors set into a walnut frame, combines the practicality of lacquer with the warmth of timber. It is a simple way to make storage feel current rather than tied to a particular decade.

If you already own white gloss furniture, you do not need to replace it. Warm it up with surrounding materials instead, which we cover below.

Pair gloss with texture

Contrast is what makes high gloss look intentional. When every surface in a room is smooth and shiny, nothing stands out. Introduce textures that absorb light rather than reflect it.

• Walls: matt or chalky paint, limewash or textured plaster effects make a gloss unit glow by comparison.
• Floors: natural wood boards or a wool rug with visible weave ground the piece.
• Textiles: boucle, linen, chunky knits and velvet in the surrounding seating add softness.
• Accessories: stoneware, rough ceramics, rattan and dried stems on top of the unit break up its sleek surface.

The goal is not to hide the gloss but to frame it, so its finish becomes a feature rather than the entire scheme.

Choose low, long proportions

Contemporary storage tends to be lower and wider than older designs. A long sideboard or media unit set at a modest height creates strong horizontal lines that make rooms feel wider and calmer. That works particularly well in gloss, because the long surface becomes a ribbon of reflected light along the wall.

Raised legs add to the effect. A unit lifted on slim metal or wooden legs shows more floor, which makes small rooms feel more spacious and adds a mid century lightness that offsets the modernity of the lacquer.

In larger rooms, a pair of matching units or a sideboard paired with tall shelving creates rhythm along the wall. Our wider range of modern living room furniture UK includes pieces in coordinating finishes for this kind of arrangement.

Proportion should also respond to the room. In a narrow terraced living room, a slim depth matters more than length, because a deep unit can make the walkway between sofa and wall feel tight. In a wide extension or open plan space, a longer unit holds its own against large windows and generous floor areas, where a small piece would look stranded.

Go handleless, or choose handles with character

Handleless fronts suit gloss beautifully. Push to open mechanisms or recessed finger pulls preserve an unbroken surface, which emphasises the reflective finish and keeps the unit visually quiet.

If you prefer handles, use them as a design detail. Brushed brass, bronze or matt black hardware adds warmth and personality. Avoid shiny chrome on high gloss unless you want a very sleek, retro look, as it can push the piece towards feeling cold.

Style the top with restraint

A glossy surface reflects everything placed on it, which doubles the visual effect of clutter. Keep styling sparse. A single sculptural vase, a table lamp with a fabric shade and a small stack of books is plenty. Leave a generous amount of clear surface so the finish has room to show.

Artwork above the unit should be large enough to balance its length. A single wide canvas or a pair of prints works better than a busy gallery wall, which would compete with the reflections.

Combine storage pieces thoughtfully

High gloss works best when it appears in one or two key pieces rather than everywhere. A glossy sideboard might be paired with a wooden coffee table and fabric sofa, or a gloss TV unit with matt wall shelves. Repeating the same finish on every item can feel like a matching set from another era. Mixing one gloss piece with wood or matt pieces from our contemporary storage furniture UK range keeps the room feeling layered.

That said, coordinating a TV unit and sideboard in the same gloss colour can create a unified, built in feel along one wall. Our range of high gloss TV stands UK includes designs that sit well alongside matching storage. For ideas on getting the balance right, our guide to matching TV units with sideboards in UK living rooms walks through combinations that work.

Think beyond the living room

High gloss storage translates well to other rooms. In dining spaces, a gloss sideboard reflects candlelight and pendant lighting beautifully. In bedrooms, gloss chests of drawers and bedside cabinets suit calm, pared back schemes, especially when softened with linen bedding and a wool throw. In hallways, a slim gloss console or shoe cabinet bounces light around a space that rarely gets much natural daylight.

If you are planning storage throughout the house, mix finishes room by room while keeping one coherent thread, such as a shared colour or hardware finish.

Lighting makes or breaks gloss

Because gloss reflects light, the type of lighting in the room matters more than usual. Harsh overhead bulbs create glare and highlight every fingerprint. Layered lighting from table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights produces soft reflections and a much warmer effect.

Warm white bulbs suit most gloss colours. Placing a lamp directly on the unit creates a pleasing pool of light on its surface in the evening, which is often when gloss looks its best.

Caring for high gloss

Gloss is easy to maintain if you use the right method. Wipe with a soft microfibre cloth and a little warm water, then dry immediately to prevent streaks. Avoid abrasive pads, polish containing silicone and harsh household sprays, which can dull or scratch the lacquer. Use coasters and mats under vases and lamps to protect the surface from rings and scrapes.

Dust shows more readily on dark gloss, so a quick weekly wipe keeps it looking sharp. Lighter colours are more forgiving if you would rather not dust often.

A contemporary scheme in practice

To bring these ideas together, picture a living room with soft greige walls in a matt finish, an oak floor and a textured cream rug. Along one wall sits a low, long sideboard in deep taupe gloss, raised on slim brass legs. On top: one stoneware vase with dried grasses and a linen shaded lamp. Above it hangs a wide abstract canvas in muted earth tones. A boucle armchair and a wooden side table complete the corner.

The gloss is still the centrepiece, but it feels relaxed and current because everything around it has texture and warmth. For more on achieving that balance across a room, our article on styling TV units for a contemporary UK home covers complementary principles.

High gloss remains a practical and stylish choice for storage. The contemporary approach simply asks it to share the stage. You can find our full range of modern storage at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Is high gloss furniture still in style?

Yes, though the way it is used has changed. Rather than whole rooms of white gloss, the current look uses one or two gloss pieces in deeper or warmer colours, balanced with matt walls, natural wood and textured fabrics.

How do I stop high gloss furniture looking cold?

Surround it with warm and tactile materials such as wood, wool, linen and stoneware, use warm white lamps rather than harsh overhead light, and choose brushed brass or bronze hardware instead of chrome.

Does high gloss furniture scratch easily?

Quality lacquer is fairly durable, but it can mark if cleaned with abrasive products. Use a soft microfibre cloth with warm water, avoid silicone polish and place mats under lamps and ornaments.

What colours of high gloss work in a modern home?

Grey, taupe, black, cream and deep green all work well. Two tone designs that pair gloss with oak or walnut are a good way to add warmth.