A sideboard is a multipurpose furniture piece typically found in dining rooms and other parts of the home. It is typically placed against the wall and sits lower to the ground compared to regular cabinets or buffets and has short legs or bases. The functional and decorative furniture is typically placed on the side of the room (hence the name sideboards).
One of the qualities of a sideboard is that it has storage compartments that can be made up of drawers, cabinets and open shelves. This allows it to serve the functional purpose of storing items in addition to being decorative furniture.
Sideboards and buffets have been around in homes since as far back as the 18th century but became popular in the 19th century. It was once considered a status symbol seen only in upper-class homes. Today, it has become a major interior design trend seen practically in almost every home.
What Is a Sideboard Used For?
The purpose and placement of a sideboard in the home has evolved. In the past, sideboards were mainly placed in dining rooms and used for storing kitchen and dining utensils such as plates, cutlery and table linens. Over time, the use of this furniture has evolved, and you may find sideboards in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways serving a wide range of purposes.
The sideboard is a versatile piece of furniture. On one hand, it is an elegant complementary piece that draws attention to any space it is placed. They come in various stylish designs that can complement your interior decor.
Aside from being a decorative piece in itself, the top surface of a sideboard can hold decorative items like flower vases, lamps, photo frames, art figurines and so on. Sideboards with open shelves can also be used to display beautiful plates, books and collectibles which can further add visual interest to a room.
Beyond being a stylish decoration, the functional structure of a sideboard allows it to serve different practical purposes depending on where it is placed. In dining rooms, it is primarily used for storing and displaying dishes and cutleries. It may also be used as a surface for serving food, which would make it a functional extension of your dining table.
People these days place sideboards in other parts of the home, including living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. In living rooms, sideboards can be used to store and organise books or to display decorative objects. People also use a TV stand in their living rooms.
In a hallway, a sideboard is primarily a decorative piece since it is one of the first things visitors see when they step into the home. It can also serve the functional purpose of storing items like bags, keys, wallets and other items that you need to pick up or drop off before leaving or entering the house.
You can also have one installed in your bedroom, where it serves as an elegant and functional grooming area. Add a mirror and a stool behind your sideboard, and you effectively transform it into a stylish vanity table where you can dress up and store your makeup, jewellery and hair accessories. These are just some of the few applications of a practical sideboard.