How to buy a sideboard

There’s something about a sideboard. It’s one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. You can put one in just about any room in the house and it won’t look out of place. Invaluable for storing all manner of items, sideboards come in a wide range of sizes and configurations so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one or more that’s just right for what you need to store in the room you need to store it in. Clothes in a bedroom. Towels and accessories in a bathroom. Miscellaneous items in a living room. Table linen in a kitchen. Clearing away clutter in a hallway. A sideboard can turn its drawers, and cupboards, to all those uses and more.

Whatever space you have to fill, there’ll be a sideboard to suit – from long, low pieces ideal for hallways to more compact pieces that still offer plenty of storage on a small footprint, including pieces that will fit neatly into a corner. Just make sure that whatever you choose isn’t too small for your requirements or so large that it dominates the room.

What you intend to store will dictate what configuration will work best for you. A sideboard with cupboards is ideal if you want to put away tablecloths and placemats in a kitchen, store towels in a bathroom or pile up board games in a play room. Check whether the sideboard has a shelf and whether it is adjustable or removable.

The best choice if you have a variety of different items to store, a sideboard with a combination of cupboards and drawers will come in handy everywhere, whether you’re storing socks and undies in a bedroom, board games and stationery in a living room or cutlery and tableware in a kitchen. Assess what you need to stow away and choose your combination of drawers and cupboards accordingly. One further option is to choose a sideboard with an integrated wine rack, perfect if you’re a bit of connoisseur of the grape and like to keep plenty of bottles on hand for when guests visit.

Other things to consider

Buy the best quality furniture you can afford. This usually means solid wood which should, with care, last you a lifetime. Oak or sheesham wood are good choices and even better if they have been constructed using traditional joinery techniques such as dovetail joints for added strength and durability.

Measure the space where you want your sideboard to go. Make a paper template to see its footprint and make sure you have the room for it alongside your other furniture. As most sideboards come fully assembled, make sure there is enough clearance on the access points to get your furniture to where it needs to go without trapped fingers and frayed tempers.

Decide whether you want a piece that blends in with your existing furniture or want to buy a statement piece - a traditional sideboard in an otherwise contemporary space could look really striking, especially when it’s dressed on top with ornaments or photos.

Dress to impress

So you’ve got your brand new sideboard in place and pretty handsome it looks too, but that space on top can now be used to make it look even better. And don’t forget the wall behind. Take a look at the articles below for some inspiring ideas.

How to Decorate a Sideboard, 5 Ways to Style Your Sideboard

How to care for your sideboard

With a modicum of care and attention, your sideboard should be in your family for years.

Good quality beeswax applied every six months or so will keep the timber nourished, provide protection and ensure it always looks its best.
Wipe all spills immediately with a damp cloth then use a dry cloth to finish off.
Avoid putting your sideboard in direct sunlight to avoid fading, or too near to a radiator to prevent joints and veneers weakening.