When many people hear the word “sideboard,” they imagine “grandmother’s” furniture. Yes, a few decades ago it was difficult to find an apartment that did not have this piece of furniture. But this cabinet for storing dishes in the modern world is very different from its predecessors. Possessing a stylish design and attractive appearance, it fits perfectly into the interior of almost any home and is its “highlight”.
Sideboard in Provence style
Origin history and design
The sideboard was invented by French furniture manufacturers who lived and worked in the 18th century. This piece of furniture was originally intended to accommodate exquisite tableware. At that time, dishes made of ceramics or porcelain were so expensive that owners put them on display. By this they emphasized their material well-being.
Sideboard in the living room in a classic style
White wooden sideboard in the kitchen
However, it was unsafe to store expensive plates and cups, sauce bowls and salad bowls on the surface of tables and chests of drawers, and it was stupid to hide them in a closet. Then furniture makers created a sideboard cabinet. Its predecessor was the dressoir - a small cabinet decorated with carvings. The classic sideboard was a piece of furniture that conventionally consisted of 2 parts:
- Top shelves with glass front doors.
- Bottom chest of drawers with wooden doors.
White sideboard in Art Nouveau style
This design made it possible to show the beauty of the dishes while taking care of their safety.
Classic sideboard made of polished wood
Structural features of furniture
A sideboard cabinet in a modern style can have a very different design.
Depending on the living room area and style, select the appropriate model:
- standard floor option - this sideboard is installed near the wall anywhere in the living room. The cabinet can be narrow - single-door, 2- or 3-door;
- corner - a model of a special shape that allows you to install it in the corner of the room. A display cabinet for dishes of this kind is necessarily an independent element. If the sideboard is blocked on both sides by other furniture, it will not be possible to display porcelain and crystal;
- wall-mounted – a model in a modern style. The furniture is fixed to the wall so that there is a distance between the bottom edge and the floor. The cantilever shape gives the cabinet visual lightness and grace;
- The wall in the living room with sideboards includes a glazed section in which you can place dishes. Preference is given to modular living rooms, since in this case the furniture elements can be rearranged;
- island - a model for a spacious room. Such a cabinet is open on all sides, and almost entirely glazed so that the contents can be viewed from all sides. Quite often, a sideboard serves as one of the zoning elements;
- radius - can be either floor or corner. Its difference is the curvilinear shape of the facades. This is the most spectacular option, equally suitable for a living room in any style except rustic.
All common materials are used to make this furniture. Most often this is wood and MDF, and, of course, a variety of glass for doors and inserts. The combination of metal and glass is quite rare. The photo shows modern sideboards in the living room.
Design of sideboards in a classic style
White sideboard in the interior of a classic living room
In the 18th century, only wealthy people could afford sideboards. Sideboards for the living room were made only from valuable wood. Appearing in the Baroque and Rococo eras, this piece of furniture was obliged to follow the general trends of pretentiousness:
- voluminous curved legs;
- abundance of carvings;
- a variety of decorative fittings;
- gold plated.
Sideboard in Art Deco style
Later, in the era of classicism, sideboards and buffets for the living room changed noticeably. Initially, only kitchen utensils were stored in them, but soon books, beautiful antique objects, souvenirs, and watches began to be placed on the shelves. This was due to the fact that the sideboard has now moved to the reception hall. Spectacular items were placed behind glass doors to be constantly visible.
Wooden sideboard decorated with gilded carvings
Solid wood sideboards were still popular, but products made from more budget-friendly materials began to appear. This made it possible for the middle class to purchase this piece of furniture. The ornate decor has disappeared, the design has become more laconic.
Classic polished wood sideboard
In our open spaces, sideboards became popular during Soviet times. The design has undergone further changes. This piece of furniture was most often purchased for the kitchen. The housing of an ordinary resident of the USSR did not imply any frills - everything was as simple as possible. Intricate decor has lost its relevance. The front of the sideboard was no longer decorated; it was carefully polished.
Modern blue sideboard
Nuances of choice
Sideboards and buffets in the living room: tips for choosing
In order for the display cabinet to last for a long time, you need to know some rules for choosing it. If you follow them, you will be able to purchase not only a beautiful product, but also a very durable one.
The main rules for choosing the right one include:
- dimensions - you shouldn’t buy a tall cabinet under two meters, if the ceiling height in your apartment is about 2 meters, it simply won’t fit. First, it’s worth assessing the size of the room, and only then selecting furniture to suit it;
- The glass in the cabinet must be durable, tempered, with a thickness of at least 4 mm. It will be able to withstand increased loads and will not crack even with strong impacts;
- the facade can be made of various materials - wood, chipboard, MDF, veneer. Additionally, there may be inserts made of metal, glass, natural stone;
- the fittings must be durable. The shelves should be held firmly in place, the doors should open and close freely;
- style and shape - this requirement depends on your living room style and preferences. The main thing is that the display cabinet is in harmony with the interior and general decor.
A showcase cabinet is a striking element of the interior of every living room; examples of them can be seen in the photo. Thanks to it, this room is greatly transformed, becoming bright, colorful and light. The main thing is to choose this piece of furniture correctly so that it fits perfectly into the interior and goes well with other items.
Modern sideboards
Despite its venerable age, this piece of furniture is still in demand. You should not think that now a sideboard in the interior is furniture that is used only in certain styles. Of course, in order to achieve a classic effect, designers can also use previously popular models, but the floridity and pomposity of this style is no longer so relevant. To suit current preferences, the sideboard for dishes in the living room has been transformed into more current models.
Sideboard in Provence style made of wood
Unlike their predecessors, modern sideboards are made not only from wood, but also from acrylic, plastic, glass, and stainless steel. This allows you to give this piece of furniture absolutely any decorative direction.
Sideboard with colored doors
Despite the variety of materials from which the sideboard is made, preference should be given to natural wood. Products made from pine, oak, cedar or spruce will retain their attractive appearance longer, but do not forget about proper and timely care.
Classic red sideboard
The cost of the sideboard will be significantly reduced if it is made of chipboard. If you are used to updating the furniture in your apartment every 5-8 years, then this inexpensive material will suit you. If you are planning to buy furniture for a longer period, then you should know that a beautiful sideboard will become less attractive over time.
White sideboard in Art Nouveau style
Buffets for the kitchen (photo selection)
To imagine what a particular kitchen sideboard will look like, you can look at a selection of photos.
A kitchen cabinet is not only a container for all kinds of utensils, but also one of the main interior accents.
A selection of old but beautiful options
Exquisite models with a touch of antiquity can be very aesthetically pleasing. They fit especially well into classic, French or English interiors.
A small wall-mounted kitchen cabinet can easily accommodate a standard set of dishes for three or four people.
Modern
Although buffets “came down” to us from the 17th century, they can also be modern. You can see what modern kitchen sets with a buffet will look like in the photo.
A hanging cupboard with transparent doors made of glass or plastic looks very nice.
Varieties of modern models of sideboards
Depending on the characteristics, several varieties can be distinguished. The first classification is collapsible and non-collapsible sideboards. Non-separable models are more durable and stable, but the downside is that they are more difficult to transport. Collapsible models are easy to deliver, but you will have to spend time or money (hire a craftsman) to assemble them.
Sideboard made of natural wood
Based on functionality, sideboards are divided into:
- Gorki. Suitable for small spaces. Consists of several racks, shelves and drawers. There is a niche where you can place a TV, and shelves to display a variety of decor for guests.
- Angular. In the catalog of any furniture manufacturer there is more than one corner sideboard for the living room. Such models do not take up extra space, but are large in capacity. Their design provides for shelves and drawers of different widths. The size of the corner cabinet directly depends on the size of the room. You can place a huge sideboard along two walls, then other wardrobes will not be needed.
- Buffets. A classic option that is designed directly for storing dishes.
Sideboard is a display case for the living room. To focus attention on the decorative items behind the glass, today's designers often complement sideboards with lighting.
Necessary tools and materials to remake an old sideboard with your own hands
Of course, the inventory will largely depend on what, from what and into what you are going to convert. Still, you can highlight a number of universal tools and materials that you will certainly find useful:
- Sandpaper. Buy several sheets with different types of grain;
- A set of screwdrivers and screwdrivers for detaching/attaching doors and shelves;
- Brushes of all sizes and soft rollers;
- Spatulas, plastic and metal;
- Self-tapping screws, in case repairs are necessary in addition to restoration;
- Wax or putty to eliminate cracks, primer;
- Paint thinner, as well as nail polish remover gel;
- Glossy and matte, colored and transparent varnishes, acrylic and oil paints, enamels, as well as stencils for creating decor;
- Scraper for working with furniture;
- Nails, staples and, accordingly, a hammer;
- Stationery: pencils, markers, rulers, etc.;
- Masking tape;
- Steel sponge;
- Wood glue.
If you have to work indoors, we recommend using a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
And then we will tell you how to make a new one from an old sideboard.
An example of a self-converted sideboard
Sideboards in interior design
Provence style kitchens are a very popular trend that designers have been developing in recent years. Furniture manufacturers have not ignored this trend - almost all leading enterprises have released collections in the Provence style.
Modern white sideboard with lighting
Traditional colors for a Provence style kitchen are beige, white, brick, brown. The furniture should be the same color. A bright, spacious room will become a place where all family members will enjoy spending time.
Blue wooden sideboard for dishes
A white sideboard can become the main highlight of the room, but if you are afraid that too light furniture will cause you unnecessary problems with constant cleaning, then pay attention to a wenge-colored sideboard. This color is versatile and goes well with many other shades.
Carved sideboard with painting in a country house
Buyers like a sideboard in Provence style for its simplicity, lightness and elegance. On such furniture you can notice antique wear. If the manufacturer forgot to age the furniture, and you want full compliance with the style, then you can make antique furniture yourself. This procedure is much simpler than you might imagine. To get the “antique” effect of worn furniture, you need to paint it with chalk paints. They are sold in all major hardware stores and are produced in a wide range of shades.
Low sideboard with metal legs
Shapes and sizes of sideboards
A standard sideboard for a home can have a height of 150–200 cm. The width should not be more than 200 cm. For the lower section the depth is approximately 45–50 cm, but for the upper section the standard is 30 cm. But this is only adhered to when creating finished furniture , made-to-measure options cater only to your needs.
It is important to take into account the features of different forms.
- Classic sideboard. It has legs, the upper part is smaller than the lower part.
- Floor. Installed directly on the floor.
- Corner sideboard. The inside resembles a triangle. Quite a complex storage system, but it looks very impressive. Typically, the corner option is used in rooms with a small area.
- Suspension. There is no bottom part, only the top. Can be used in conjunction with a separate wide cabinet.
- Ostrovny. The top is missing. This form is used to demonstrate finished dishes.
- Modular. It resembles a construction set; individual modules are installed in a way that is convenient for you.
Non-standard ways to use sideboards
Everyone knows how to use this piece of furniture in the dining room, living room and kitchen, but you can use your imagination and be creative so that an ordinary sideboard with drawers becomes the highlight of your home.
Wooden sideboard in the bedroom
home library
Mugs and plates, even if they are incredibly beautiful, will not surprise anyone. A bookcase will arouse much greater interest among guests. Of course, many books won’t fit behind the glass, and there’s no need for that. From your favorite books, choose printed editions with the most colorful covers.
Sideboard with decor in the hallway
Wardrobe for baby
You can create coziness with the help of a sideboard in the Provence style not only in the kitchen. The exquisite design and neat appearance of this cabinet will fit perfectly into the image of a child's room. You can store your child’s toys in the upper (open) part, and clothes and bedding in the lower (closed) part.
Gray sideboard in Art Nouveau style
Mini-museum
A boring china storage cabinet can become a place to display your collection. If you collect rare decorative items, souvenirs or jewelry, then you should imagine how gorgeous they will look behind glass. You can display the exhibits of your collection on bright fabric or openwork napkins. Absolutely no one will pass by your treasures.
White sideboard with mirrored doors
Both classic and modern sideboard models can decorate the interior of your home and at the same time place all the necessary items and accessories. To be satisfied with the purchase of a sideboard, think in advance for what purpose you will use this piece of furniture, and choose the right design that suits the interior of your home.
How does a sideboard for dishes work?
Despite the increased functionality, modern materials and solutions, the sideboard is quite easy to identify by a number of features.
- The lower part is installed on legs. At the same time, it is quite massive. Visually it resembles a mezzanine, only it stands on the floor. Occasionally there are models similar to a TV stand that stands on the floor.
- The top tier is always narrower than the bottom. Usually has shelves and doors made of glass.
