I've always found that sideboards are one of those pieces of furniture that can make or break a room. They offer so much potential, but many of us (myself included!) struggle with how to style them properly. After years of rearranging my own sideboard every few months, I've picked up some tips that I wish someone had shared with me sooner.
What's the Difference Between a Sideboard, Buffet, and Credenza?
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Let's clear this up first because I spent way too long being confused about this! While these terms are often used interchangeably (and that's totally fine), there are some subtle differences:
- A sideboard is generally any long, low storage piece with cabinets or drawers
- A buffet is traditionally found in dining rooms, sometimes with taller legs
- A credenza originally referred to a piece without legs, often found in offices or living areas
- A console is typically narrower and designed for entryways or behind sofas
Honestly, call it whatever you want—what matters is how you use it!
Start with the Rule of Three
The design world's obsession with the rule of three isn't just superstition—it's visual magic. Think of your sideboard as prime real estate divided into three zones:
- Left zone: Home to something tall and statement-making (like that plant you haven't killed yet)
- Middle zone: The star of the show (artwork, mirror, or the family photo where everyone actually looks good)
- Right zone: Balance the left with complementary height (lamp, vase, or that weird sculpture your mother-in-law gave you that you've grown to love)
Mix Up Your Heights
The first time I styled my sideboard, everything was the same height, and it looked incredibly flat and boring. Now I always make sure to include:
- Something tall to draw the eye up
- Medium-height pieces for interest
- Lower items in front
This creates a natural flow that guides your eye across the entire piece. I've found this makes such a difference in how pulled-together everything looks.
Different Rooms, Different Needs
In the Dining Room
In the dining room, your sideboard needs to work harder than your oven during Thanksgiving:
- Include serving pieces that aren't just sitting there looking pretty (they should be ready for action when food arrives)
- Add a bar tray that says "I'm a sophisticated adult who knows how to pour drinks" (even if you're just serving juice boxes)
- Leave empty space for the inevitable pizza boxes when your gourmet dinner plans fail
In the Entryway
Your entryway sideboard is the bouncer of your home—it decides what gets in and what doesn't:
- A catch-all bowl that mysteriously fills with things you don't remember putting there
- A mirror for last-minute appearance checks (or practicing your "I'm so happy to see you" face)
- A lamp because no one deserves to fumble for keys in the dark
- Hidden storage for all the evidence that you're not as organized as your styled sideboard suggests
In the Living Room
In the living room, your sideboard is pulling double duty:
- Home to the TV (and its 37 remotes that no one knows how to use)
- Storage for board games (including that one with missing pieces)
- Display space for the books you want visitors to think you've read
- Secret keeper of snacks and entertainment essentials
The Foolproof Styling Formula
For those who need step-by-step instructions (we see you, Pinterest-fail veterans):
- The Anchor: Something on the wall (art, mirror, mounted TV, your child's macaroni masterpiece)
- The Bookends: Two similar items at each end (lamps, vases, the matching bookends you actually use as decor)
- The Filler: Various heights of pretty things between the bookends (arranged like a mountain range, not a parking lot)
- The Greenery: Something plant-like (real, fake, or drawn on paper—we don't judge)
- The Personal: Something that tells your story
Common Mistakes I've Made (So You Don't Have To)
Trust me, I've made all of these mistakes:
- Overcrowding the surface (less really is more)
- Making everything perfectly symmetrical (a little asymmetry looks more natural)
- Forgetting to leave functional space when needed
- Using only decorative items with no personal elements
- Styling once and never changing it (sideboards should evolve over time!)
Easy Seasonal Updates
One thing I love about sideboards is how easily they can reflect the changing seasons:
- Spring calls for fresh flowers and lighter colors
- Summer is perfect for coastal elements and vibrant accents
- Fall brings warmer tones and more textural pieces
- Winter is ideal for incorporating metallics and festive touches
These small changes keep your home feeling current without major redecorating.
Budget-Friendly Ideas That Look Expensive
You don't need to bankrupt yourself for sideboard style:
- Shop your home like it's B/M (that vase collecting dust in the guest room wants a promotion)
- Raid your kitchen for pretty things (cake stands aren't just for cake, they're for elevating your decor game)
- Books, books, books (they make you look smart and double as risers—win-win!)
- Thrift store treasures that need nothing more than a coat of spray paint to look expensive
Let Your Sideboard Tell Your Story
At the end of the day, your sideboard should reflect you—your style, your sense of humor, your tendency to collect weird salt and pepper shakers. The most interesting sideboards tell a story that's uniquely yours.
Final Pro Tip: Take a photo of your styling masterpiece before the cats/kids/partner inevitably rearrange it all. You'll thank yourself later.
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