Tips To Choose Sideboards And Buffets
TABLE OF CONTENT
- INTRODUCTION
- WHAT IS BUFFET?
- WHAT IS A SIDEBOARD?
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS?
- HOW DO SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS WORK?
- HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIDEBOARD AND BUFFET?
- WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE SIDEBOARD OR BUFFET?
- CONCLUSION
A versatile piece of furniture is always the best. But the process of choosing the right furniture can be daunting. Let us simplify it for you.
INTRODUCTION
As is well known, sideboards and buffets have been used for decades to store crockery and cutlery, especially in the dining area. These aren't just cabinets though, they make a great addition to any home to enhance the aesthetic.
In addition to the dining area, they can also be used in a variety of spaces such as entryways, bedrooms, living rooms, lounge areas, etc. Often they are used as accent pieces rather than storage units. You must be thinking about what exactly the sideboards and buffets are. Let's find out in this blog.
WHAT IS BUFFET?
A buffet is a piece of furniture that houses your crockery and cutlery. It is designed to stand against a wall with plenty of storage space. Buffets are often more artistically designed and comparatively larger than sideboards. In addition to wood, metal, and glass, they can be made from many different materials.
The use of buffets is no longer limited to the dining room, they can also be used in other areas of your home and even in commercial spaces such as offices and restaurants. If you have a celebration or party at home, you can use a buffet as a serving table or countertop.
WHAT IS A SIDEBOARD?
As the name suggests, a sideboard is a long narrow piece of furniture usually placed next to the dining table. Just as side tables are used with beds, sideboards are used with dining tables. They are used to store dishes and tableware and display ornate items such as fine china and silverware.
Sideboards are often made of wood and have drawers and shelves to store the dishes. They are less decorative than a buffet. They are mainly used in dining rooms, but can also be used in other rooms. You can place them anywhere you like and use them as an accent piece or as a serving table.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS?
With a buffet and sideboards, it's hard to tell the difference, as both look almost identical and serve the same purpose. The main striking differences between sideboards and buffets are:
- Buffets are comparatively larger than sideboards.
- Buffets are more elaborately designed than sideboards.
- Buffets have longer legs, sideboards have short legs or just base skirting.
- Buffets have more counter depth than sideboards.
HOW DO SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS WORK?
In general, sideboards and buffets are like any other storage or crockery cabinet. But the way they are designed makes all the difference. Both serve as an additional serving counter to the dining table and as a place to store dishes. But now that there is a wide range of designs on the market, you can use these impeccable furniture pieces however you like.
Their versatility allows them to work as a storage cabinet, countertop, TV unit/stand, console, desk, etc. The best part is that you can use them for decorative purposes to display decors such as vases, sculptures, souvenirs, trophies, pictures, plates, bowls, frames, and plants. Not only does its surface help display items, but the wall it is placed against can also be decorated with wall decor or painting to add that special touch to your space.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIDEBOARD AND BUFFET?
Shopping online or in the market is always confusing and makes you wonder "what if?" What if it's not good, what if the size doesn't fit my space, what if it's not within my budget? Because sideboards and buffets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, we understand that choosing the right one for your home can be difficult. For your convenience, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. START WITH YOUR BUDGET
Budgeting is important. Invest your money wisely.
The first thing to decide is your budget and if required how much extra you can spend. When you have a budget in mind, it makes it easier to limit your options. Instead of going for something too bulky or made of expensive hardwood, you can easily go for a substitute that gives you the same look without emptying your wallet. These days the market is flooded with alternative materials that cost less and help you achieve a look like that of wood, metal, or stone.
2. USAGE AND PURPOSE
Always prioritize utility over everything else.
Listing purpose and usage will help you determine what is best for you. You can choose what is ideal for you by outlining the purpose for which the furniture will be used. You have to ask yourself questions like:
- Where do I want to store it?
- What do I want to store in it?
- What amount and type of things will I keep in it?
- Does it go well with the interior of my house?
- Is the main purpose decorative, serving, or storing?
This will help you decide whether you want the one with roller shutters and shelves inside, the one with drawers, or a combination of drawers, shutters, and open shelving. It'll help you store more items than dishes in your buffet or sideboard. You can even store shoes, files, or other stuff that you don’t need daily.
Bonus Tip: Pick a sideboard or buffet that has multiple uses: You can store your crockery and cutlery on a sideboard or buffet. However, you can also use these cabinets in other ways, e.g. as a serving table, worktop, display surface, or organizer in the entrance area. You can even use them as stand-alone decorative pieces. So, pick the one that looks good, and has ample and different kinds of storage spaces.
4. SPACE AVAILABILITY
Consideration must always be given to space availability.
When we say always, it means always. Always consider available space before purchasing. Check if the room has space for a sideboard or buffet. Measure your space and compare it to the dimensions of the buffet or sideboard. When you buy the furniture online, decide on the placement, check the dimensions of the furniture and mark them with Abro/masking tape in that area for clear understanding and better perspective. It will help you figure out whether it's suitable for your space or not. Think of the marked area as a buffet or sideboard, and then check how much circulation space you have left. Will it be convenient to open the drawers or the shutter etc.?
5. SIZE
It cannot be overstated how important it is to choose the right size.
A sideboard or buffet should be the appropriate size for the room in which it is placed. The size of the new furniture you buy can also depend on where it will be placed and the size and style of your current furniture. As already mentioned, always measure the space before placing a sideboard or buffet there. You can choose the size that fits snugly without looking odd, using the length and height of the wall as a guide. For example, if you have a low ceiling, choose one that is not too high and is in proportion to the ceiling. You can also use larger ones with high ceilings.
Bonus Tip: Go for a bigger sideboard or buffet: If you have a big family and need more storage space, then you should opt for a larger sideboard or buffet. It will give you more space to store dishes, tableware, and other stuff, help declutter, and eliminate the need for multiple storage cabinets.
6. APPEARANCE
The appearance of the sideboard or buffet has the power to make or break the aesthetic.
Every piece of furniture you purchase must have an aesthetical value. Aesthetics are as important as functionality. Choose a piece that blends seamlessly with the interior of your house. It must match the style and theme of your home. For modern homes, we recommend buying buffets with straight lines that are less curvaceous or carved.
Keep it simple and clean. You can buy the one that matches the color of your furniture or choose different but complementary colors. Do the same for other styles of homes such as traditional, Victorian, transitional, bohemian, etc.
7. QUALITY AND MATERIAL
Quality is what sets a piece of furniture apart from the others.
The first thing to consider is sturdiness. Check how stable the buffet or sideboard is. Can it withstand the weight of the items you intend to store in it? Second, consider the finish. Check if it is painted, polished or laminated. Ask the questions such as, whether it is scratch-resistant, waterproof, or heat-resistant, and decide accordingly. The finished surface must be easy to clean without the risk of chipping. Lastly, pay attention to small details such as hardware used, portability, smooth functioning, ease of maintenance, etc.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE SIDEBOARD OR BUFFET?
Well, there's no right size for a sideboard or buffet, it entirely depends on your space and needs. The right size for you may not be the right size for someone else. Here's a list of standard sizes
- Depth: 20"-22" deep.
- Length: 60 inches (5 feet).
- Height: 30"-36".
CONCLUSION
A sideboard or buffet is a great addition to any home. They can be used as decorative accent pieces or to store and display crockery, cutlery, books, memorabilia, and other decorative items. They can be used in any room in your home. Sideboards and buffets come in a variety of sizes, designs, colors, materials, and styles.
When choosing a cabinet, you need to consider your budget, purpose, usage, available space in your home, size, placement, and material of the sideboard or buffet, and the aesthetics of your home. By following the tips above, we're confident you'll be sure to have the best sideboard or buffet for your home.