What Is a Sideboard

1. What Is a Sideboard? The Ultimate Dining Room Addition What Is a Sideboard? A sideboard, also known as a buffet table, is a piece of furniture common in dining rooms that provides extra storage. It typically has cabinets and drawers for dining- related items like glassware, cutlery, fine china, candles, napkins, and tablecloths. The top surface of a sideboard is often used as a shelf for decorative items you want displayed or as an extra surface to place food platters for hosting and get-togethers. Sizing While it may seem easy to estimate how big you want a sideboard or buffet, it’s always safer to take thorough measurements to avoid headaches later. Step 1: Measure Other Furniture Consider what other furniture is currently in the room. You don’t want the proportions of your sideboard to be disproportionate to everything else. Sideboards and buffet tables should be at least the same height as the dining table, but ideally they are a few inches taller. The most common height for sideboards or buffet tables is 30" – 36" tall. Don’t be afraid to make the width different from that of your dining table. (There are no rules here!) Step 2: Measure the Space Measure the width, height, and depth of the space where it will be placed. Check that it won't bump into any items. If there’s a window where you’ll be placing the table, make sure there is a reasonable amount of space between the bottom of the window and the top of the sideboard. Also, make certain that your sideboard won't be covering a heating or cooling vent (this is more common in older homes). Step 3: Ensure a Seamless Layout Make sure that there is ample room to walk around the sideboard easily, even if the cabinets and drawers are open. We recommend having at least 36" of room between the edge of any furniture and the front of the sideboard. In rooms that are smaller, have at least 18" – 24" of clear space.

2. Step 4: Measure Doorways & Hallways Measure any doorways and hallways leading to where you will place the buffet table. When choosing a table, ensure that the dimensions are small enough to fit through these spaces. Choosing a Design A sideboard should complement the rest of the furniture in your dining room. Find a design that will meet your storage and style needs. Sideboard/Credenza: These designs feature cabinets that reach almost all the way to the ground with short legs to maximize storage. Sideboards and credenzas frequently have sliding doors. Buffet Table: Buffet tables and sideboards are very similar in design, but traditional buffet tables have higher legs. Server: Servers are much smaller widthwise than both sideboards and buffet tables. They are also considered more formal than the other designs, and their small size makes them perfect for compact rooms. Common Materials Wood: Wood sideboards are typically the most popular, as they are perfect for bringing a natural element into any room. With options ranging from rustic weathered wood to sleek white wood, a wood table will fit any style. Tip! Use an old toothbrush to clean any hard to reach areas, especially in woods with texture that have deep nooks. Metal: Sideboards and buffet tables made of metal can add texture and an industrial feel to your space. To keep the metal looking its best, dust routinely and use a mixture of mild soap and water to clean any marks. Marble/Granite: If you’re willing to spend a little extra, marble and granite are always showstoppers. When cleaning, use light products to ensure that your marble doesn’t get damaged.

3. Plastic/Acrylic: Plastic and acrylic sideboards are clean-lined and modern. These will add a sleek yet simple touch to any room. Acrylic is particularly sensitive to scratches, so make sure to use a microfiber cloth when cleaning, as paper towels can actually scratch the surface more.