A modern sideboard is a versatile and functional piece of furniture that can be used in various parts of the house, from the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom! We often know what to put inside a sideboard, but what to put on a modern sideboard to make the space welcoming and functional can be a challenge.
Luckily, we have compiled a series of ideas and tips in this article to decorate a modern sideboard depending on its use. So, take advantage of our suggestions and let your creativity run wild!
What is a Modern Sideboard?
Before understanding how to dress a sideboard, let’s understand what a sideboard actually is and what it is used for.
Historically, a sideboard is a wooden piece of furniture used as a surface for kneading bread or cooking. Inside the sideboard, kitchen utensils, food, and dishes were stored. Often, the sideboard is confused with a cupboard, although the latter is a lower piece of furniture not intended to be used as a work surface. Given its function, the sideboard is historically closely linked to the kitchen and living room.
Today, the sideboard has moved away from being a work surface and has become a versatile piece of furniture. Made of wood, metal, with glass details, or a combination of these materials, the sideboard is now a perfect furnishing accessory for various environments. Remaining true to its origins, it is more commonly found in the living area but also looks great in the bedroom!
A modern sideboard is a piece of furniture equipped with drawers, doors, open compartments, or a combination of these elements. Our Emma sideboard is among the most loved products by our customers: equipped with 4 doors and iron legs, it is a versatile piece of furniture, ideal even as a TV stand.
How to Dress a Sideboard: Ideas for Decoration
Modern sideboards are considered very versatile pieces of furniture, perfect for the entrance, living room, kitchen, hallway, and general living area.
Let’s see together how to decorate a sideboard in a living room and other parts of your home to furnish it with an unmistakable style: YOURS!
How to Style a Sideboard in the Living Room
Styling a modern sideboard in the living room can be tricky, especially because it might become a surface where objects accumulate, creating clutter.
Remember that sideboards have drawers and internal spaces to store your items without creating confusion. In the living room, the sideboard can also be used as a TV stand.
Although it doesn’t typically have cable management, the height of most sideboards on the market is perfect for this use.
Eventually, you can find all the tips for choosing your TV stand here: How to Choose the Perfect TV Stand.
Additionally, you can decorate your sideboard with photos, ornaments, candles, and anything that reflects your personality and style in your living room.
For music lovers, a way to style a sideboard in the living room is to use it as a surface for their record player!
How to Dress a Sideboard in the Entrance: Light Up Your Spaces!
Often, the entrance is a dark spot without windows. Therefore, you might decorate a sideboard in the entrance with a beautiful design lamp that illuminates the space and adds character.
You could also decorate your sideboard by placing a mirror above it. This way, you would reflect the light, making the entrance brighter, and have a mirror for a final outfit check before leaving the house! If your entrance isn’t very bright, opt for a sideboard with a light finish to keep the space airy and not weighed down by dark colors.
For more ideas on lighting a dark entrance, read our tips on how to light a dark house room by room.
Lastly, don’t forget a practical catch-all tray on top of the sideboard. Available in various shapes and materials, it will be useful for storing keys and sunglasses without ever having to ask, “Where did I leave them?!”
How to Style a Sideboard in the Kitchen: Keep Your Favorite Set Handy
You probably already know what to store inside your new sideboard in the kitchen: plates, glasses, tablecloths, and cutlery should always be ready to use!
But what to put on a sideboard in the kitchen?
In this case, it could also be used as a TV stand, as watching TV during meals or while cooking is now common practice.
Otherwise, you could use it as a surface for your plants, grocery bags, or spices. The kitchen is often a busy and functional space, so the furniture should be practical. Therefore, our advice is to leave part of the sideboard top free to use as a surface when needed.
How to Decorate a Sideboard in the Bedroom
Given the versatility of modern sideboards, it has become trendy to use them in the bedroom for storage.
The most modern models combine glass, matte or chrome metal details, and, if equipped with drawers, can also become practical dressers for storing bed linen. What to put on a modern sideboard in the bedroom is a personal choice since the bedroom is a very intimate space.
The goal is always to create a bedroom that promotes rest and good sleep, so you might want to put on the sideboard items that help create such an environment. Go ahead with scented candles, plants, and anything that helps you wake up refreshed to tackle the day!
Looking for more bedroom decor inspiration? Read our article on how to decorate a modern bedroom.
How to Dress an Antique Sideboard to Highlight It
The contrast between modern and antique combines the charm of the present with the past. Therefore, if you want to add a refined touch to your spaces, including an antique piece of furniture in a modern context is incredibly elegant but also risky.
Let’s see how to dress an antique sideboard to enhance it best!
An antique sideboard is likely made of wood that has darkened over the years, giving it that antique charm with many stories to tell.
To decorate an antique sideboard in a modern context, we recommend using neutral colors for everything you place on it. For example, if you want to use the sideboard top as a surface for plants, use neutral-colored pots, like beige or cream, to blend well with the antique wood color.
Try not to place too many objects on your antique sideboard: an antique wooden piece should be free to tell its story! Instead, you could place a runner on the top to avoid damaging the wood by placing objects directly on it.