Buffets Sideboards

A buffets sideboards are elegant, multifunctional storage pieces designed to organise and display household essentials while enhancing the aesthetic of a dining room, living space or entrance hall. Combining generous surface area with internal storage — often in the form of cupboards and drawers — these pieces serve as both practical furniture and beautiful décor anchors. Whether styled with curated crockery, sculptural accessories or library‑worthy books, buffets sideboards bring balance, texture and purposeful design to interiors that value both form and function.

Quick Facts

• A low, long storage unit with cupboards and/or drawers

• Ideal for dining rooms, lounges, hallways or open‑plan spaces

• Provides surface space for lamps, art, trays and objects

• Available in a range of materials from timber to lacquered finishes

• Works with classic, contemporary and eclectic interior styles

Why It’s Popular

Buffets sideboards remain a beloved staple in homes because they offer a rare combination of generous storage, surface display and architectural presence. In an age where smart design must accommodate everyday life — from dinner parties to family gatherings — these pieces provide an elegant solution for hiding clutter and showcasing treasured objects.

Their popularity also reflects a shift toward layered, considered interiors that feel lived‑in yet refined. A well‑styled sideboard can set the tone for a room: offering a backdrop for sculptural lamps, framed art, or seasonal décor; organising china and table linens; or acting as a stage for serving during gatherings. Unlike occasional tables or shelving alone, buffets sideboards feel substantial and intentional — inviting both use and admiration.

Whether placed in a traditional dining room or anchored against a living room wall, buffets sideboards bring cohesion, warmth and personality to the home.

Popular Styles

Buffets sideboards come in a broad spectrum of design voices, each suited to different interior narratives:

Classic Timber Elegance

Rich wood veneers like walnut or oak, with refined joinery and brass handles, lend timeless appeal. These pieces feel rooted in tradition yet adaptable to contemporary settings.

Modern Minimalist

Sleek, pared‑back forms with clean lines — often in muted or lacquered finishes — create a calm, restrained aesthetic that works beautifully with modern décor.

Rustic & Weathered

Distressed wood and tactile grain celebrate natural variation and rustic charm, ideal for country cottages or eclectic interiors with layered texture.

Transitional with Metallic Accents

Sideboards with subtle brass or aged bronze hardware provide visual warmth and a touch of refined contrast — a detail often celebrated by brands like Eichholtz and Richmond Interiors.

Mixed Material Designs

Combinations of timber, glass and metal — perhaps with open shelving or geometric frames — marry structure with lightness and contemporary flair.

Designer brands interpret these styles with their distinctive voices: Maze champions modern proportion and practicality; Pacific Lifestyle balances relaxed living with thoughtful detailing; Gallery Direct celebrates approachable aesthetics that feel lived‑in yet stylish; Uttermost often introduces artistic flourish or sculptural hardware.

How to Choose

Selecting the right buffets sideboards involves balancing scale, storage needs, material and style:

1. Measure Your Space

Ensure the length and depth of the sideboard suit your room. Aim for a unit that fills about two‑thirds of the available wall without overwhelming circulation.

2. Determine Storage Requirements

Think beyond surface styling: do you need ample concealed storage for tableware and linens? Drawers for cutlery and smaller items? Adjustable shelving for flexible organisation?

3. Match Materials & Finish

Choose wood tones or finishes that harmonise with existing furniture. Warm walnut or oak pairs beautifully with brass accents and organic textiles, while lacquered or painted finishes provide a modern, crisp feel.

4. Consider Proportions

Low sideboards ground a space and accentuate horizontal rhythm, while taller units add vertical presence. Pair with art, mirrors or lighting to create balance and visual interest.

5. Hardware & Detail

Handles, knobs and base frames can elevate a sideboard from quiet utility to design highlight. Brushed brass or aged metal hardware introduces subtle luxury without feeling ostentatious.

Styling Tips

A buffets sideboards becomes a powerful design element when styled with balance, layering and purpose:

• Art & Mirrors: Hang a large mirror or an art composition above the sideboard to add height and reflect light, making the room feel larger and more dynamic.

• Layer Surfaces: Anchor your styling with a pair of lamps at each end, flanking sculptural objects, vases or decorative trays.

• Nature & Seasonal Touches: Fresh foliage, botanical arrangements or seasonal accents add life and colour. In winter, thoughtful candle groupings create ambience.

• Serveware & Entertaining: Use the sideboard surface for beautiful serving pieces during gatherings — elegant decanters, silver trays or artisanal ceramics — adding both function and charm.

• Books & Collections: Stack coffee‑table books beside smaller objets d’art for a curated vignette that feels personal and cultured.

Texture matters: combine smooth finishes with woven baskets, linen runners or ceramic accents to build tactile richness. Buffets sideboards often become focal anchors in interiors because they invite both display and interaction.

Benefits at a Glance

• Ample Storage: Conceals essentials for everyday living and entertaining

• Functional Surface: Ideal for lighting, art and decorative display

• Style Anchor: Grounds the design narrative of a room

• Versatile Placement: Works in dining rooms, lounges, hallways and entryways

• Timeless Appeal: Adapts to evolving décor trends

Inspiration from Designer Brands

Designer brands around the world showcase buffets sideboards as key elements in beautifully curated interiors:

• Eichholtz often places rich finishes and striking proportions at the heart of living and dining spaces, creating a sense of understated luxury.

• Richmond Interiors brings refined joinery and classic materials to transitional schemes that feel timeless and elegant.

• Maze emphasises clean lines and practical layouts perfect for modern homes.

• Pacific Lifestyle interprets relaxed sophistication with approachable materials and everyday usability.

• Gallery Direct integrates texture and colour to create pieces that feel both lived‑in and visually considered.

• Uttermost introduces artistic touches — unique hardware or sculptural elements — that turn functional storage into design statements.

These inspirations illustrate how buffets sideboards can be both practical and poetic — key furniture pieces that enrich the story of a home.

Common Questions

What’s the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
The terms are often used interchangeably; traditionally, a buffet refers more to a dining room storage piece, while a sideboard can serve multiple functions throughout the home.

How high should a sideboard be?
Sideboards typically range from 75–95 cm in height — a comfortable level for surface display and proportionate with other furniture.

Can a sideboard replace a TV unit?
Yes — as long as the height, depth and cable management suit your media needs.

How do I choose the right finish?
Match your sideboard finish to existing wood tones and metals in the room, or choose a contrasting tone to create visual interest.

Should I use baskets inside the sideboard?
Absolutely — baskets and organisers maximise storage efficiency and help keep contents tidy.

Finishing Touch

Buffets sideboards are much more than storage; they are architectural canvases that shape the rhythm of a room. With thoughtful material choices, purposeful styling and a balance of function and beauty, they bring poise and personality to interiors that are both lived‑in and lovingly considered. Whether grounding a dining space or supporting daily rituals in a hallway or living room, a well‑chosen sideboard becomes an essential piece in the choreography of home life.

Disclaimer
House of Isabella is not affiliated with any third‑party brands mentioned. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.