10 Gorgeous Looking Sideboards that refuse to be ignored

Multicoloured sideboard by Sweetpea and Willow

The Introduction

There is just so much you can fit on a dining table so, for those who are lucky enough to have the extra square footage, there is a piece of furniture lurking in the background to support. It is called a sideboard, a credenza or buffet in America, and has to be one of my favourite furniture pieces. Far too special to lurk in the background, still supportive but with designs to make a strong statement. It is a great way of bringing style and a personal signature into your home. 

White round ceramic plates and tagines by Samuel Larocque

Traditionally it was a piece that added design and practicality to a dining room. It held the good china plates and provided a top where hors d’oeuvres, casserole dishes, cut glass brandy decanters sat instead of piling them on the table. Now the dining room is not so popular and often our dining tables are integrated into our living rooms. Fortunately, the sideboard is still a popular piece as it provides extra storage in a good looking piece of furniture. What is behind the door is up to you! What is displayed on the top though is for all to see.

Pouring tea on white ceramic teacup by Rachel Cheng

1. Gustaf by Oka

Large Gustaf Sideboard - Grey Wash by Oka

Glass, glass and more lovely clear glass. Proudly displaying all behind its glass-paned doors on internal shelves. It is crafted out of reclaimed pine, hand made, with copper handles and finished in an antiqued grey wash. Place this amongst your traditional or modern decor, your room will suddenly sparkle. 

A statement we all like to read - “it is delivered as a whole unit.”

2. Manaos by Maisons du Monde

Carved Solid Green Mango Wood 2-Door 3-Drawer Sideboard by Maisons du monde

This handsome green piece of furniture is advertised as a storage piece for the Living Room. A place to store your tableware, table runners, bottles of wine or even a few important documents. Covering the modern need for multi-use storage. For those of us who have a soft spot for green, what a truly impressive way to incorporate it into a scheme. Style note - the unusual decorative leaves carved into the wood.

3. Trinity Marble by John Lewis

Trinity Marble Sideboard in Brown by John Lewis & Partners

There is only one word I could use to describe this sideboard and it is chic. Definitely modern, contemporary, urban, stylish, retro and Luxe. Yes, chic and versatile. Whatever design aesthetic you are leaning towards it will demand your attention and be a real conversation starter. Made of Acacia wood with a marble top, metal legs and delivered fully assembled. No flat pack here! A manageable 90 cm width for a small or medium-sized space and under £500 too.

4. Acorn by West Elm

Mid-Century Sideboard in acorn by West elm

A very popular period for interior design at the moment is what we are calling Retro. Also known as Mid-Century which refers to the middle of the 20th century. The incredible 50s and 60s. It is a style that seamlessly works well with other periods. It is usually void of plywood, plastics and MDF. This sideboard is made in Vietnam in a Fair Trade certified facility. The materials used are solid and engineered eucalyptus wood and Acacia wood veneer and FSC-certified. So you will see that the Acorn has excellent credentials, that should be noted and applauded in equal measures and it won't break the bank.

5. Harlequin Credenza by Jonathan Adler at Sweetpea & Willow

Multicoloured sideboard by Sweetpea and Willow

“Transform your hallway” or any other room “with this state-of-the-art credenza!” This creation, by Jonathan Adler, is genius and a spectacular way of combining wood, brass and glass into a unique eye-catching design. The ivory lacquer is brought to life by the multicoloured, reverse-painted glass panels and polished brass details. Featuring two self-closing drawers on the left and right sides with interior shelving in the central compartment. Shock the neighbours and impress your friends with this artistic creation.

6. French 19th Century Louis XVI Style by 1stdibs.com

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mouchettte Mahogany Buffet by 1st Dibs

This majestic antique piece of furniture quietly boasts some impressive features - lockable drawers and doors with working keys. Mitred door frames on doors, fluted uprights and recessed panels with a good helping of exotic wood. Curved cabinet doors and a real stone marble top. Although a minority, a few of my enquiries come from traditionalists who are partial to a little chintz, crystal tiered chandeliers and brocade covered armchairs. To those of you, I share this Louis XVI antique sideboard to give a professional nod to your under-mentioned style choice and good taste.

7. Noma 9 Sideboard by Houseology

Liang & Eimil Noma 9 Sideboard by Houseology

With the marriage of french chic and oriental influence, this modern and unusual cabinet is very distinctive. It sits on satin bronze legs, the same finish as the square handcrafted handles. It boasts neutral finishes matching beige shagreen finished doors all wrapped neatly in a black solid wood frame.

8. Moryson at Luxury Loft Company 

Retro Moryson Sideboard by Luxury loft co

If you do not mind your visitors being tempted to continually touch your furniture this very unusual and stylish cabinet is definitely worth consideration. A beautiful mix of walnut veneer, lacquered wood and tubular brass with its mid-century influence could be in a room on its own. Another very unusual ‘star of the show’ that, if you are not careful, will make the other pieces it shares a room with appear like understudies.

9. Aro Contemporary by UK Homary

Aro Contemporary 60 Inch Sideboard Buffet 4-Door Sideboard Table Kitchen Buffet Table by Homary

This is a refreshingly different piece of furniture that I would say has wide appeal and is so modern. The white not to your liking? Get it in black! It is made of manufactured wood with an understated but pleasing geometric pattern on the front and some polished gold trim. It is just enough glamour to be tasteful but not over the top. Its 6 interior compartments are described as ample storage, a generous 1500mm in length, free shipping and I believe comes with a warranty… nice. 

10. High-End Italian Quilted Designer Marble Buffet by Juliettes Interior

High End Italian Quilted Designer Marble Buffet by Juliettes Interiors.

So good this piece does not have a name but a very adequate description. This stylish and unashamedly glamorous upholstered buffet screams Italian design. Although this piece has a wooden structure the centre doors and sides are wrapped in faux nubuck leather and the same leather is padded and quilted. After a deep breath, you will see that the special finishes do not stop there. The top is fabricated in a complementary marble. Very sensuous and tactile the piece is inviting and worthy of a place in the best of homes. 

Finally…

I believe there is a sideboard above for every type of household except for student accommodation. If you are in “halls” your parents have probably taken you to Wilkes or for the privileged you may have been gifted a piece from IKEA. I hope you have enjoyed this line up of colourful, creative multi functional cabinets and remember we have only covered 10 very different styles out of hundreds designed and sold worldwide. At best it may serve to encourage you to buy one of these or maybe for now just wet your appetite.