Sideboard Ideas & Buying Guide for Modern UK Homes

Dec 12, 2025

Ashford Natural Marble & Wood Extra Large Sideboard

Sideboards are one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture you can add to your home. They offer hidden storage, surface space for décor and drinks, and they help to visually anchor a wall or dining area. Whether you live in a compact city flat or a larger family home, the right sideboard can instantly make a room feel more organised and more stylish.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to choose the best sideboard for your space, what sizes and materials to consider, and how to use sideboards in different rooms throughout your home.

1. Why every modern home benefits from a sideboard

A sideboard is much more than “just” a cabinet.

It hides everyday clutter – tableware, glassware, paperwork, games and more.
It provides a natural place to display lamps, photos, candles, plants and art.
It helps to visually balance large pieces like sofas, dining tables or TVs.

Because sideboards sit against a wall, they don’t dominate the room like some larger storage pieces. Instead, they quietly support the rest of your furniture and give you valuable extra storage without feeling heavy.

Sorio 3 Door 4 Drawer Quirky Sideboard Reclaimed

2. Choosing the right size and proportions

Getting the proportions right is the most important part of buying a sideboard.

Width and wall space

Start by measuring the wall where the sideboard will go.

Leave a little breathing room at each end so it doesn’t look crammed into the corner.
In most living rooms and dining rooms, sideboards between 120–180 cm wide work beautifully.
For narrower hallways or smaller rooms, look for compact designs around 90–120 cm wide.

Think about what will be above the sideboard too – artwork, a mirror, shelves or a TV.

Height and surface use

The height you choose depends on how you plan to use the top surface:

Around 75–85 cm high is ideal if you want to use the sideboard as a serving area for drinks or food, or as a console-style surface for lamps and décor.
Slightly taller designs can work well in dining rooms or large living rooms, especially for extra storage.

Make sure the height feels comfortable if you’ll be pouring drinks, serving dishes or placing decorative objects you’ll rearrange often.

Depth and walking routes

Most sideboards are around 35–45 cm deep. In tighter spaces like hallways, choose a slimmer profile so you can still pass comfortably. In larger rooms, you can afford a slightly deeper piece for extra storage.

3. Sideboard styles and materials to consider

Your sideboard’s style has a big impact on the overall mood of the room. Think about whether you want it to blend in or stand out.

Warm and natural: solid wood and wood-effect sideboards

Wooden sideboards bring warmth and character into a space. They pair beautifully with neutral sofas, textured rugs and soft lighting.

Lighter woods work well in Scandinavian-inspired or coastal interiors.
Richer, darker woods feel cosy and sophisticated, perfect for dining rooms or living rooms with deeper colour palettes.

Look for details such as ribbed fronts, fluted doors or interesting grain patterns to add subtle texture without feeling busy.

Hudson Carved Solid Mango Wood 4 Door Large Sideboard

Sleek and modern: marble stone and high-contrast designs

If you prefer a more contemporary look, sideboards with marble tops, stone-look finishes or bold colour-contrast fronts can become a real statement piece.

Marble or stone-look tops add a touch of luxury and are easy to dress with simple décor.
Black, charcoal or deep walnut fronts can look incredible in modern living rooms, especially when balanced with lighter walls and flooring.
Gold or brass accents on handles and legs bring a subtle boutique-hotel feel.

These designs work perfectly in minimalist spaces where you want one striking piece to draw the eye.

Opal Mango Wood Sideboard With Marble Top & Metal Legs

Light and airy: mixed materials and metal legs

For smaller rooms or spaces that already have a lot of furniture, consider a lighter-looking sideboard:

Designs with slender metal legs lift the piece off the floor so it feels less heavy.
Mixed materials (wood + metal, wood + glass) add interest without overwhelming the room.
Paler finishes help reflect more light, keeping the space open.

These sideboards are ideal for hallways, open-plan living areas or anywhere you want storage that doesn’t visually dominate.

4. How to use sideboards in different rooms

One of the best things about sideboards is their flexibility. The same piece can work beautifully in a living room, dining room, hallway or even a bedroom.

In the living room: media and display hub

In the living room, a sideboard can:

Sit under a wall-mounted TV, hiding cables, consoles and media boxes.
Store board games, blankets, candles and seasonal décor.
Provide a surface for lamps, framed prints and decorative objects.

Choose a design that’s wide enough to visually balance the TV or artwork above it. If you have a lot of tech, look for sideboards with cable cut-outs or open sections at the back.

Willow Walnut Brown Wood & Grey Marble Sideboard

In the dining room: stylish storage for tableware

The dining room is where sideboards really shine:

Use the interior to store plates, bowls, serving dishes, glassware and table linen.
Keep the top clear for serving dishes during dinner parties, or for a tray with drinks, decanters and glasses.
Choose doors or drawers that open fully so you can see everything quickly when entertaining.

Warm wood or stone-top sideboards feel especially at home in dining spaces, adding a sense of permanence and quality.

In the hallway: clutter control with character

A slimmer sideboard in the hallway is a smart alternative to a console table:

Store shoes, bags, hats and scarves out of sight.
Use the top for a lamp, a mirror a tray for keys and a post.
Make a strong first impression when guests arrive.

Pick a piece that’s not too deep, so you can still move past comfortably.

In the bedroom or home office

Sideboards can also work in bedrooms or home offices:

In a bedroom, use one as a low storage unit for folded clothes, bedding or accessories.
In a home office or guest room, it can store files, stationery, spare bedding and even a printer.

This is a great way to add extra storage without resorting to large wardrobes or bulky chests.

5. How to style your sideboard like a designer

Once you’ve chosen the right piece, styling the top of your sideboard brings everything together.

Create balance with height and layers

Start with one or two taller elements – a lamp, a large vase or a framed artwork leaned against the wall.
Add medium-height pieces like candles, smaller vases or decorative objects.
Finish with low items such as books, a shallow bowl or a small tray.

This mix of heights keeps the arrangement interesting and polished.

Use the rule of three

Group objects in odd numbers – usually three – for a more natural, pleasing look. For example:

A lamp + a stack of books + a vase
A framed print + a candle + a small sculpture

Leave some clear space so the sideboard still feels practical and not over-cluttered.

Tie in colours and materials

Echo tones from your sofa, rug or curtains in your accessories.
Mix textures – wood, ceramic, glass, metal and greenery – to avoid a flat look.
If your sideboard is very bold, keep the décor simple and let the piece itself be the star.

Sorio 3 Door 3 Drawer Sideboard Limited Edition Reclaimed Wood

6. Find the right sideboard for your home with SOOXOS

The best sideboards combine generous storage with a design that feels effortless in your space. By thinking about size, proportions, materials and where in your home you’ll use it, you can choose a piece that works hard every day and still looks beautiful.

At SOOXOS, our SIDEBOARDS COLLECTION includes:

Compact sideboards for smaller living rooms and hallways
Statement solid-wood designs for dining rooms and open-plan spaces
Modern marble-effect and stone-look sideboards with sleek metal details
Mixed-material pieces that balance storage with a lighter, airy look

Explore our latest sideboards and discover the design that will bring extra style, storage and calm to your home.

D.I.Designs Witley Natural Oak Wood Four Door Rattan Sideboard

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