A sideboard is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can add to your home. Whether you need extra storage in a dining room, a stylish media unit in a living room, or a statement piece for a hallway, the right sideboard combines practicality with design.
At Home Living Warehouse, we stock a wide range of premium ex-display and graded sideboards from leading brands including John Lewis and Swyft, offering high-end furniture at a fraction of retail prices.
This guide explains everything you need to know before buying a sideboard, including sizing, styles, storage options, materials, and what to look for when shopping online.
What is a sideboard?
A sideboard is a low storage unit typically used in dining rooms and living spaces. Most sideboards combine cupboards, drawers, and shelving, making them ideal for storing everything from tableware and glassware to books, electronics, and household essentials.
Originally designed for dining rooms, modern sideboards are now commonly used in:
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
- Open-plan spaces
The clean horizontal shape makes a sideboard practical without overpowering a room, while the surface can be styled with lamps, mirrors, artwork, or decorative accessories.
Why sideboards are so popular
Sideboards have become increasingly popular because they combine:
- Stylish storage
- Hidden organisation
- Display space
- Multi-room versatility
- Space-saving practicality
Unlike bulky cabinets or shelving units, sideboards keep rooms feeling open while still offering generous storage capacity.
Modern styles such as Swyft sideboards and John Lewis sideboards are especially popular due to their timeless designs, premium finishes, and suitability for contemporary homes.
Step 1: Choose the right sideboard size
Getting the size correct is essential.
Width
The width of your sideboard should suit both the room size and the wall it sits against.
General guide:
- Small spaces: 90–120cm
- Standard rooms: 130–160cm
- Large rooms/open-plan spaces: 160cm+
Leave enough clearance around the sideboard so doors and drawers open comfortably.
Height
Most sideboards sit between 75–90cm tall. This keeps them practical for storage while maintaining a low visual profile that works well in living rooms and dining spaces.
Depth
Standard depth is usually between 35–45cm.
For hallways or tighter spaces, narrower sideboards work better to avoid restricting movement.
Best rooms for a sideboard
Living room sideboards
One of the most common uses for a sideboard is in the living room.
A living room sideboard can:
- Store cables and electronics
- Work as a TV unit
- Display lamps and décor
- Hide everyday clutter
Long, low sideboards work especially well in modern homes because they complement sofas and media setups naturally.
Dining room sideboards
The traditional home for a sideboard.
Dining room sideboards are perfect for storing:
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Glassware
- Serving dishes
- Table linen
The top surface also works well as a serving area when entertaining guests.
Hallway sideboards
A narrow sideboard can transform a hallway by creating practical storage for:
- Keys
- Post
- Shoes
- Bags
- Everyday essentials
Pairing a sideboard with a mirror above also helps make smaller hallways feel larger and brighter.
Bedroom sideboards
Sideboards also work well in bedrooms as alternative storage units or media cabinets, especially in larger rooms.
Popular sideboard styles
Mid-century sideboards
Mid-century sideboards remain one of the most searched and best-selling furniture styles online.
Features include:
- Clean lines
- Tapered legs
- Minimalist handles
- Natural wood finishes
- Long, low proportions
This style works beautifully in:
- Modern homes
- Scandinavian interiors
- Contemporary apartments
- Open-plan living spaces
Many Swyft sideboards follow this timeless design approach.
Contemporary sideboards
Modern contemporary sideboards often feature:
- Minimal detailing
- Matt finishes
- Neutral colours
- Push-close doors
- Sleek geometric shapes
These suit modern interiors where a clean, uncluttered look is preferred.
Oak sideboards
Oak sideboards remain one of the most popular furniture choices in the UK due to their durability and timeless appearance.
Benefits include:
- Long-lasting construction
- Natural warmth
- Easy styling with different interiors
- Strong resale value
At Home Living Warehouse, we regularly stock oak sideboards from John Lewis, Swyft, and other premium brands.
Swyft sideboards
Swyft sideboards are known for their clean modern styling, premium materials, and contemporary Scandinavian-inspired designs.
Popular features include:
- Soft-close drawers
- Oak finishes
- Slim modern profiles
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Contemporary styling
Swyft furniture is particularly popular in modern living rooms and open-plan homes due to its balance of practicality and minimalist design.
John Lewis sideboards
John Lewis sideboards are highly regarded for their quality, timeless styling, and durable construction.
Their collections often combine:
- Premium oak finishes
- Contemporary design
- Excellent storage layouts
- Strong build quality
- Neutral styling that suits most homes
At Home Living Warehouse, we regularly source ex-display and graded John Lewis sideboards, allowing customers to buy premium furniture at significantly reduced prices.
What to look for when buying a sideboard
Before purchasing, check:
- Material quality
- Drawer runners
- Soft-close mechanisms
- Storage configuration
- Adjustable shelving
- Overall dimensions
- Condition grading
A well-made sideboard should feel solid, stable, and practical for everyday use.
Why buy a sideboard from Home Living Warehouse?
We specialise in premium graded, ex-display, and discounted furniture from leading UK brands including:
- John Lewis
- Swyft
- Habitat
- MADE
- And more
Our customers benefit from:
- Significant savings off retail prices
- Honest condition grading
- Real product photography
- Unique stock arrivals
- Nationwide delivery options
Whether you're looking for a modern Swyft sideboard, a classic oak sideboard, or discounted John Lewis furniture, we regularly update our collection with new arrivals.
FAQs
What is the standard size of a sideboard?
Most sideboards are between 75–90cm tall and 35–45cm deep, with widths varying depending on style and storage requirements.
Are sideboards still in style?
Yes. Sideboards remain one of the most popular furniture pieces in modern homes due to their versatility, storage capacity, and timeless appearance.
Can a sideboard be used as a TV unit?
Absolutely. Many modern sideboards work perfectly as TV units, particularly wider low-profile designs.
What is the difference between a sideboard and a buffet?
The terms are often interchangeable. In the UK, “sideboard” is more commonly used, while “buffet” is more common internationally.
Are ex-display sideboards worth buying?
Yes. Ex-display sideboards often provide excellent value, allowing customers to purchase premium furniture brands at substantially reduced prices.
What brands of sideboards do you sell?
At Home Living Warehouse, we regularly stock sideboards from premium brands including John Lewis and Swyft, alongside other leading UK furniture manufacturers.