Complete Sideboard Buying Guide for UK Homes

Versatile Storage for Modern Living

Sideboards have been a fixture in British homes for generations, and their appeal endures for good reason. They offer generous storage, a surface for display, and a design element that can define a room. Whether placed in a dining room, living room, or hallway, a sideboard brings both function and character. This guide helps you find one that suits your space and lifestyle.

Where to Place a Sideboard

Traditionally, sideboards lived in dining rooms, storing tableware, linens, and serving dishes. They still work beautifully in this setting, providing a surface for laying out food during dinner parties or displaying decorative items between meals.

In open plan homes, a sideboard can act as a subtle room divider, separating the dining area from the living space without blocking sightlines. Positioned against a wall, it grounds the seating arrangement and offers practical storage for games, throws, or media equipment.

Hallways benefit from slimmer sideboards that provide a landing spot for keys, post, and bags. They make the entrance feel more welcoming and keep clutter contained. Bedrooms can also accommodate a sideboard as an alternative to a chest of drawers, particularly in larger rooms where a horizontal piece suits the proportions.

Sizing Your Sideboard

Measure the wall where you plan to place the sideboard. Allow at least 15 centimetres of clearance on either side so the piece does not feel cramped. In a dining room, ensure there is enough space to pull chairs out from the table without hitting the sideboard.

Standard sideboards range from 120 to 180 centimetres in width. Compact models around 100 centimetres suit smaller rooms or hallways, while larger units of 200 centimetres or more make a statement in spacious dining areas. Height typically falls between 75 and 90 centimetres, placing the top surface at a comfortable level for serving or display.

Storage Configurations

Sideboards come with varying combinations of doors, drawers, and open shelving. Consider what you intend to store. Drawers keep cutlery, napkins, and smaller items organised. Cupboards with shelves accommodate larger items like serving bowls, vases, and board games.

Some designs include wine racks or glass holders, making them particularly suited to dining rooms where drinks may be served. Others feature open compartments for displaying books or decorative objects. At Furniture in Fashion, our sideboard collection includes options with varied internal layouts to match different storage needs.

Material and Finish Choices

Wooden sideboards bring warmth and a timeless quality. Oak is sturdy and develops character over time, while walnut offers rich, dark tones. Lighter woods like ash or beech suit contemporary and Scandinavian interiors. Our wooden sideboards range spans traditional and modern designs.

High gloss sideboards create a sleek, contemporary look. The reflective surface adds brightness to a room and works well in minimalist settings. White, black, and grey are popular choices, though bolder colours can make a feature of the piece. Explore high gloss sideboards for modern options with free UK delivery.

Metal accents, such as brass handles or iron legs, add an industrial or mid century edge. Mirrored or glass fronted sideboards suit glamorous interiors and reflect light around the room. Mixed material designs, combining wood with metal or glass, offer visual interest and versatility.

Style Considerations

A sideboard should complement the other furniture in the room. In a dining room, matching the sideboard to your dining table creates a cohesive look, though contrasting pieces can work if they share a common element such as leg shape or wood tone.

In living rooms, consider how the sideboard relates to your sofa and coffee table. A low, wide sideboard suits contemporary seating, while a taller, narrower piece may balance a room with high ceilings. Think about the lines and proportions rather than seeking an exact match.

Practical Features to Look For

Soft close hinges and drawer runners prevent slamming and protect the furniture over time. Adjustable shelves allow you to customise the interior as your storage needs change. Cable management holes are useful if you plan to house media equipment inside the sideboard.

Check the leg height if you have a robotic vacuum. Clearance of around 10 centimetres allows most models to clean beneath. Alternatively, a sideboard that sits directly on the floor eliminates the gap where dust gathers.

Caring for Your Sideboard

Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For wooden surfaces, occasional polishing with a product suited to the finish helps maintain the lustre. Wipe spills promptly to prevent staining, particularly on lighter wood or high gloss surfaces.

Avoid placing the sideboard in direct sunlight, which can fade wood and cause high gloss finishes to discolour over time. Use coasters and mats beneath vases and plants to protect the surface from moisture and scratches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sideboard and a buffet?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, a buffet is taller and may include a hutch or upper shelving, while a sideboard is lower and sleeker. In practice, most UK retailers use sideboard for both styles.

Can I use a sideboard in a bedroom?
Absolutely. A sideboard offers ample storage for clothing, accessories, or extra bedding. Its lower profile can balance a room with a tall wardrobe or headboard.

How do I style the top of a sideboard?
Group decorative items in odd numbers. A lamp, a plant, and a few books or a framed print create a welcoming arrangement. Leave some open space to avoid a cluttered look.

Are high gloss sideboards difficult to maintain?
They show fingerprints more readily than matte finishes but clean easily with a damp microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.

What size sideboard suits a small dining room?
Look for a compact model around 100 to 120 centimetres wide. A design with legs rather than a solid base can help the room feel more spacious.