Deciding whether your sideboard should match your dining table can be a challenging aspect of home decor. Scroll down to know what experts suggest!
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The short answer:
Your sideboard does not need to match your dining room table. Decorating experts agree that attempting to match all of your furniture is outdated.
Instead, you can decorate with pieces that differ in style and color for a bold, eclectic look.
Do The Dining Table And Sideboard Need To Match?
Before we answer that question, let’s explain what a sideboard is.
A sideboard is a rectangular piece of furniture typically placed along the wall in a dining room. It holds dishware, silverware, linens, and anything else you might need in the room.
Sideboards aren’t just practical, though. You can also use them to showcase decorative items, creating an elegant and trendy look.
Not A Match
It’s tempting to try and coordinate all of your furniture, but according to the experts, there’s no need for that. Furniture doesn’t have to be perfectly matched to look chic and attractive.
In addition, it’s often difficult to find pieces that match, especially if you don’t buy all of the pieces simultaneously.
Coordinating pieces can also be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, a mismatched room might be more to your liking.
Size And Style Similarities
There are a few ways to ensure your pieces complement each other.
You can choose a sideboard in the same style as your table, for example, a modern sideboard with a modern table.
Select furniture in the same color family or match specific aspects, like coordinating a grey sideboard with grey-cushioned chairs.
Or opt for colors or wood finishes that complement each other to create unity with mismatched pieces.
Daring And Different
If you come upon a sideboard that you love and it doesn’t quite match your existing decor in any way—shape or form, the experts say to just go with it.
The practice of decorating with mismatched pieces has become fashionable in recent years. Your bold choices will create an eclectic look in your dining room and showcase your creativity.
Choosing The Right Sideboard
The standard for choosing the right sideboard is up to you. One important factor that will influence your choice is the size of your dining room.
If you have a small space, you’ll need a smaller sideboard so that you don’t have to squeeze around furniture. Make sure that you have enough room to walk and pull out your dining chairs.
Practicality
Being practical regarding size might mean passing up a larger sideboard that would coordinate with your existing dining room table, but you don’t have the room for it.
That’s another reason why it’s often difficult to find coordinating pieces.
Storage
The amount of storage you need should also factor into your decision when choosing a sideboard.
If you’re looking for furniture that goes as far as storage, make sure that the sideboard you choose contains a lot of cabinet space rather than one that is more decorative.
Aesthetics
Ultimately, you will want to buy a sideboard that you find pleasing to the eye since this will likely be a piece of furniture that you will look at for years to come.
So, above all else, opt for a sideboard in a style and color you love.
How Long Should A Sideboard Be In A Dining Room?
Most decorators suggest a 60-inch sideboard for dining rooms to provide ample space for serving food and displaying accents.
However, a shorter sideboard is perfectly acceptable if your dining area is small.
The size of your dining room should ultimately determine the sideboard size, ensuring it fits comfortably without overwhelming the space.
How Do You Style A Sideboard In A Dining Room?
When decorating your sideboard, you can let your creativity go wild.
If you want a traditional look, display family photos and heirlooms. For a more modern vibe, pair an abstract painting with trendy accents.
Other options include adding plants or flowers for color, a lamp for style and function, and items like vases, fruit bowls, and candle holders.
You can also display wine bottles on top of your sideboard.
Balance
Experts advise that when you decorate your sideboard, you should try to achieve balance. Avoid placing too many items on one side and keep things coordinated with color schemes.
Also, don’t overcrowd your sideboard. Your decorative pieces should create an understated elegance; too many pieces can detract from their charm.
What Is The Difference Between A Buffet And A Sideboard?
The difference between a sideboard and a buffet is often debated. Some designers use the terms interchangeably.
Generally, “buffet” refers to furniture in the dining room, while “sideboard” is used in the living room.
Sideboards typically have shorter legs with cabinets extending to the floor, while buffets have longer legs.
Final Thoughts About Sideboards
Sideboards are practical storage solutions and a sophisticated addition to any dining room.
As we have discovered, the perfect sideboard doesn’t need to match your dining room table. You can choose your sideboard based on your personal tastes and create a stylish and attractive room.
If you enjoyed this post and want to read more great sideboard articles, check out the links below!
What Can You Use A Sideboard For?
Sideboard Vs Buffet Vs Credenza
