Dining room sideboard decor
10 buffet styling tips |
Homes & Gardens is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.
(Image credit: Future)
Sideboard decor ideas can really elevate your entertaining space. As well as offering useful storage space, the sideboard is the perfect spot to display treasures and trinkets, and creates a focal point for artwork and lighting.
If you are gathering dining room ideas, don't just focus on the table – the sideboard really does have a role in your rooms scheme, too.
'Think about how you're going to bring your unique personality into the dining room to help decide how to style a sideboard,' says Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-CEO at home décor brand Dowsing & Reynolds .
'Books, art, photos, vases, trinkets, colors and details all provide an opportunity to say something about yourself, and make great talking points at dinner parties.'
Sideboard decor ideas
You can have a lot of fun dressing up your sideboard, and interior experts always relish the job.
'Sideboards are some of our favorite moments to style,' says Studio Ashby . 'Art, lighting, ceramics, beautiful books and trinkets are all chic choices.'
Below, we show you the experts' top sideboard decor ideas to set your dining room apart.
1. Make it pretty yet practical
(Image credit: Neptune)
Your sideboard is the perfect spot for styling decorative objects, but don't forget it can also be used for extra storage. Glazed-fronted sideboards can make for great small dining room ideas – the space will feel less crowded than with solid furniture, plus glass allows you to show off what you're storing – albeit in a chic way.
Louise Wicksteed, Design Director at Sims Hilditch , says: 'We love to use sideboards in dining rooms as this is a great way to use the space. They are perfect for storing crockery, napkins, and cutlery to be used for more formal occasions.'
2. Highlight sideboard decor ideas with lighting
(Image credit: Arteriors)
If you are working on lighting a dining room, make space on a sideboard for lamps.
This will not only allow you to create soft pools of low light – so welcome in a dining room – but will also illuminate your sideboard decor ideas.
Helen Pett, Design Ambassador at Arteriors London , adds: 'Of course, when entertaining, the additional table space can be used for floral arrangements, beautiful china and glassware and serving platters while still sitting prettily as key part of your décor.'
3. Maximize sideboard decor ideas with a mirror
(Image credit: 'Michelle Nussbaumer and Stephen Karlisch)
If you are considering dining room wall ideas that create drama, then an antiqued glass, elaborately framed-mirror is the best find for traditional dining spaces. Plus, decorating with mirrors will double the impact of any sideboard decor ideas you're displaying – especially in smaller or dark spaces. It's a win win.
4. Display art to focus attention on sideboard decor ideas
(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)
Art, hung centrally above a sideboard, placed centrally behind a dining table, can create a focal point that frames the entire space.
Whether it's wall-hung or propped on your sideboard, a good general rule of thumb to follow when styling your sideboard is to make the artwork around two-thirds of its width. This gives a visually pleasing proportion while also working to invigorate the space.
5. Employ the overlapping technique
(Image credit: Neptune)
To make your sideboard decor ideas feel curated, don't be afraid for your objects and anchoring pieces to 'overlap'.
Place a lamp slightly in front of your artwork, or let foliage, twigs or flowers spread across the central piece; this will allow the finished look to feel cohesive and interactive, rather than static and flat.
6. Play with height
(Image credit: Kristin Karch Photography/The Misfit House)
One of the most important elements of styling sideboard decor is to ensure your display includes objects of varying heights to add interest to the look.
'Playing with heights and layers is essential,' states Jane Rockett of Rockett St George .
'However, this doesn’t necessarily mean putting the tallest items in the center of the sideboard. An asymmetrical display looks particularly great when styling a sideboard and allows you to build height and a focal point at just one end.'
Ally at Dowsing Reynolds adds: 'Style an uneven assortment of smaller items alongside tall or oversized items to create height and layers. Piles of books that reflect your interests alongside meaningful sculptures make great focal points.'
If you choose sideboard decor ideas that chime with your dining table decor ideas you will create a neat, coordinated look, too.
7. Group objects in threes
(Image credit: Murphy Deesign)
To make sure your sideboard decor ideas don't look higgledy-piggledy, try grouping your objects into threes for a curated finish that's easy on the eye.
The rule of three is a great interior design tip that you can apply to many aspects of your decor scheme, and is certainly the magic number when it comes to styling for a fresh appeal.
'Much like your coffee table or shelves, styling your sideboard decor ideas is an opportunity to be playful and reveal more of your personality within your interior,' says Jane Rockett.
8. Create a tableau
(Image credit: Arteriors)
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of styling your sideboard decor ideas, why not create a tableau – which is simply a group of objects that, together, look like they're made for each other?
Just as with coffee table styling, Jane Rockett suggests that 'you shouldn't worry about filling the entire space', while Arteriors' Helen Pett comments: 'We like starting with a nice low-rise sculpted centerpiece and a coffee table book stack for an everyday look.'
You could even simply add a group of candles at varying heights for a stylish and simple look.
9. Add a sculptural piece to anchor your display
(Image credit: Tiffany Leigh Design/Lauren Miller)
Sculptural vases, objets and lamps are a stylish way to make a statement and turn your sideboard decor ideas into an arty showcase that blends form and function – coordinate them to the rest of your scheme and you can pull a larger space together – useful if you are looking for uniting kitchen diner ideas.
'Add ambience and pockets of light with table lamps, and repeat textures, shapes and colors around the room,' suggests Ally Dowsing-Reynolds.
Don't neglect candles as part of your sideboard decor display. Jane Rockett adds: 'For a sideboard in the dining room, candles, candlesticks and vases always look beautiful.'
Louise Wicksteed says: 'When it comes to styling a dining room sideboard, we suggest placing a large candle at either end. Not only does this offer subtle background lighting around the table but also nods to the elegance of the room by providing well thought-out symmetry.'
10. Display your glassware
(Image credit: Arteriors)
A sideboard can double up as a drinks cabinet in a dining room, and is ideal for displaying your pretty glassware for after-dinner drinks.
Jane Rockett says: 'A sideboard is the perfect place to curate a mini cocktail bar with a few of your favurite tipples and glassware on display.'
Mix your drinks' display with other pretty artefacts, candles and vases, or an oversized plant for extra wow factor.
How can I decorate my sideboard?
To decorate a sideboard well, there are a few rules to follow that are really useful:
- Start with your dining room color scheme, choosing items that reflect the accent shades used within the room – this is particularly useful if you are styling an open-plan kitchen/living room/diner, as it can help to tie the dining zone to the rest of the space.
- For a neat look, create a sideboard decor display that's identical at each end – perhaps with matching lamps at either end of the table, and a central vase and picture behind.
- Larger items look better than a collection of small trinkets for decorating a sideboard – you want to create impact not dust-collection.
- Display fresh flowers, houseplants and convincing faux blooms in a large display that brings organic shape and colors to the space.
- Hang art over a sideboard, put wall lights either side or table lamps at each end to draw attention to sideboard decor ideas at night.
What do you put in a sideboard?
Sideboards are really useful for storing everything you might need for dining – from cutlery and china to linen and flatware. You can also usefully store candles, matches, placemats and glassware in a sideboard. When shopping for a sideboard, consider what you will need to store in it – drawers will be more useful for storing candles, cutlery and placemats; cupboards for glassware and china. A combination of both is the most versatile choice.
Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.
DECORATING SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS - StoneGable
Decorating sideboards and buffets in our dining rooms and other rooms in our home is so important! These are prime pieces of decor real estate that can show off our personality! Today I’m sharing easy ways to decorate a sideboard or buffet and useful, fabulous, and doable styling tips too!
It does not take a lot of time or things to decorate a buffet.
With my tips, you can style a buffet beautifully in minutes.
I’ve decorating my white sideboard three different ways to show you how easy it can be!
My white buffet is one of my favorite surfaces to decorate. I love the height and length of it! Most buffets and sideboards are wonderful areas to add pretty decor to your home!
The buffet was once in our dining room at our StoneGable house but now it is in the great room of our Tanglewood house. Buffets are not just for dining rooms!
I thought it might be helpful to show you three different ways to style a buffet. And I’ll share a couple tips that will help you use your buffet to add YOUR personality to your dining room.
Actually, any long flat surface can benefit from these easy tips!
SOME BUFFET GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER
Basic buffet decorating things to know…
- decorate your buffet’s space but don’t overdo or overlayer it!
- try to avoid using lots of little collectibles or small things
- use faux blooms and plants only if they look real up to 1 foot away
- experiment and play with your accessories
- less is more
- keep a tight color palette
- change things up often
A LOOK AT THE BUFFET IN A DINING ROOM
When we remodeled our StoneGable dining room (feels like a hundred years ago) I found this pretty white buffet and knew it would work in the room.
One thing I did to keep it updated and fresh was to keep my china and dishes off the top! This is very important!
Lots of dishes on the top of a buffet even in a dining room looks cluttered and dated.
Try stying it without dishes! Keep the dishes in the buffet and not on it.
The buffet decor is classic, adding a juxtaposition of bling and burlap! I love those two words together! BLING AND BURLAP!!!!
I like this decor because it looks sharp and clean and pretty!
A DINING ROOM BUFFET IS A SUPPORTING ACTOR
Your dining room table, in most cases, is the star of your dining room. And the centerpiece on it should be its Diva! Nothing in the room should show up the Diva! So the things on your buffet or sideboard should not fight for attention.
But that does not mean your buffet should not be decorated too.
Here is a decorating recipe for styling a fabulous sideboard every time.
USE SOMETHING ORGANIC ON A SIDEBOARD
Whether your buffet is in the kitchen or in your living room like mine is now all sideboards can use a bit of pretty organics.
Buffets and sideboards are the perfect place to add an element of organic design.
Here are a few ideas…
- a bunch of seasonal greens or flowers
- moss balls
- plants
- topiaries
- a trio of the same potted plant
You might like to see how to make these moss balls. TEXTURED MOSS BALL DIY. They are so super easy!
If you are thinking about going the faux route you might like to read CREATIVE WAYS TO USE FAUX FLOWERS
USE TALL ITEMS ON EITHER END OF SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS
Have you heard of buffet lamps or candlesticks? You know, the tall, skinny, candle-type lamp duo that go on either side of a buffet? They were so popular years ago because they added ambient light to either side of a sideboard and added a great bit of symmetry to a buffet.
We can bring a fresher, updated look to sideboards and buffets by using the buffet lamp principle but giving it a more modern feel!
Do add something tall to either side of your buffet.
A lamp with a little more heft and a tall item to the other.
The mesh lamp works on the left side of the buffet. It’s just the right size and scale for the buffet. It’s a nice tall element at one end of the buffet. And it offers another layer of lighting too!
Use something tall on the buffet opposite a lamp.
A tall vignette would also work on one side of the buffet.
I often find myself creating a simple vignette using three items. And no wonder! Our eyes and mind LOVE anything grouped in threes. To see how to use this magical number when decorating, see THE MAGIC RULE OF THREE.
ADD “BRIDGE” DECOR
It’s a good idea to add a little something to bridge a lamp and tall item at the other end of a buffet.
Three things that are alike make a beautiful “bridge” between the lamp and the other tall element on the buffet.
Instead of the three faux ferns in the same pots, I popped the middle fern in a slightly different container and put it on a couple burlap-covered books.
I think just that little difference adds a lot of interest and a bit of texture to the decor on the buffet.
TIGHT COLOR PALETTE
One easy way to create a buffet that has a cohesive look is to use the colors in the room on the buffet. For the image above I used the browns in the lamp the sand and white colors of the baskets and the greens and browns of the faux plants.
And even if your room is colorful still use a tight color palette on a buffet.
Now it’s your turn! Take a look at the buffet in your dining room. Could it use a bit of a makeover? Why not put these tips and ideas into practice during a few commercials? I know you can do it!!!!!
Here’s a great little book filled with easy-to-do home decor ideas! And it’s FREE!
Sideboard in the living room in a modern style: 32 photo ideas for interior design
The kitchen does not always have enough space to store dishes, especially those that are not used daily. Beautiful plates and ceremonial service can be turned into a full-fledged decorative element by allocating a special open cabinet for them and thereby solving two problems at once.
We tell you how to choose a sideboard in the living room in a modern style: what to combine with and which model to choose.
All about choosing a sideboard
History
What are
Materials
- Tree
— Metal
— MDF, chipboard
How to choose
Placement of dishes
This type of furniture appeared at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries thanks to French craftsmen. Quite quickly, it took on a modern look: two sections, the upper one is closed or transparent. But the range of materials from which cupboards were made was very limited - in the past, only wood was used, moreover, expensive noble species, and the furniture body was necessarily decorated with decorative elements and intricate carvings, sometimes inlaid with precious stones. Later, cheaper models began to appear, from the same tree - but from less valuable species and with a laconic, modest design.
Initially, sideboards were placed in the kitchen, but in the USSR, mirrors on the inner walls were added to the classic version, products became taller and wider, and so the sideboard smoothly moved into the living room, turning into a full-fledged wardrobe.
But the functional purpose of the buffet has remained unchanged to this day: the sideboard is used to store dishes and accessories, sometimes linen is folded in the closed part.
It used to be in almost every apartment, so even today you can find a Soviet sideboard in a modern interior. Due to the variety of designs, it is easy to fit into the design of the room, regardless of its size. In the living room and dining room, dish racks play a primarily decorative role, so, in addition to plates and glasses, beautiful vases, figurines and other accessories can be placed on the shelves.
Instagram @nastavetrova
Instagram @ov.interiors
Instagram @anna_zueva_design
Instagram @enjoy_home
Instagram @enjoy_home
-
Living room
For books and more: choosing a bookcase in the living room
Sideboards are divided into several types according to the type of construction.
- Standard - classic cabinets with legs or a solid base, can be narrow or multi-section.
- Wall-mounted - floor or hanging models that are attached to the wall.
- Corner - Sets specially designed to be located in the corner of the room, can be either floor or wall.
- Modular - prefabricated systems that are made up of individual elements to fit the desired dimensions.
- A slide is a multi-level structure that is placed along the wall and provides space for a TV.
A sideboard, as in the photo below, can be full-sized or part of a structure - fit into a niche, arch or furniture wall.
Instagram @mikulishna
Instagram @svershinina_design
Instagram @zibellino_design
Instagram @yodezeen_architects
Instagram @sedykh_home
-
Living room
What to put instead of a furniture wall in the living room: 9examples from designer interiors
Today, wood is not the only possible material for making cupboards, although it is still very popular.
Let's consider the main ones.
Wood
Still, wood remains a classic when it comes to cabinet furniture. It produces reliable, environmentally friendly products that last a long time, and also go well with transparent glass inserts.
Simple wooden sideboards feel good in modern styles, especially Scandinavian ones. The natural texture of wood will give the living room an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, and the painted body will make the rack a bright accent. Black color in combination with frosted or stained glass will add luxury to the atmosphere.
An old sideboard looks interesting in a modern interior - rare furniture will give a trendy vintage atmosphere, besides, a design with history always seems more soulful and cozy.
This is a great option for interiors with a rugged touch or a minimalist touch, especially when combined with glass or other chrome elements. A dark frame will add a graphic touch to the room, and a gold or copper coating will make the bright living room look more formal.
Instagram @enjoy_home
Instagram @nechaevdesign
Instagram @aytshstore
MDF or chipboard
If you need the best value for money, then pay attention to these modern materials. They are made from compressed wood waste, they serve for a long time, but at the same time they are much cheaper than natural wood. Another plus is a large selection of product shapes, external coating (the surface can be matte, glossy, embossed or smooth), colors.
Instagram @sova_interiors
Instagram @daniel_studio
- Select the cabinet size based on the living room area. If the room is spacious, a large floor buffet will fill the space and also emphasize the luxury of the interior. If the room is small, it is better to choose a more compact model of a simple form.
- The glass in the showcase can be transparent, frosted or combined.
Interesting options - tinting, stained glass film or the so-called milky glass - due to special processing, it is almost opaque. Remember that translucent attracts attention, makes you want to see what is hidden behind obscure silhouettes. To enhance this effect, you can add interior lighting to the closet, which will emphasize the shapes of objects. - Consider what will be inside. The height, depth, width of the shelves, as well as their number will depend on this. If you're displaying decanters, vases, and other tall items, make sure you have enough space for them.
- If you don't want all your dishes to be in plain sight, choose the traditional models with a transparent top and closed bottom drawers to keep all the unsightly things out.
- The position of the shelving is important. If this is one closet, it can visually separate the living room area from the dining group or be the focal point of the interior around which the composition is built. Another option is a pair of narrow cabinets, which, as a rule, are placed symmetrically in the center of the soft group, on either side of the sofa or fireplace.
photos
Instagram @mart_da.spb
Instagram @zhilin_brothers
Design: studio (DZ)M, dzmdesign.ru
Instagram @osome.studio
Instagram @redrobotdesign
Instagram @taupehome
Living room
Fashionable curtains in the living room in a modern style (52 photos)
If you have an open cabinet, then the items are placed on the shelves according to the following rules.
- Large items in the background, small items in the front.
- Backlight works best with plain white.
- Stacks of cymbals should be kept small in height to avoid piling up.
- Porcelain, crystal, glasses, tableware should be placed on separate shelves.
- Also, do not mix colors: arrange white, transparent, colored dishes separately.
Instagram @ukvartira
Instagram @alexey_volkov_ab
Instagram @mikulishna
Instagram @kovalchuk.design
Instagram @redrobotdesign
Prepared by
Anastasia Stepanova
Modern style
Classic sideboard in modern interior design
Each of us admired grandmother's sideboards filled with luxurious tableware, original accessories and delicate napkins.
Today, this special piece of furniture is again relevant, many designers include it in their projects, presenting sideboards as an exquisite highlight in the interior. Their design is quite diverse, you can purchase both an antique sample and a stylish analogue.
But they all fit perfectly into the dining room, help you beautifully organize the space and store the cutest little things in it.
Elegant classic
Whether vintage or modern, you can use the china cabinet or its contents in any setting. We do not have exact recommendations on how to complete its contents, but let's see how others do it and be inspired by our own stories.
1. Proper display
Stylish green will dilute the calm atmosphere of a classic kitchen
Every housewife has a whole arsenal of dishes that are so dear to the heart that no one will use them except for decorative purposes.
But storing such valuables in drawers is simply stupid and there is a simple solution, this is a sideboard that will become a convenient container for all your precious plates, dishes, tea accessories.
2. Bright variety
Juicy accents
In the next interior design, the cabinet is used in the rest of the composition, which consists of an abundance of colors. In addition, behind the display case you can create attractive collages of dishes, the reflections of which will play throughout the room, bringing chic and interest to the atmosphere.
3. Additional functions
A special way of displaying
All your services and sets can be stored in the sideboard not only in the dining room, but also in the kitchen. This will give you easier access to the appliances when it's time to put dishes on them.
Improvisation in this matter is also important, in order to place as many objects inside as possible, you can mount hooks under the shelves on which to hang the cups. So you free up more space and close empty areas.
4. Creative approach
Impulsive coral shade will be the highlight of any space
This sideboard will also be useful in a home bar. If you have inherited such a legacy, then you are very lucky. It will need minimal restoration and is ready to decorate, even entertain your family or guests.
5. Wardrobe for the youngest
Original idea
Refined design, elegant shapes and unobtrusive appearance of such a wardrobe will perfectly fit into the image of a nursery.
In it you can store clothes or toys, bedding.
6. Home library
Non-standard solutions
This sideboard can be used not only to display your services, but also for books. Such a piece of decor with its own character will accommodate a small number of prints dear to you, replacing traditional shelves.
7. Everyday essentials
Deep black color looks very noble
If you simply do not have enough space in the kitchen to hold dishes, then a sideboard is a good option for such purposes. Thus, you will get a more attractive interior with a twist.
8. Hidden Hobbies
Tea Set Storage
Your china cabinet can become a kind of museum. If you collect crystal plates, expensive and rare tableware, and even exquisite jewelry, they will look like real treasures behind the display case.
Pay attention to the attractive decor idea and how competently all the elements are put together in this composition, lace napkins add special drama, emphasizing the special significance of all objects.
9. Joyful mood
Charming cabinet
The next option is perfect for a children's party, fill its shelves with goodies, beautiful decorations and you will have a personalized decoration that will give all guests a good location.
10. Extraordinary solutions
Refined snow-white facade with carved details
The sideboard will complement the image of the dining room, kitchen, nursery, but it will also look appropriate in the interior of a home office. This will be excellent, since the strict business style will radically change to a more sensual one and will become easier to visual perception.
Sideboards used to be an integral part of almost every home, but they have lost their relevance, giving way to more modern pieces of stylish furniture with sharp corners and smooth surfaces.
But lately such wardrobes have become more and more common in designer projects and there is a simple explanation for this: they are elegant and roomy, practical and will become a convenient container for your services and other tableware.
