Sideboards have come a long way since their early days in dining rooms, quietly holding plates and gravy boats like loyal, dependable furniture soldiers. These days, they’ve evolved into one of the most versatile and stylish pieces you can add to your living room — offering storage, surface space, and a whole lot of character.

At The Home & Office Stores, we absolutely love sideboards. They’re the secret weapon for anyone who wants a stylish home without the clutter. Whether you need a place to stash away board games, important documents, spare candles for emergencies (or vibes), or simply want somewhere nice to display your favourite décor, a well-chosen sideboard transforms a room.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know before choosing a sideboard — from styles and materials to sizing and storage options — while showcasing some of the beautiful pieces we offer, like the Lazio White 4 Door 2 Drawer Sideboard, and the compact and modern Darwin 1 Door Sideboard.

Grab a brew and let’s dive in.

What Makes a Sideboard So Useful?

Sideboards are the unsung champions of the living room. Not only do they look great, but they solve countless everyday problems without making a fuss.

1. They eliminate clutter

If your living room sometimes resembles a “floor-based storage solution”, you’re not alone. A sideboard with a mix of cupboards and drawers — like the
Arundel Oak 2 Door 2 Drawer Sideboard — helps keep everything neatly hidden.

2. They add stylish storage

Sideboards are perfect for:

• Candles & diffusers
• Remote controls
• Board games
• DVDs (if you’re still holding on, respectfully)
• Coasters, placemats, and linen
• Kids’ toys you want out of sight by 8pm

Modern options like the Lazio White Sideboard 2 Door 4 Drawer give you plenty of internal organisation.

3. They create a focal point

Think of a sideboard as the ideal place to display:

• Lamps
• Art prints
• Family photos
• Fake plants (we won’t tell)
• Your fancy whisky collection if you’re feeling sophisticated

4. They can divide spaces

If you’ve got an open-plan living room, a well-placed sideboard can subtly separate areas — without blocking light or making anything feel closed-off.

Choosing the Right Size Sideboard

Sideboards come in all shapes and sizes. The key is choosing one that suits your space without overwhelming it.

1. Measure your room (properly!)

We all eyeball things and hope for the best, but trust us — measure twice.
Make sure you allow space for opening doors, walking past, and occasionally dancing around it after a few gins.

2. For smaller spaces…

Go for neat, compact designs like the:

These give you plenty of storage without hogging floor space.

3. For medium to large rooms…

Try wider or taller options such as:

These pieces give you a grander surface area and loads of internal storage.

Choosing Between Doors, Drawers, Shelving, or All Three

Sideboards come with different internal layouts — and each one suits different needs.

All-Door Sideboards

Great for large, flexible storage and are perfect for:

• Books
• General clutter
• Seasonal décor
• Console accessories

Drawer Sideboards

If organisation is your thing, drawers are essential.
We love the Lazio White 2 Door 4 Drawer Sideboard for this — ideal for bits and bobs that need their own designated space.

Mixed Layout Sideboards

The best all-rounders.
Something like the Arundel Oak 2 Door 2 Drawer Sideboard gives you:

• Roomy cupboards
• Space for tall items
• Drawers for organised chaos

Top Storage Features to Look Out For

Not all sideboards are created equal — here’s what to look for when comparing options.

Adjustable Shelving

Brilliant for customising your storage space.
The Arundel Green Sideboard includes adjustable shelves for added flexibility.

Soft Close Doors

No more slamming cupboard doors when someone steals your snacks.
Many modern options like the Lazio White range offer smooth, soft-close functionality.

Deep Drawers

Great for storing everything from placemats to spare cables.
Sideboards like the Arundel Oak 2 Drawer Sideboard are ideal for this.

Sturdy, Weight-Bearing Tops

A good sideboard lets you decorate the surface — lamps, vases, frames, or your favourite bottle of gin.
Baumhaus reclaimed pieces are extremely solid and perfect for styling.

How to Style Your Sideboard

Once you’ve chosen your perfect sideboard, it’s time to dress it up and make it shine.

1. Lamps

A tall lamp adds height and creates an inviting warm glow.

2. Plants

Real or fake — no judgement. They add life and texture.

3. Artwork

Either hang a piece above the sideboard or lean a frame casually against the wall for a modern look.

4. Books & Sculptures

Stacked books or decorative objects help create balance.

5. Trays for Organisation

Keeps keys, remotes and other small items neatly contained.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are sideboards only for living rooms?

Not at all — they also work beautifully in dining rooms, hallways, home offices, and bedrooms.

2. Do your sideboards come assembled?

Many arrive as flat-pack (easy instructions included), while Baumhaus reclaimed furniture typically comes fully assembled.

3. How much weight can a sideboard top hold?

Most can hold décor, lamps, or even a small TV, but reclaimed ranges like Baumhaus pieces offer extra strength.

4. Is oak or reclaimed wood better?

Oak gives a clean, modern finish.
Reclaimed wood offers character and uniqueness — no two pieces look the same.