Sideboards are more than just places to store things; they are valuable pieces of furniture that can make any room look better and work better. A sideboard can help you keep your space neat in a modern apartment or a traditional British home. We at Urban Deco UK think that style and usefulness should go hand in hand, and the sideboard is an excellent example of this. Here are seven innovative and stylish ways to get the most out of this piece of furniture that doesn't get enough credit.
1. The Hero of the Dining Room
The sideboard is the unsung hero of the dining room. It's useful and looks good. It is usually put against a wall or at the end of a dining table, and it is a good place to keep things like dishes, cutlery, serving dishes, table linens and even glassware. Having everything you need close at hand makes hosting a formal dinner or a casual family meal easier and more fun, no matter what. A sideboard is more than just a place to store things; it's also a place to show off things. Put decorative platters, a vase of fresh flowers, or your favourite set of candles and serveware on top to show them off.
2. Stylish Storage for the Living Room
Sideboards aren't just for the dining room; they look great and are helpful in living rooms. When you style a sideboard carefully, it can become a beautiful focal point in the room and hold everything together. Use it to keep things like extra throws, seasonal pillows, board games, books, or even home tech accessories you don't want to see but want to have close by. The top surface is a great place to do visual styling. Create a curated look by arranging framed photographs, statement vases, indoor plants, or a stylish table lamp. You could even use it to make a small feature wall by hanging mirrors or art just above it and adding decorative items that give it personality and texture.
3. A Stylish Statement in the Hallway
Your hallway is more than just a way to get from one room to another; it's the first thing guests see when they come to your house. A well-designed space sets the mood for what's inside. Choose a narrow shoe cabinet or a slim console table that serves a purpose and looks good without taking up too much space on the walkway. Put a sleek bench beside it to make a small waiting area or place to change shoes. Add a tall indoor plant, a framed piece of art, or a modern lamp to warm and make the space inviting. These pieces are not as big as sideboards, but they still give you a place to store essentials like wallets, headphones, and reusable shopping bags. In those small but powerful spaces, it combines usefulness with beauty.
4. Upgrade the Storage in the Bedroom
A sideboard can be a stylish and valuable addition to your home if your wardrobe is complete or your bedroom doesn't have enough storage. It gives you the extra space you need without sacrificing style. It's great for storing folded clothes, bed linens, and seasonal accessories. A sideboard keeps your essentials close at hand while keeping your space tidy. It can hold neatly stacked sweaters, handbags, or nightwear. You can also make the top surface into a small vanity by putting perfume bottles, skincare products, jewellery trays, or a pretty mirror on it.
5. Organising Your Home Office
Documents, stationery, and tech accessories can quickly pile up in home offices. A sideboard is a stylish and helpful way to keep things in order and make your workspace look better at the same time. It has clean lines and lots of hidden storage, making it the perfect place to store files, notebooks, printer paper, and even gadgets or cables you rarely use. This keeps your desk clear so you can focus on your work. You can add a task lamp, a small indoor plant, or a set of organisers for things like pens and sticky notes that you need to get to quickly, to the top of the sideboard. Some people even put a wireless printer or inspiring art on the surface to make the room more interesting.
6. An Alternative to an Entertainment Unit
Not all TV stands have to be traditional. A sideboard can be a stylish and functional media unit that fits your living room furniture well. It has shelves, drawers, and cabinets inside that can hide your entertainment needs, like gaming consoles, streaming devices, remotes, and DVD collections, so you don't have to worry about them getting in the way. The wide, strong top of a sideboard is excellent for holding a flat-screen TV, and the extra height often makes the screen easier to see. Many sideboards now have holes or cutouts in the back for managing cables. This lets you keep wires out of sight and makes setting up easier.
7. Helper in the Nursery or Playroom
A sideboard can be a great addition to a child's playroom or nursery. The large drawers and cabinets are a safe and easy place to keep toys, storybooks, nappies, extra bedding, and craft supplies. Keeping the room neat is much easier when everything is put away. This is especially true when you're busy in the morning or at night. On the other hand, a sturdy, well-made sideboard looks great in your home, making it easy for kids to get to everyday items. It is even safer in homes with kids because the edges are rounded and the drawers close slowly.
Want More Inspiration?
Check out our guide on How to Decorate a Marble Dining Table for Daily Use and Special Occasions for easy styling tips and stunning table-setting ideas.
How to Style Your Sideboard
- Combine Practical and Decorative Items: A lamp, tray, or stack of books can make a room look more interesting.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between things to make it look neat and organised.
- Use Height: Change the heights of your decorations to draw the eye upward and make things look balanced.
Urban Deco UK has the Perfect Sideboard for You.
Urban Deco has a carefully chosen selection of sideboards for UK homes, ranging from modern marble finishes to classic wooden styles. Our sideboards add style and storage to your hallway, dining room, or bedroom. They do both in a way that is easy to use, being one of the most useful furniture in any home. It becomes more than just a place to store things with a bit of creativity and placement. Are you ready to find yours? Take a look at our newest sideboard collections at Urban Deco UK.