Sideboard buying guide: size, storage and style
A sideboard gives you long, low storage plus a surface for lamps, plants and display. It works in dining rooms, living rooms and hallways, so it's worth choosing carefully.
Where will it go?
- Dining room: stores tableware, glasses and table linen close to the table, with a top for serving.
- Living room: hides games, DVDs and clutter, and can double as a low TV unit if the depth and height suit your screen.
- Hallway: a slim sideboard or console table gives somewhere for keys and post.
Sizing it up
- Length: leave some wall either side so it doesn't look crammed in. Under a window, a sideboard usually looks best when it's clearly narrower or clearly wider than the window.
- Depth: measure the walkway in front. In a dining room, allow space for chairs to pull out behind the table without hitting it.
- Height: in a living room, check it's below the window sill and won't block sockets you need. If it's holding a TV, choose a height that puts the screen at a comfortable viewing level.
Doors, drawers or both?
| Storage | Best for |
|---|---|
| Cupboard doors with shelves | Bulky items: plates, serving dishes, board games |
| Drawers | Cutlery, napkins, chargers, small items |
| Open shelves | Books, baskets and display |
| Mix of doors and drawers | Most homes |
Look inside: adjustable shelves make it easier to fit tall items. Our sideboards come from Vox, SOLACE+CO and Woood, with door and drawer combinations in wood and wood-effect finishes.
Materials and finishes
- Natural wood and wood-effect finishes are warm and versatile. See natural wood sideboards.
- Painted finishes such as white or grey look fresh and modern.
- Ribbed and fluted fronts add texture and are popular in contemporary rooms.
- Check whether a piece is solid wood or a wood-effect finish on the product page.
Styling a sideboard
- Group items in odd numbers and vary their heights: a lamp, a plant and a stack of books.
- Hang a mirror or artwork above, roughly centred and not wider than the sideboard.
- A table lamp on one end adds evening light.
- Leave some empty space so it doesn't look cluttered.
Safety and care
- Tall sideboards and highboards should be fixed to the wall, especially with young children. See our anti-tip guide.
- Use coasters and mats under plants and hot dishes.
- Dust regularly and follow the care instructions for the finish.
Planning a dining room? Read our dining table size guide. For living rooms, see living room layout ideas.
Sideboard, highboard or chest?
- Sideboard: long and low, with a large top for display.
- Highboard: taller, with more storage in a smaller footprint; fix it to the wall.
- Chest of drawers: some low, wide chests work as a sideboard in a hallway or living room.
Shop sideboards
Frequently asked questions
How long should a sideboard be?
Leave some wall showing either side so it doesn't look squeezed in, and check the walkway in front. In a dining room, chairs need room to pull out.
Can a sideboard be used as a TV unit?
Yes, if it's deep and sturdy enough for your TV and its height puts the screen at a comfortable viewing level. Secure the TV and the sideboard if you have children.
What height should a sideboard be?
There's no single standard. In a dining room, a height close to the table top or a little higher is practical for serving. In a living room, keep it below the window sill, and if it holds a TV, choose a height that puts the screen at a comfortable viewing level.