“We have too much storage,” said no one ever. In most homes, keeping our belongings organised and under control is an ongoing issue. Bedrooms often have closets for bedding and clothes. Kitchens have cupboards and drawers to accommodate cooking utensils and appliances. However, other rooms often lack space, leading to an ongoing search for appropriate storage furniture. There are many items that you can use to create a home that works for you while keeping clutter at bay. But one of the most versatile pieces of furniture that you can invest in is a sideboard. 

What are Sideboards? 

Sideboards, sometimes referred to as buffets, are storage furniture traditionally used in the dining room. Here, it accommodates extra sets of serving dishes, linens, and so on. However, with time, sideboards have brought extra storage to other rooms throughout the home. 

Sideboards are long and narrow to accommodate as much storage as possible without being bulky. This setup makes them particularly appropriate for smaller spaces or narrow passageways. Nowadays, sideboards come in all shapes and sizes, featuring drawers, cupboards, or even open niches to match your home’s style and needs. 

What to Use a Sideboard for?

Sideboards may be used anywhere you need extra storage. In the dining room, they may fulfil their traditional function so you can be the hostess with the mostest. In the living room, they are perfect for keeping board games, extra quilts, or anything else you may use for entertaining and relaxing at the end of the day. In the playroom, they may hold extra toys or bedding in the bedroom. The possibilities are endless.

Besides their storage capacity, sideboards are perfect to use as a surface for displaying your favourite decor. Some homeowners increase their practicality, turning the top into a drinks station to entertain in style. Unsure how to make the most of your sideboard? We've got a few ideas for you here.

What Features to Look for in a Sideboard?

Choosing the perfect sideboard will depend on how and where you plan to use your new piece of furniture. Here are some of the features to take into consideration when choosing the perfect sideboard.

Size

There is no worse feeling than to keep bumping into furniture when trying to navigate your home. If you have to think strategically about where you should stand when you open your closet or try to reach for something you need, your furniture is likely too big or not in the right place. This is a common issue when it comes to sideboards, which are often an afterthought and must accommodate the other piece of furniture in the room. 

Sideboards are usually placed along a wall. Although you will need a sideboard large enough to accommodate your items, be mindful of the room you need around it for it to fit comfortably in your setup. Experts recommend that you keep at least 24 inches of space between each piece of furniture. This should stay true even if there are moving elements (for example, there should be enough space to accommodate your guests moving their chairs in the dining room) and for you to open and close drawers and doors. If you are short on space, we recommend choosing a sideboard with sliding doors, such as our Tate sideboard. 

Type of Storage

How you use your sideboard will also determine the type of storage you are looking for. If you are trying to organise your belongings, particularly smaller items, it is a good idea to look for multiple drawers, such as our Coco sideboard. On the other hand, if you are looking to store bulkier items, such as extra duvets or pillows in the guest bedroom, you may gravitate more towards large shelves, such as our Arch sideboard. 

Most homeowners prefer sideboards that hide the clutter, but have you considered displaying your bulkier items as a prized possession instead of tucking them away in a dark corner? The various niches of our Sorrento sideboard are perfect for highlighting your beautiful vases, serving dishes, or colourful bedding while keeping them organised and out of the way. 

Style

While considering function is essential when deciding what type of furniture to buy, so is style. Some prefer their sideboards to fade in the background, while others want their new piece of furniture to make a statement. Of course, you can also choose a happy middle, such as our Kona sideboard, which features a neutral colour scheme along with some rattan details for added textural interest. 

Lifely features a large selection of sideboards of all styles, from stark minimalism to cheerful boho style so you can find a piece of furniture that will fit seamlessly into your home and your lifestyle.