A sideboard serves as one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can add to a UK living room. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace, a modern flat, or a countryside cottage, sideboards offer both practical storage and an opportunity to display decorative items. They sit comfortably against walls, under windows, or even behind sofas, making them adaptable to various room layouts.
At Furniture in Fashion, we understand that British homes come in all shapes and sizes. Many of our customers face the challenge of maximising storage without sacrificing style. A well chosen sideboard addresses both concerns, providing concealed storage for everyday items while offering a surface for lamps, photographs, or seasonal decorations.
Before selecting a sideboard, measure your available wall space carefully. In smaller living rooms, a compact sideboard measuring around 100cm to 120cm in width often works well. Larger rooms can accommodate wider units, sometimes stretching to 180cm or more. Height matters too. Standard sideboards typically stand between 75cm and 90cm tall, which places the top surface at a comfortable level for display purposes.
Consider the depth of the unit as well. In narrow hallways or living rooms where space is at a premium, a slimline sideboard with a depth of 35cm to 40cm prevents the furniture from dominating the room. Deeper models offer more storage capacity but require more floor space.
The material of your sideboard influences both its appearance and durability. Wooden sideboards remain popular across the UK, with oak, walnut, and pine being common choices. These natural materials bring warmth to living spaces and often feature visible grain patterns that add character. You can explore various options in our wooden sideboards collection.
High gloss finishes have gained popularity in contemporary UK homes. These smooth, reflective surfaces work particularly well in modern apartments and can help bounce light around darker rooms. White and grey high gloss sideboards remain especially sought after. Our high gloss sideboards range offers numerous options in these finishes.
Glass and metal sideboards suit industrial or minimalist interiors. Glass fronted doors allow you to display items while keeping dust at bay, and metal frames add a contemporary edge to any living room.
The internal layout of a sideboard determines how useful it will be for your daily needs. Most sideboards combine drawers with cupboard space. Drawers prove useful for smaller items such as remote controls, batteries, candles, and other bits that accumulate in living rooms. Cupboard sections accommodate larger items like board games, photo albums, or spare cushions.
Some sideboards include adjustable shelving within the cupboard sections. This feature allows you to customise the interior to suit your belongings. Others incorporate wine racks or dedicated media storage, which can be helpful if you still have a collection of DVDs or vinyl records.
Once your sideboard is in place, styling the top surface helps integrate it into your living room scheme. A common approach involves grouping items in odd numbers, typically three or five objects of varying heights. A table lamp at one end provides functional lighting while adding vertical interest. Vases, potted plants, or framed photographs fill the remaining space without cluttering the surface.
Mirrors hung above sideboards create a pleasing composition and help reflect light. Artwork also works well in this position. Leave some clear space on the sideboard surface to prevent it looking overcrowded.
Your sideboard should complement other pieces in the living room rather than competing with them. If you have a wooden coffee table, selecting a sideboard in a similar wood tone creates cohesion. In rooms with mixed materials, echoing one element from your sofa or chairs in your sideboard choice helps tie everything together.
Consider the leg style too. Sideboards on tapered legs suit mid century and Scandinavian interiors. Those with plinth bases or no visible legs work in more traditional or contemporary settings. Hairpin legs add an industrial touch.
UK homes often feature radiators positioned beneath windows, which can limit where you place furniture. Check that your chosen sideboard does not block heat circulation. Similarly, consider access to plug sockets if you plan to use the sideboard for lamps or media equipment.
Doorways and stairwells in older British properties can be narrow. Measure these access points before ordering to ensure your sideboard can be delivered and manoeuvred into position. Some larger sideboards require assembly in the room where they will be used.
We offer free UK delivery on our furniture, making it straightforward to shop modern furniture UK from the comfort of your home. Our range includes options for various budgets and style preferences.
In the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, a buffet was a dining room piece used for serving, while a sideboard could be found in living rooms or hallways. Today, both refer to similar storage furniture with drawers and cupboards.
Most sideboards range from 75cm to 90cm in height. This places the top surface at a comfortable level for display and use. Taller units, sometimes called highboards, offer more storage but have a greater visual presence in the room.
Yes, many people use sideboards for this purpose. Check the dimensions to ensure your television fits safely on the top surface, and consider cable management if you choose this option.
Common items include table linens, candles, photo albums, board games, spare throws, and everyday clutter like remote controls and chargers. The storage capacity varies depending on the size of the unit.
Use a soft, lint free cloth with a mild cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough materials that could scratch the surface. Regular dusting prevents buildup that can dull the finish over time.
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