Sideboards and buffets are more than just storage furniture — they're style statements. Whether in your living room, dining area, or entryway, how you decorate these surfaces can elevate your entire home aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 inspiring and practical ways to style sideboards and cabinets like a pro interior designer.
Related reading: What is a sideboard? The difference of sideboard and wine cabinet
Table of Contents
- 1. Use Statement Artwork
- 2. Layer with Mirrors
- 3. Incorporate Greenery
- 4. Style with Books
- 5. Showcase Personal Collections
- 6. Create Height with Lamps or Sculptures
- 7. Mix Textures and Materials
- 8. Rotate Seasonal Decor
- 9. Use Decorative Trays
- 10. Keep It Functional and Clutter-Free
1. Use Statement Artwork
Anchor your sideboard with a bold piece of artwork above it. Oversized art creates a focal point and makes the wall feel intentional. Choose a piece that ties into your color scheme or adds a pop of contrast.
2. Layer with Mirrors
Mirrors add depth and reflect natural light, making a room feel brighter and larger. A round mirror centered above your sideboard can also introduce softness to angular furniture.
3. Incorporate Greenery
Add life and freshness to your cabinet display with plants—whether real or faux. A tall leafy plant like a Monstera or Fiddle Leaf Fig can create instant height and drama, while a small succulent or eucalyptus stems bring a modern, minimal vibe.
Why it works: Greenery doesn’t just look pretty—it has proven benefits for your home environment. Great choices: Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Eucalyptus stems
- Softens the space: Plants break up harsh furniture lines and add natural texture, making the room feel more layered and inviting.
- Boosts mood & reduces stress: Studies show that being around greenery—even faux plants—creates a calming effect and makes spaces feel more welcoming.
- Adds color naturally: The green tones work as a neutral accent, blending with almost any color palette while keeping the look fresh.
- Improves air quality (with real plants): Some indoor plants can help filter the air, making your space healthier as well as stylish.
4. Style with Books
Stack a few beautiful coffee table books horizontally and top with a small decor object like a candle, crystal, or ceramic dish. It adds personality and a curated touch.
Tip: Choose books that reflect your interests — art, travel, design — and mix vertical with horizontal stacks for dimension.
5. Showcase Personal Collections
Display items that tell your story. Whether it’s ceramic vases, vintage cameras, or travel souvenirs, group them intentionally for a gallery-like effect.
6. Create Height with Lamps or Sculptures
Play with vertical space using tall items like table lamps, candle holders, or sculptural pieces. It balances lower decor like trays and books.
7. Mix Textures and Materials
Texture brings warmth and richness. Combine materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, and glass. Try a brass lamp with a linen shade, paired with a rustic wooden bowl or glossy ceramic vase.
8. Rotate Seasonal Decor
Keep your display fresh by updating with the seasons. In spring, add tulips and pastel ceramics; for autumn, try pumpkins and amber glass; in winter, bring in pine branches and candles.
9. Use Decorative Trays
Trays corral items and add structure. A mirrored or marble tray can hold candles, diffusers, or small plants while keeping the space neat and intentional.
10. Keep It Functional and Clutter-Free
Don’t sacrifice utility for aesthetics. Keep essentials like keys, coasters, or cutlery accessible but styled. Use decorative boxes or bowls to store items out of sight while maintaining beauty.
Remember: Less is more. Leave negative space to let each item shine.
FAQ
What Are 5 Important Things to Put on a Sideboard?
A well-styled sideboard usually includes:
- Artwork or a mirror – to anchor the wall and create a focal point.
- Greenery – plants or flowers bring life and color.
- Lighting – a table lamp or candles add warmth and height.
- Books or decorative objects – for personality and texture.
- A tray – to group smaller items and keep things organized.
👉 These elements balance height, texture, and color, giving your sideboard a polished, curated look without clutter.
What Do I Put in the Storage Area of a Buffet Cabinet or Sideboard?
The storage inside a sideboard is just as useful as the display on top. Depending on where it’s placed, you can store:
Dining room: extra plates, serving dishes, table linens, and wine glasses.
Living room: board games, candles, throw blankets, or media accessories.
Multi-purpose: seasonal décor, office supplies, or even kids’ crafts.
Can a Sideboard Be Used As a TV Stand?
Yes! A sideboard can double as a stylish TV stand. Most are wide and sturdy enough to support a flat-screen, and the closed cabinets are perfect for hiding cords, consoles, and streaming devices.
This is especially helpful in smaller living rooms since sideboards are typically long and narrow, maximizing storage without taking up extra floor space.
Can a Sideboard Go in a Living Room?
Absolutely—sideboards work beautifully in living rooms. You can use one as a media console, a display surface for art and lamps, a mini bar, or hidden storage for blankets and extra pillows.
A sideboard in the living room blends practicality with style, giving you storage while doubling as a design feature.
Can I Use a Sideboard in a Bedroom?
Yes, a sideboard can be surprisingly useful in a bedroom. Use it to store linens, out-of-season clothes, or electronics you’d like out of sight. The top surface is perfect for displaying décor, framed photos, or even as a vanity setup with a mirror and a jewelry tray.
It’s a clever way to add both storage and style without a bulky dresser.
Are Sideboards Still in Style?
Definitely. Sideboards remain one of the most versatile pieces of furniture, and today’s designs are anything but outdated. From mid-century modern and Scandinavian minimalism to rustic farmhouse and sleek floating sideboards, there’s a style to match every home.
More than just storage, sideboards are a design statement—perfect for displaying art, layering décor, or keeping your home clutter-free.
Conclusion
Whether you're going for minimal and modern or layered and eclectic, these 10 strategies will help you turn your sideboards and cabinets into functional works of art. Take inspiration from these ideas, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through.
Continue Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Sideboard
