Sideboards

What a sideboard is

A sideboard is a low, wide cabinet built for a living or dining room rather than a bedroom.

• Low and long : it runs along a wall instead of standing tall against it.

• Closed storage : doors and drawers rather than open shelving.

• A usable top : the surface takes lamps, plants or serving dishes.

• Dining-room origins : traditionally where table linen and crockery lived.

• Works as a media unit : the proportions suit a television as well as tableware.

Where it goes

A sideboard tends to define the wall it stands against, so placement is worth thinking about.

• In a dining room : crockery and linen close to the table.

• In a living room : closed storage that keeps clutter out of sight.

• In a hallway : a drop point for keys and post, if the hall is wide enough.

• Under a window : a low cabinet fits where a tall one would block the light.

Doors, drawers or both

The internal layout matters more than the outside, because it decides what actually fits.

• Doors : one large volume, better for bulky or irregular items.

• Drawers : easier to sort, and you can see everything at once.

• A mix : drawers above for small things, cupboards below for the rest.

• Adjustable shelves : they let you change the split later.

Measuring up

Sideboards are wide, so the measurements that catch people out are the ones either side.

• Wall length : leave space at each end rather than filling the wall exactly.

• Depth against the walkway : check the passing space in front once it is in place.

• Door swing : hinged doors need clearance that drawers do not.

• Skirting boards : a deep skirting can hold the cabinet away from the wall.

For drawers rather than cupboards, see our chests of drawers. For closed storage in a garage or utility room, our storage cabinets are built for that.