10 Stylish Sideboard Ideas for Modern UK Homes

Dec 29, 2025

A sideboard is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. Beyond simply offering storage, it can anchor a wall, display décor, act as a serving station and even help define different zones in open-plan spaces.

If you already have a sideboard - or you’re thinking of investing in one - here are 10 stylish sideboard ideas to inspire you, using examples you can find in the SOOXOS Sideboards collection.

1. Create a living room media hub

One of the most popular ways to use a sideboard is as a media unit in the living room.

Position the sideboard under a wall-mounted TV.
Use the cupboards and drawers to hide cables, consoles, remotes and streaming devices.
Style the top with a lamp, a few books and a small plant to soften the tech.

Choose a sideboard that’s wide enough to visually balance the TV and low enough not to block the screen. Pieces with cable management or open sections at the back are especially useful.

Valencia Cane & Mango Wood 4 Doors Sideboard

2. Turn your sideboard into a home bar

Sideboards make excellent drinks cabinets or home bars, especially in open-plan living and dining spaces.

Inside, store:

Bottles, glassware and cocktail tools.
Trays, coasters and napkins.

On the top surface:

Add a tray with a few favourite bottles and glasses.
Include a small lamp or candle to create an evening atmosphere.
Keep it uncluttered so serving drinks feels easy.

For this idea, sideboards with drawers and shelves work best, and darker finishes or marble-effect tops can give a sophisticated, bar-like feel.

Libra Delaney Bone Inlay Four Door Sideboard

3. Style a welcoming hallway station

Hallways are often forgotten, but the right sideboard can make them both beautiful and practical.

Use a slimmer sideboard to:

Store shoes, bags, hats, scarves and umbrellas.
Keep everyday clutter hidden as you come through the door.
Provide a surface for a lamp, a mirror and a tray for keys and post items.

Hang a mirror above the sideboard to bounce light and give you a last-look checkpoint before leaving the house. A small bowl or tray on top catches keys and coins, keeping things organised.

Contour Collection 2 Drawer 2 Door Sideboard

4. Make a dining room entertaining station

In the dining room, a sideboard is your best friend for entertaining.

Inside:

Store plates, bowls, serving dishes, table linen and glassware.

On the top:

Use it as a serving station for dishes during dinner parties.
Set up a drinks area with a carafe, water glasses and wine.
Add a simple floral arrangement or candles to finish the look.

During everyday life, keep the surface clear except for a lamp, artwork or a decorative bowl. This keeps the room feeling calm and uncluttered between occasions.

Cosmo Industrial Extra Large Sideboard

5. Use a sideboard to zone open-plan spaces

In open-plan living/dining areas, a sideboard can subtly divide zones without blocking light.

You can:

Place a sideboard behind a sofa to mark the end of the living area.
Use one along the wall between the living and dining zones, changing décor slightly on each end to reflect each function.
Combine with a rug and lighting to define separate “rooms” within the open space.

Choose a design that looks good from multiple angles – for example, a sideboard with interesting doors and legs, rather than one meant to sit flat against the wall only.

Libra Lexington Art Deco 4 Door Antique Mirrored Sideboard

6. Create a bedroom storage and display area

Sideboards aren’t just for living and dining rooms – they can work beautifully in bedrooms too.

Use a sideboard to:

Store folded clothes, knitwear, bed linen or extra pillows.
Display a large mirror and turn it into a mini dressing area.
Add personal touches like photos, candles and a jewellery stand.

Place it opposite the bed or under a window, depending on your layout. Choose softer finishes such as warm wood or light colours to keep the room feeling calm.

D.I. Designs Hampton Ivory Shagreen & Gold Sideboard

7. Build a statement art wall above your sideboard

If you want your sideboard area to feel more “designed”, pair it with a gallery wall or large artwork.

Centred above the sideboard, hang one big statement piece or a carefully arranged group of smaller frames.
Keep the styling on the top surface simple so the art can stand out.
Use colours from the artwork in your accessories (vase, candles, books) to tie everything together.

This approach works especially well with plain-fronted, minimalist sideboards – the art becomes the focal point, while the sideboard adds storage and structure.

Libra Monterey 4 Door Dark Wood Buffet Sideboard

8. Keep kids’ or family clutter under control

In family homes, a sideboard can be a lifesaver for managing everyday clutter.

In a living or play area, use a sideboard to:

Store toys, games, craft supplies and school things.
Keep chargers, headphones and tech accessories out of sight.
Rotate what’s displayed on top – perhaps a plant and a framed drawing.

Opt for a robust, easy-clean finish and handles that are easy for children to use. Baskets or boxes inside the cupboards make it simple to tidy up quickly.

Toko Light Mango Large Sideboard

9. Go minimalist with carefully chosen décor

If you love a clean, uncluttered look, your sideboard can reflect that.

Try:

One table lamp at one end.
A single vase with greenery or flowers.
A low bowl or tray in the centre.

Leave plenty of space on the top. This minimalist styling works especially well with sleek modern sideboards in white, black, grey or pale wood, and helps small rooms feel calm and open.

Peony Wenge Black Oak Wood Sideboard

10. Style your sideboard seasonally

For extra interest throughout the year, refresh your sideboard with seasonal décor:

In spring, add soft colours, fresh flowers and light ceramics.
In summer, keep it airy with glass, greenery and natural textures.
In autumn, bring in warm tones, candles and textured vases.
In winter, layer in fairy lights, rich colours and cosy accents.

You don’t need to change the furniture – just swap a few accessories and your sideboard will always feel in tune with the rest of your home.

2 Door 3 Drawer Sideboard Grey Whetsel

Find your next sideboard with SOOXOS

Whether you need extra storage in the living room, a stylish hallway station or a statement piece in the dining room, a sideboard can completely transform your space.

At SOOXOS, our Sideboards collection includes:

Compact designs for smaller living rooms and hallways.
Statement solid-wood and marble-effect sideboards for dining spaces.
Mixed-material pieces with metal legs for a lighter, modern look.
Versatile sideboards that work in bedrooms, home offices and open-plan layouts.

Explore our Sideboards collection to find a piece that fits your home and brings together style, storage and everyday practicality.

Libra Burgess Bone Inlay 3 Door Sideboard with Grey & White Pattern

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