Decorating
Cabinet Cool: 10 Sideboard Style Ideas
Sometimes only a sideboard will do, but it can be a tricky piece to style. Here are some tips for perfecting your look
The sideboard is an iconic item of furniture that has graced our interiors for many years, always guaranteeing a bold style statement wherever it’s placed. Sideboards also offer a fantastic display opportunity that doesn’t encroach on a room’s floor space. However, creating the perfect arrangement along its top and on the walls around it can be a mind-boggling exercise, particularly as a sideboard is often the defining feature in a room.
The starting point is to decide on the sideboard’s main purpose. For example, is it purely for storage and a spot for a lamp, or will it bring focus to a dramatic artwork hanging above? Whatever its use, style your sideboard with careful consideration and you’ll bring instant sophistication to any space.
The starting point is to decide on the sideboard’s main purpose. For example, is it purely for storage and a spot for a lamp, or will it bring focus to a dramatic artwork hanging above? Whatever its use, style your sideboard with careful consideration and you’ll bring instant sophistication to any space.
2. Make a bold statement
In an open-plan space, a sideboard can help to define a certain zone, such as a storage area or a display spot. If the room is light and bright, be bold and opt for a striking design that makes a ‘loud noise’ in the large room. Then highlight the piece further with similarly show-stopping accessories, such as large lamps and shapely vases.
In an open-plan space, a sideboard can help to define a certain zone, such as a storage area or a display spot. If the room is light and bright, be bold and opt for a striking design that makes a ‘loud noise’ in the large room. Then highlight the piece further with similarly show-stopping accessories, such as large lamps and shapely vases.
3. Create a retro vibe with a mid-century design
The continuing popularity of retro sideboards of the ’60s and ’70s is due to their relaxed, understated appeal, which works in any style of home, from traditional to contemporary. And thanks to their simple form, they make the ideal partner beneath a bold piece of art. Keep the styling on top minimal, with just a few key accessories, and let the sideboard and artwork become the features.
Tip: Retro sideboards usually feature a combination of drawers and front-opening cabinets, making them a versatile storage solution for busy spaces, such as hallways.
The continuing popularity of retro sideboards of the ’60s and ’70s is due to their relaxed, understated appeal, which works in any style of home, from traditional to contemporary. And thanks to their simple form, they make the ideal partner beneath a bold piece of art. Keep the styling on top minimal, with just a few key accessories, and let the sideboard and artwork become the features.
Tip: Retro sideboards usually feature a combination of drawers and front-opening cabinets, making them a versatile storage solution for busy spaces, such as hallways.
4. Go for a relaxed vibe
To emphasise the pared-down appeal of your retro sideboard, extend the laid-back vibe to the display on top. Casually lean your artwork or prints, and pop on some hand-crafted ceramics for an inviting, homespun feel.
Browse more mid-century-style homes
To emphasise the pared-down appeal of your retro sideboard, extend the laid-back vibe to the display on top. Casually lean your artwork or prints, and pop on some hand-crafted ceramics for an inviting, homespun feel.
Browse more mid-century-style homes
5. Benefit from a bespoke design
Combine the practicality of kitchen units and benchtops with the sophisticated look of a sideboard and you’ll create a stylish design with myriad uses. Set this bespoke sideboard area against a dramatic backdrop and it will feel distinctively different to the rest of kitchen space. Yet it will still be able to snap into action as an extension of the cooking zone when needed.
Combine the practicality of kitchen units and benchtops with the sophisticated look of a sideboard and you’ll create a stylish design with myriad uses. Set this bespoke sideboard area against a dramatic backdrop and it will feel distinctively different to the rest of kitchen space. Yet it will still be able to snap into action as an extension of the cooking zone when needed.
6. Super-size the display for drama
Make a bold and confident display that stands out by adding large artwork or photos that stretch the full length of the sideboard. Then source large-scale vases to magnify the display, but keep the tones and colours balanced for harmony.
Make a bold and confident display that stands out by adding large artwork or photos that stretch the full length of the sideboard. Then source large-scale vases to magnify the display, but keep the tones and colours balanced for harmony.
7. Create an ever-popular drinks cabinet
Transform your sideboard into an elegant bar by styling a selection of bottles and glasses on a smart tray. Or turn it into a dedicated cocktail mixology zone to ensure your dinner parties always effervesce. Keep the rest of the styling around it simple, and the sideboard will be the star of the show.
10 sideboard styling ideas to suit your home
Transform your sideboard into an elegant bar by styling a selection of bottles and glasses on a smart tray. Or turn it into a dedicated cocktail mixology zone to ensure your dinner parties always effervesce. Keep the rest of the styling around it simple, and the sideboard will be the star of the show.
10 sideboard styling ideas to suit your home
8. Devise a media centre
Also referred to as a TV cabinet, low sideboards are ideal when called into service as a media centre, providing the perfect storage for consoles or DVD players, as well as framing a wall-hung TV screen that would otherwise look a little lonely.
Also referred to as a TV cabinet, low sideboards are ideal when called into service as a media centre, providing the perfect storage for consoles or DVD players, as well as framing a wall-hung TV screen that would otherwise look a little lonely.
9. Find sideboard alternatives that work just as well
Achieve the look of a long, slim sideboard by using cube shelving on its side for a similar display idea. Use the upper length of the shelving to highlight treasured pieces, and slide baskets into the cubes below to conceal clutter.
Achieve the look of a long, slim sideboard by using cube shelving on its side for a similar display idea. Use the upper length of the shelving to highlight treasured pieces, and slide baskets into the cubes below to conceal clutter.
10. Similarly, a chunky shelf fitted at waist or knee height will also create a long display area, as well as providing hidden storage beneath.
Tell us
How have you styled your sideboard to show it off at it’s best? And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read up on more decorating ideas
Tell us
How have you styled your sideboard to show it off at it’s best? And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read up on more decorating ideas
A sideboard is the ideal piece for a dining room, storing special occasion tableware and glasses in easy reach, as well as adding a space for table lamps to bring in atmospheric lighting. What’s more, the top of the sideboard can double as a serving area for drinks, desserts or side dishes. Pop a decorative mirror on the wall and you’ll bring further focus to the attractive arrangement.
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