Choosing Sideboards for a Bungalow

In a bungalow, the right sideboard is usually long, low and relatively shallow. Single storey homes tend to have wider rooms, lower ceilings and large windows close to the floor, so a sideboard that stays beneath sill height and runs along a wall feels more natural than a tall cabinet. Choose a depth that keeps walkways generous, pick a finish that suits the light, and think about who will use it, since many bungalows are chosen for ease of living.

Bungalows have a character of their own. Rooms often open onto gardens, hallways are long and storage upstairs simply does not exist, so furniture on the ground floor has to work harder. A well chosen piece from our range of modern sideboards UK sale can absorb a surprising amount of that storage need while keeping rooms calm and open.

What makes bungalow rooms different

Most bungalows share a few traits that shape furniture choices:

• Lower ceilings: many have standard or slightly reduced ceiling heights, which makes tall furniture feel imposing.
• Wide, low windows: picture windows and patio doors often take up a large part of the wall, limiting where tall pieces can go.
• Long, linear layouts: rooms are often arranged along a hallway, with living and dining spaces opening into each other.
• No upstairs storage: without a landing or loft room, everything from table linen to paperwork needs a home on one level.

A sideboard suits these conditions well. It offers closed storage, a surface for lamps and display, and a horizontal shape that echoes the low lines of the building.

Getting the height right

Height is the most important measurement in a bungalow. A sideboard that sits beneath the window sill can run along a wall with a window without blocking light or views. Measure from the floor to the underside of the sill before you shop, and allow a little clearance for lamps or objects on top.

Where there is no window, a slightly taller sideboard can work, but it should still feel proportionate to the ceiling. In a room with a low ceiling, a piece that rises much above waist height can make the space feel shorter. A long, low design draws the eye horizontally and makes the room appear wider.

Depth and walkways

Bungalows are popular with people who value step free living, and that often includes wheelchair users or those who use walking aids. Even where that is not the case, generous walkways make a home more comfortable. A shallow sideboard keeps circulation space clear, particularly in hallways and dining areas.

Consider how doors open. Hinged doors need clearance in front, while sliding doors or drawers take up less space when opened. If the sideboard sits in a narrow area, sliding doors are often the more practical option.

Where to place a sideboard in a bungalow

The living room

A sideboard along the wall opposite the sofa, or beneath a wide window, provides storage for games, media and throws. It can also serve as a TV stand if the proportions are right. Our wider collection of modern living room furniture UK includes coffee tables and seating that sit comfortably alongside a low sideboard.

The dining area

This is the traditional home for a sideboard, and for good reason. It keeps tableware, glasses and table linen close to where they are used. In an open plan bungalow, a sideboard can also define the dining zone, sitting at the edge of the space to separate it from the lounge without a wall.

The hallway

Many bungalows have long central hallways. A slim sideboard or console here can hold keys, post and gloves, with a lamp on top to brighten what is often the darkest part of the house. Where space is especially tight, our modern console tables UK sale offer a narrower alternative with a similar look.

The bedroom

A low sideboard can replace a chest of drawers in a bungalow bedroom, providing storage without the height. It also offers a useful surface at a comfortable reach.

Choosing a finish

Light plays a big role. Bungalows with large windows and garden views often receive plenty of daylight, so most finishes will look good. Rooms that face north or sit under deep eaves can be darker, and here lighter finishes help.

• Natural oak: warm, versatile and suited to homes with garden views, as it connects indoors and out.
• Walnut: richer and darker, it suits bright rooms and gives a mid century feel that echoes many bungalow designs.
• Painted finishes: soft whites, greys and greens blend into walls and keep rooms feeling open.
• High gloss: reflects light, which helps in darker rooms, and has a clean, contemporary look.

If you want to display ornaments or glassware as well as store everyday items, a sideboard paired with one of our modern display cabinets UK gives you both hidden and visible storage without crowding the room.

Thinking about accessibility

For many people, a bungalow is a home for the long term. A sideboard chosen with that in mind will remain useful for years.

• Choose drawers with smooth runners and handles that are easy to grip.
• Look for internal shelves at a comfortable height, avoiding storage that is very low to the floor.
• Consider sliding doors, which are easier to operate in tight spaces.
• Keep the top surface clear enough to rest things on when passing.

Handle style deserves attention. Recessed or push to open designs look sleek, but bar handles or knobs are easier for anyone with reduced grip strength.

Styling a bungalow sideboard

The top of a sideboard is valuable display space. In a bungalow, where rooms are often wide, a long sideboard can carry a grouping of objects that would look sparse on a smaller piece. A table lamp at one end, a few books or ceramics in the middle and a plant or artwork at the other end creates a balanced arrangement.

Artwork hung above a sideboard should relate to its width. A single large piece or a small group of frames works well. Leave enough space between the top of the sideboard and the bottom of the frame so the arrangement does not feel cramped beneath a low ceiling.

For more ideas on combining a sideboard with dining furniture, our guide to styling dining tables with sideboards in UK homes is a helpful starting point. If your sideboard sits in a lounge with a corner sofa, our article on coordinating corner sofas and sideboards in UK living rooms covers proportion and placement.

Matching the sideboard to the age of the bungalow

Bungalows in the UK span many decades, and the style of the building can guide your choice.

Post war and mid century bungalows

Many bungalows built in the decades after the war have simple lines, large windows and modest ceiling heights. Sideboards with tapered legs, warm wood finishes and sliding doors feel at home here, echoing the design language of the era without looking like a reproduction.

Later bungalows

Bungalows from later decades often have more traditional detailing, such as arched windows or decorative brickwork. A sideboard with a plinth base, panelled doors or a painted finish tends to suit these interiors, though a clean contemporary piece can provide pleasing contrast.

Modern and renovated bungalows

Many bungalows have been extended or opened up, with vaulted ceilings, roof lights and open plan kitchens. Where the ceiling has been raised, a slightly taller sideboard can work, and handleless or high gloss designs suit the cleaner look.

Planning storage inside the sideboard

Because bungalows have no upstairs, the sideboard often ends up holding a broader range of items than in a two storey house. Think about what will live inside before you choose.

• Drawers suit cutlery, table linen, chargers and paperwork.
• Adjustable shelves behind doors suit plates, serving dishes, board games and photo albums.
• Deep cupboards are useful for bulky items such as a vacuum attachment set or spare bedding.
• Open sections work for books or baskets that you reach for every day.

A sideboard that combines drawers and cupboards usually offers the most flexibility. If you plan to store heavy items, put them in the lower sections and spread the weight evenly across the width of the unit.

A sideboard that suits the house

Bungalows reward furniture that respects their low, open character. A long, low sideboard placed beneath a window or along a hallway gives you storage without taking light or space, and it can be adapted as your needs change. Measure the sill height, keep walkways generous and choose a finish that responds to the light in each room.

You can browse sideboards, console tables and display storage at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

What height of sideboard suits a bungalow?

A sideboard that sits beneath the window sill usually works best, because it can run along walls with windows without blocking light.

Can a sideboard be used in a bungalow hallway?

Yes, if the hallway is wide enough. Choose a shallow design or a console table to keep the walkway clear.

Are sliding doors better than hinged doors on a sideboard?

In narrow spaces, sliding doors are often more practical because they do not need clearance in front when opened.

Which sideboard finish works with garden views?

Natural oak and other light woods connect well with outdoor views, while painted finishes in soft greens or greys blend gently with the garden.