The Complete Guide to Choosing a Sideboard

A good sideboard is one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in any home. It stores, it displays, it anchors a room — and when chosen well, it becomes a design feature in its own right. Whether you're furnishing a dining room, hallway, or living space, here's how to find the one that fits.

Measuring Your Space

Before browsing, measure the wall where your sideboard will sit. Leave at least 10cm clearance on each side so the piece doesn't feel cramped. Standard sideboard heights range from 80-90cm, which puts the top surface at a comfortable level for displaying objects or serving food.

Depth matters too — most sideboards are 40-50cm deep. If your room is on the narrower side, look for slimmer designs that offer storage without overwhelming the walkway. In a dining room, ensure there's enough space to walk behind pulled-out chairs with the sideboard in place.

Finding Your Style

Contemporary: Clean lines, handleless doors, and mixed materials like oak with metal legs. These designs work beautifully in modern dining rooms and open-plan spaces.

Rustic: Reclaimed wood, visible grain, and natural imperfections give these pieces warmth and character. They pair wonderfully with farmhouse dining tables and country-style interiors.

Industrial: Metal frames combined with wooden shelves or doors create a striking contrast. These sideboards suit urban loft spaces and contemporary homes with an edge.

Mid-century: Tapered legs, warm teak or walnut tones, and retro-inspired proportions bring a timeless elegance that never dates.

Explore our full sideboard collection to see designs across every style.

Storage Solutions

Think about what you'll actually be storing before you choose. A sideboard with a mix of drawers and cupboards offers the most versatility:

• Drawers are ideal for cutlery, table linens, candles, and smaller items
• Cupboard sections handle larger items like serving dishes, vases, and board games
• Open shelving is perfect for displaying books, plants, or decorative objects
• Wine racks or bottle storage built into certain designs add a practical touch for entertainers

If your sideboard will serve double duty as a media unit, look for designs with cable management holes or ventilated backs.

Materials and Finishes

Solid oak is the gold standard for durability and beauty. It's naturally hard-wearing and develops a richer patina over time. Oak sideboards suit both traditional and contemporary settings.

Mango wood offers a distinctive grain with warm, honeyed tones. Each piece has its own unique character, making mango wood sideboards feel special and individual.

Pine is lighter in both weight and colour, bringing a relaxed, Scandinavian feel to a room. It takes paint well if you prefer a finished look.

Painted finishes in white, grey, or navy can help a sideboard blend into its surroundings or make a bold statement depending on the colour chosen.

Styling the Top

The top of your sideboard is prime styling real estate. Here are a few approaches that work:

The classic three: A lamp on one side, a plant or vase on the other, and a mirror or artwork on the wall above. This balanced arrangement works in virtually any room.

The collected display: Group objects of varying heights — a stack of books, a ceramic pot, a framed photo, a candle. Odd numbers of items tend to look more natural than even.

The minimal approach: A single statement object — perhaps a sculptural vase or a piece of art propped against the wall — lets the sideboard itself take centre stage.

Add warmth with a table lamp and personality with a vase or two from our accessories collection.

Ready to Choose?

A sideboard is an investment that should serve you well for years. Take the time to consider your space, your storage needs, and the style that makes you happiest. Browse our sideboard collection to find a piece that works as hard as it looks.