Most dining rooms have one long wall that ends up empty, and that is usually where a sideboard goes. If you are trying to work out what a sideboard is, how it differs from a buffet or a credenza, and whether you need one, the short version is that all three are storage cabinets. They differ in height, legs and where they tend to live in a home. This guide covers the differences, standard sizes, and how to style one.
What Is a Sideboard and What Is It Used For?
A sideboard is a waist-height cabinet that holds what you use at the table: plates, serving bowls, cutlery, linens, and glassware. The top works as a serving surface, so you can set out dishes during a dinner and keep the table clear.
Most sideboards sit on legs or a short plinth and have a mix of cupboard doors and drawers. A sideboard cabinet with a felt-lined or divided drawer keeps cutlery in one place, which saves a trip to the kitchen when you set the table.
For example, the Raffles Sideboard 2 Door measures 45 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 34 inches high. Behind its two doors sits a full-width drawer with a velvet cutlery tray. It comes in Grey & Pewter or Natural. At 45 inches wide, it suits a smaller dining room or a wall between two windows.
Standard Sideboard Sizes
Measure the wall and the room before you shop. These are the ranges you will see most often:
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Height: 30 to 36 inches, close to or a little above dining table height.
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Depth: 16 to 20 inches.
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Length: 45 to 84 inches, with longer pieces for large rooms.
Leave at least 36 inches between the front of the sideboard and the back of a pulled-out dining chair. Less than that and people squeeze past each other with plates in hand.
Buffet vs Sideboard: Is There a Difference?
In most stores today, no. The two names refer to the same piece, and many product pages use both. When people do draw a line in the buffet vs sideboard question, it usually comes down to these points:
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Sideboard: sits on legs, often a little shorter, with a mix of drawers and doors.
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Buffet: larger cabinets that run closer to the floor, built for serving and heavy dining storage.
If you are shopping, ignore the label and check the dimensions, the storage inside and the height of the top.
Credenza vs Sideboard: Where Each One Works
The clearer split is between a credenza and the other two. A credenza is usually lower, around 24 to 30 inches high, with sliding or flush doors and short legs or none at all. You see it in living rooms as a media cabinet and in home offices for files and printers.
So in the credenza vs sideboard choice, room comes first. Pick a sideboard for dining storage and serving at table height. Pick a credenza for a living room or office, where a lower top sits under a TV or a window. Even here the terms overlap. The Raffles product description calls the piece a two-door credenza, even though it sits at sideboard height.
Sideboard, Buffet and Credenza Compared
|
Piece |
Typical height |
Common room |
Main use |
|
Sideboard |
30 to 36 in |
Dining room |
Dishware, cutlery, serving |
|
Buffet |
32 to 36 in |
Dining room |
Serving, larger dining storage |
|
Credenza |
24 to 30 in |
Living room, office |
Media, files, display |
How to Style a Sideboard in Dining Room Layouts
Styling a sideboard in dining room settings starts with the wall above it. Work in this order:
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Hang a mirror or art first. Aim for two-thirds to three-quarters of the sideboard length, with the bottom edge 6 to 10 inches above the top.
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Add height at one or both ends. A pair of table lamps works well on a long sideboard. A single lamp balanced by a tall vase suits a shorter one.
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Styling a sideboard to perfectly complement your dining table starts with the wall above it.
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Leave space clear. If you serve from the top, keep at least half of it empty.
Protect wood tops with coasters and trays, and keep the piece out of direct sunlight. The Canadian Conservation Institute also advises against placing potted plants directly on wood furniture, since watering can damage the finish. Set real plants on a waterproof saucer or tray.
How to Decorate a Sideboard in Other Rooms
The same rules apply, with a few small changes. If you are working out how to decorate a sideboard in a living room, swap serving space for books, framed photos and a lamp. Under a TV, keep the top lower and simpler, and run cords through the back.
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Entry or hallway: a deep tray for keys and mail, a lamp, and a mirror above.
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Bedroom: extra drawer storage for sweaters and linens, with a small lamp on top.
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Home office: a printer and files inside the doors, a plant and a few books on top.
Choose a Sideboard That Fits Your Room and Your Dishes
Once you know the difference between a sideboard, buffet, and credenza, choosing the right one comes down to three measurements: wall length, clearance behind your dining chairs, and table height.
Keep these numbers handy as you browse the collection, or bring them to the Iconic Living showroom to compare sizes, finishes, and storage in person.
Need a sideboard that perfectly matches your living room? Explore our extensive customization options by booking a design consultation with our expert team at Iconic Living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Credenza and a Sideboard?
A credenza is usually lower, around 24 to 30 inches, with sliding or flush doors and short legs or none. It typically sits in living rooms and offices. A sideboard stands 30 to 36 inches high and is built for dining storage.
What Is a Sideboard Cabinet Used For?
It stores dinnerware, cutlery, table linens and glassware near the dining table. The top doubles as a serving surface during meals and holidays.
How Do You Style a Sideboard in a Dining Room?
Hang a mirror or art above it, add a lamp or tall vase at the ends, and keep the middle low with a tray or candlesticks. Leave enough of the top clear to set out serving dishes.
What Do You Put on Top of a Sideboard?
Table lamps, a tray, a bowl, candlesticks, a few books or a vase. Three to five pieces is usually enough. Use coasters and trays to protect a wood top.
What Is the Difference Between a Buffet and a Sideboard?
Most stores use the names interchangeably. When there is a difference, a buffet has larger cabinets that sit closer to the floor, and a sideboard stands on legs with a mix of drawers and doors.
