9 Ways to Maximise Space With a Sideboard

How do you maxmise space in your home? One of the easiest ways to do this is with a sideboard. As a versatile furniture piece, a sideboard can be used as either a decorative or storage solution. From choosing the right size to defining its purpose and displaying decor items, here we’ve pulled together nine ways in which you can maximse your space with a sideboard.

1. Choose the right size 

To maximise space with a new sideboard, you need to start by choosing the right size. When measuring the space, include the sideboard’s depth, width, and height to guarantee the sideboard fits into the area without taking up too much space. Think about the flow of the room, its layout and how it’s used. 

2. Define its purpose 

What is the purpose of a sideboard? As previously mentioned, a sideboard is a versatile piece of furniture that has many uses, so it’s important to define how you intend to use it before making the purchase.

Sideboards can be used for storing dining ware in a dining room, keeping electronics hidden in the living room, storage for mail, keys, and miscellaneous objects in the hallway, or as a clothing unit in the bedroom. If you know the purpose of the sideboard it will help when choosing its size, style, design, and type. And will help when it comes to organising its contents.   

3. Organise your items 

What do you keep on a sideboard? A sideboard is an excellent way to store household items. Most come with inbuilt drawers, shelves, and hidden compartments, so you can maximise your space with a sideboard by using all possible storage avenues. For example, if the sideboard is in the dining room, use shelving units to store tableware that’s not used often – plates and glasses for formal settings, table clothes, placemats, candles, candle holders, or board games that are played at the dining room table. 

4. Display decor 

To follow the aesthetic of the room‘s interior, keep the top of the sideboard clean for display decor. Although its main focus is to hide and store objects, a sideboard can also be used to showcase personal items. Use the top surface to highlight decorative pieces such as photographs, artwork, candles, objects, coffee table books, flowers, or diffusers. The surface of a sideboard is also a place to add personality to your room; it can even be used to extend a framed print gallery wall, for example.   

5. Adjustable shelving unit 

Sideboards come in all shapes and sizes; some even have adjustable shelving. Adjustable shelving is a feature worth consideration because it allows you to change the shelving unit to fit the size of your objects. You might need to store tall objects, large books, small candles, or different kinds of accessories – whatever it is, an adjustable shelving unit provides the flexibility needed. 

6. Create a focal point 

A sideboard doesn’t just need to be a storage unit, it can be used to make a statement or be a focal point in the room. Placed in a strategic area, the sideboard can add interest and be a compact space solution. Create a display on its surface to further exaggerate it as a statement piece. 

7. Lighting 

Lighting is a well-used technique to create the illusion of more space. Clever lighting can also enhance the sideboard’s aesthetic and statement appeal. Use table lamps, pendant lamps, or wall-hanging lamps to light up the sideboard, highlight decorative items, and create an inviting space. 

8. Clutter-free look 

Keep all of the clutter hidden inside the sideboard to create a clutter-free interior. Make sure to change the display on the sideboard’s surface often to ensure the point of interest is always of personal taste. Refrain from overpopulating the sideboard – less is always more and will help make the room feel larger. 

9. Coordinate with your decor 

The final step on how to maximise your space with a sideboard is to coordinate it with your interior style – the sideboard needs to reflect the room's colour scheme. For example, a retro-styled room would pair well with a mid-century modern sideboard in walnut; an industrial-style interior would match a metal sideboard; or an off-white sideboard with a minimalist design would go well with a Scandinavian-modern interior scheme. Creating a sideboard aesthetic that matches your interior can also help ensure there is balance in the room, and, as a result, puts greater emphasis on space.  

How do you arrange items on a sideboard?

When it comes to utilising the surface of a sideboard there are a few arrangement considerations to make. Start by creating a focal point with decorative items like artwork, photography, flowers, a mirror, or candles. To add depth, layer the items; taller pieces at the back, shorter ones at the front. Symmetry is important when it comes to decorating a sideboard, achieve this by grouping similar sized items together at either end of the sideboard. This will create a sense of calm and balance. To make the sideboard feel cohesive and tidy, incorporate a decorative tray to place the items on. You can also think about changing the items seasonally to create further interest.  

What do people use sideboards for?

A sideboard is a versatile piece of furniture that is used throughout the home; commonly seen in dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Sideboards are used mostly for storage; built with drawers, shelves and cabinets, it makes for the perfect place to hide and store items. Aside from storage, sideboards can be used to display ornaments and personal items that help create a focal point in a room, generate symmetry, or simply to add personality and character to an interior.

In a dining room, sideboards can also be used as a place to serve canapes and drinks at a dinner party, or as a space filler in an open space – further adding to the room’s aesthetic.