Sideboards

Sideboards are pieces of shelving furniture that never seem to go out of style. Although they reached the height of their popularity in the 19th century, they remain a fixture of many homes today.

What are sideboards?

Also known as buffets, sideboards were traditionally used in dining rooms to serve food and to display dishes. They were also used to provide extra shelving storage for items such as table linens and china.

Although the terms are used interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Sideboards have shorter legs or may even sit directly on the floor. Buffets have longer legs.

Why Use sideboards?

These days, the sideboard is no longer restricted to dining rooms, but can be found in many other rooms of the house. For instance, it may be used in dens since the surface can double as a writing desk. It can also be used in kitchens to provide extra shelving space for dishes, cups and silverware.

How to choose a sideboard?

There is a number of considerations to keep in mind:Size. How big is the sideboard that you want? They come in three size ranges:

Buffet hutch - This is the biggest sideboard, which offers a large hutch on top that can be used as storage for items ranging from family keepsakes to stemware and China.

Buffet cabinet - This is a mid-sized sideboard that is a little smaller than the buffet hutch. However, it provides more storage space while the surface is still expansive enough for setting out dishes or snacks and drinks at parties.

Buffet cabinet - This is a mid-sized sideboard that is a little smaller than the buffet hutch. However, it provides more storage space while the surface is still expansive enough for setting out dishes or snacks and drinks at parties.

Buffet tables - These are the overall smallest sideboards, but which still provide storage, at a more compact size.

Styles. These days, sideboards no longer have to resemble boxy console shelves, but can come in a variety of geometric shapes. Although they are traditionally made of wood, these days, they can be made of virtually any material, including plastic and metal.

You might also take the style of legs into account. Although many contemporary sideboards simply have a flat base that sits on the floor, others have legs in a variety of styles.

At grattify.com, we have a wide range of sideboards that you can choose from for your shelving needs. They come from the most acclaimed new designers and put a contemporary twist on this traditional piece of furniture.

Having trouble choosing? Let us help. Here are some of the best selling sideboards for your home or office.

And our best sellers are:

Avon Sideboard, piece from Estonian brand Woodman proves that sideboards are no longer for the dining room.

Jugend Highboard, Estonian label Woodman reinvents the traditional sideboard by setting it on its end. Made with oak veneered particleboard.

Kensal Nordic Sideboard with Sliding Door, This striking sideboard features a white painted MFC body with three drawers. The larger storage space has a sliding door for easy access. The legs and handles are solid oak and varnished with clear lack. The surface space is large enough to accommodate books or family heirlooms and photos.