When many people hear the word “sideboard,” they imagine “grandmother’s” furniture. Yes, a few decades ago it was difficult to find an apartment that did not have this piece of furniture. But this cabinet for storing dishes in the modern world is very different from its predecessors. Possessing a stylish design and attractive appearance, it fits perfectly into the interior of almost any home and is its “highlight”.
Sideboard in Provence style
Types of sideboards
The sideboard permanently consists of two parts: upper and lower. The upper part, as a rule, is framed with transparent glass, behind which dishes or some other household items are located. This part is the face of the sideboard; everyone turns their attention to it.
The lower part is closed, something like a spacious cabinet, into which things that are of no value or interest are placed - everyday cutlery sets, bed linen, tablecloths, towels, napkins and other things.
The height of a standard sideboard does not exceed two meters; there are one-meter models. The shelves in the upper part of the sideboard are made of glass and transparent. The shelves at the bottom are heavy, wooden, and can support heavy objects. At times, instead of shelves, you can find drawers.
There is a small free niche between the top and bottom. You can place vases, baskets, flowers, fruits, newspapers and similar items on it.
Today, niches are specially created in the buffet for various video equipment - in particular, for TV.
Sideboards can be double-leaf, three-leaf or four-leaf. The doors are often decorated with various patterns or any other fittings. You can also use stained glass as cabinet trim.
In most cases, sideboards are made with four stable legs, but there are options with no legs at all.
Varieties of modern models of sideboards
Depending on the characteristics, several varieties can be distinguished. The first classification is collapsible and non-collapsible sideboards. Non-separable models are more durable and stable, but the downside is that they are more difficult to transport. Collapsible models are easy to deliver, but you will have to spend time or money (hire a craftsman) to assemble them.
Sideboard made of natural wood
Based on functionality, sideboards are divided into:
- Gorki. Suitable for small spaces. Consists of several racks, shelves and drawers. There is a niche where you can place a TV, and shelves to display a variety of decor for guests.
- Angular. In the catalog of any furniture manufacturer there is more than one corner sideboard for the living room. Such models do not take up extra space, but are large in capacity. Their design provides for shelves and drawers of different widths. The size of the corner cabinet directly depends on the size of the room. You can place a huge sideboard along two walls, then other wardrobes will not be needed.
- Buffets. A classic option that is designed directly for storing dishes.
Sideboard is a display case for the living room. To focus attention on the decorative items behind the glass, today's designers often complement sideboards with lighting.
Sideboard - modernity
Most of today's youth believe that sideboards are a thing of the past. On the one hand, they are right, because thirty years ago every family had a sideboard. Grandmothers put the most expensive things they have in the sideboards - porcelain dishes, crystal goblets and glasses. A sideboard was placed in the living room. It contained expensive dishes, which were taken out only on holidays. In addition to dishes, the sideboard contained wine glasses and various other kitchen utensils.
However, if we look at today’s furniture fashion, the sideboard does not give up its place to anyone, and today it is still incredibly popular among buyers as before. Today, a sideboard can be used not only for storing dishes.
Modern designers come up with and create all kinds of sideboards for dishes. If the consumer wants to show guests what beautiful dishes he has, he should choose an open display type sideboard. In such a sideboard you can clearly see all the accessories on the mezzanine.
The back wall of the sideboard is mirrored. The mirror reflects the dishes that are located, visually it seems that there is an impressive amount of beautiful plates inside.
Design of sideboards in a classic style
White sideboard in the interior of a classic living room
In the 18th century, only wealthy people could afford sideboards. Sideboards for the living room were made only from valuable wood. Appearing in the Baroque and Rococo eras, this piece of furniture was obliged to follow the general trends of pretentiousness:
- voluminous curved legs;
- abundance of carvings;
- a variety of decorative fittings;
- gold plated.
Sideboard in Art Deco style
Later, in the era of classicism, sideboards and buffets for the living room changed noticeably. Initially, only kitchen utensils were stored in them, but soon books, beautiful antique objects, souvenirs, and watches began to be placed on the shelves. This was due to the fact that the sideboard has now moved to the reception hall. Spectacular items were placed behind glass doors to be constantly visible.
Wooden sideboard decorated with gilded carvings
Solid wood sideboards were still popular, but products made from more budget-friendly materials began to appear. This made it possible for the middle class to purchase this piece of furniture. The ornate decor has disappeared, the design has become more laconic.
Classic polished wood sideboard
In our open spaces, sideboards became popular during Soviet times. The design has undergone further changes. This piece of furniture was most often purchased for the kitchen. The housing of an ordinary resident of the USSR did not imply any frills - everything was as simple as possible. Intricate decor has lost its relevance. The front of the sideboard was no longer decorated; it was carefully polished.
Modern blue sideboard
Restoration of old furniture
If you find an old sideboard at your dacha, do not rush to throw it away. If funds allow, you can give the cabinet for restoration. In addition, you can restore furniture yourself, with your own hands. To do this, it is enough to putty the sideboard and cover the top with paint or varnish.
But the easiest option is to cover it with self-adhesive film, the colors of which come in a variety of colors. Certain types of film imitate wood, which is why many visitors and guests will think that this is a wooden model.
How to make a sideboard?
In addition to restoring old furniture, you can make your own sideboard from scratch. It will fit perfectly into any interior, creating coziness. To do this, you need to prepare beams that will serve as a vertical support for the two parts of the sideboard.
Next, you will need several boards that will form the basis of the cabinet. Make several sashes, attach them to the beams, then build something like a cabinet on which these sashes will be installed. Connect all the parts together. In general, armed with a plane and other tools, you can create wonderful things.
External gloss of sideboards
Beautiful sideboards are usually made in the Baroque style. Gold trim or mirror inserts are often used. This kind of furniture looks expensive, there is no rich interior that would not fit into an unusual, original sideboard.
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Sideboards in interior design
Provence style kitchens are a very popular trend that designers have been developing in recent years. Furniture manufacturers have not ignored this trend - almost all leading enterprises have released collections in the Provence style.
Modern white sideboard with lighting
Traditional colors for a Provence style kitchen are beige, white, brick, brown. The furniture should be the same color. A bright, spacious room will become a place where all family members will enjoy spending time.
Blue wooden sideboard for dishes
A white sideboard can become the main highlight of the room, but if you are afraid that too light furniture will cause you unnecessary problems with constant cleaning, then pay attention to a wenge-colored sideboard. This color is versatile and goes well with many other shades.
Carved sideboard with painting in a country house
Buyers like a sideboard in Provence style for its simplicity, lightness and elegance. On such furniture you can notice antique wear. If the manufacturer forgot to age the furniture, and you want full compliance with the style, then you can make antique furniture yourself. This procedure is much simpler than you might imagine. To get the “antique” effect of worn furniture, you need to paint it with chalk paints. They are sold in all major hardware stores and are produced in a wide range of shades.
Low sideboard with metal legs
Multifunctional cabinet
There are also options for a sideboard cabinet. Absolutely everything should be stored in it, even bedding. This wardrobe is convenient and comfortable, no different from a regular wardrobe in terms of convenience and spaciousness. This option looks very impressive.
Recently, sideboards designed for alcoholic beverages have become extremely popular. Such a cabinet is placed in the hallway, living room or kitchen and bottles of expensive alcohol are displayed in it, flaunted as if in a shop window.
The sideboard completely replaces the bar counter. Place glasses for guests in a hollow niche, and move comfortable high chairs nearby. The home bar is ready.
Caring for your sideboard is incredibly easy, just like any other piece of furniture in your home. It is recommended to protect this piece of furniture from direct sunlight and wipe dust on it (for this you should use any furniture polish containing resins and an antistatic agent).
Don’t forget to wipe the dinnerware sets, wine glasses and glasses inside the sideboard so that they always shine and look great, just like in a real display case.
A sideboard is a convenient thing, necessary in every home. A multifunctional cabinet, used as an option for storing various things, spacious and attractive in appearance. Decorate your home and make your life easier with extensive cupboards.
Shapes and sizes of sideboards
A standard sideboard for a home can have a height of 150–200 cm. The width should not be more than 200 cm. For the lower section the depth is approximately 45–50 cm, but for the upper section the standard is 30 cm. But this is only adhered to when creating finished furniture , made-to-measure options cater only to your needs.
It is important to take into account the features of different forms.
- Classic sideboard. It has legs, the upper part is smaller than the lower part.
- Floor. Installed directly on the floor.
- Corner sideboard. The inside resembles a triangle. Quite a complex storage system, but it looks very impressive. Typically, the corner option is used in rooms with a small area.
- Suspension. There is no bottom part, only the top. Can be used in conjunction with a separate wide cabinet.
- Ostrovny. The top is missing. This form is used to demonstrate finished dishes.
- Modular. It resembles a construction set; individual modules are installed in a way that is convenient for you.
