The sideboard is a very useful piece of furniture in the home. However, many people are unaware of its exact size, which is normal.
So you may have considered the exact height, length, and depth of a sideboard at some point. As a result, a common question about how tall, long, and deep a sideboard should have arisen in your mind.
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What is the ideal height for a sideboard?
A sideboard’s standard height should be between 34 and 38 inches. The average height of a dining table ranges from 28 to 30 inches. As a result, a taller sideboard appears to be well-proportioned to a dining table. Taller sideboards make it easier to serve and take food.
A sideboard is typically placed in the dining room, near the dining table, or, on occasion, near the kitchen counter. As a rule of thumb, a sideboard should be between 34 and 38 inches tall. So that it is the same height as a kitchen counter, it is 36 inches tall.
The average height of a dining table is between 28 and 30 inches. As a result, manufacturers make sideboards taller than dining tables to accommodate people’s preferences.
A taller sideboard looks better in the dining room and makes it easier to serve food dishes.
What Should the Dimensions of a Sideboard Be?
A sideboard should be 60 inches long from side to side on average. Because sideboards are used to serve food dishes, adequate tabletop space is essential. As a result, arranging a large number of food dishes becomes easier. However, a 44-inch-long sideboard is also available to accommodate a smaller dining area.
Sideboards are intended to be used for serving food dishes. As a result, plenty of space on the tabletop is required so that the dishes have enough room to be placed on them. As a result, a sideboard with a length of about 60 inches is the standard. In addition, the length is measured side by side.
However, 44-inch-long sideboards are also available. And this style of sideboard is ideal for a small dining area or an eat-in kitchen.
What Is the Ideal Depth for a Sideboard?
A sideboard should be at least 16 inches deep. This much depth allows for large platters of food to be safely placed over it without the risk of it collapsing off the front side. However, leave 30″ between the furniture and the sideboard for comfortable furniture circulation.
In addition to serving food dishes, sideboards serve another important function like store serving dishes, trays, plates, and cutlery.
As a result, a sideboard with an average depth of 16 inches is highly recommended. So that large platters of food can be safely placed on top of it without the risk of tipping over from the front.
Also, leave at least 30 inches between the sideboard and the wall. Because sideboards are kept near the dining table, having this much space allows people to move their chairs around freely.
What is the average sideboard height?
A sideboard’s average height ranges from 34 to 38 inches. Because a sideboard is supposed to be taller than a dining table.
The average height of a dining table is 28 to 30 inches. As a result, people prefer taller sideboards. A taller sideboard makes it easier to serve food or take dishes from a shorter sideboard.
A taller sideboard also appears to be well-proportioned to the dining hall and dining table. A shorter sideboard may create an unbalanced appearance inside the room.
Another point to mention is that manufacturers make 36-inch-tall sideboards as well. As a general rule, a sideboard should be the same height as the kitchen counter, which is 36 inches. As a result, the average height of the sideboard is 36 inches.
Why Is Size Important in Sideboards?
Here are three reasons why size matters when it comes to sideboards.
Maintaining a well-proportioned appearance
When it comes to maintaining a well-proportioned look in the dining area, the size of a sideboard is extremely important. In that case, a standard height is the most important factor to consider.
In the dining room, the size of a sideboard should complement the other furniture.
Because sideboards are often placed near the dining area or kitchen cabinet, a standard height of 34″–38″ is appropriate for both serving and taking dishes easily, and a taller sideboard provides a balanced look in comparison to the height of the dining table and kitchen counter.
Plenty of room for food dishes
The second main reason is that a properly sized sideboard has enough space for food dishes to be safely placed on its top surface.
As previously stated, a sideboard is used for serving food dishes over it. So, a sideboard with a standard length of 60″ will give you enough room to place your food or dishes on the top.
Also, there are times when there are too many food dishes, and a long sideboard will provide plenty of space to keep them all on top of it.
Prevents large platters from collapsing
The size of the sideboard is also important when storing large food platters. Because the sideboard is also used to store extra plates, dishes, cutlery sets, and so on.
As a result, a sideboard with sufficient depth helps to keep them safe without the risk of unwanted tipping off the front side.
As a result, a sideboard with an average depth of 16 inches is advised.
How Do I Select a Sideboard?
When selecting a sideboard, three factors are always taken into account: the right style, the right material, and the functionality. So, in this section, we’ll go over the three most common factors and answer questions about them.
What factors should I consider when selecting a buffet or sideboard?
The right style of buffet or sideboard complements the rest of your furniture and appears classy and timeless. If you did not purchase a dining room or living room furniture set, choose a style with a similar finish and style.
If you want to try something different, go for a creamy white or pastel-colored piece with a French country or cottage-style vibe. Alternatively, an antique-style piece can be chosen to add an antique vibe to all modern furniture. Alternatively, a painted buffet or sideboard can be used to add a pop of color.
What material should I use for a buffet or sideboard?
Because most buffets and sideboards are made of wood, try to match the wood type, or at least the wood tone, with your dining table.
Otherwise, select a material with a contrasting color. To add contrast to an oak dining table, choose a mahogany sideboard or buffet.
How do I choose the best buffet or sideboard for my needs?
Choosing the right functional buffet or sideboard is dependent on your intended use. So make a list of how you intend to use it and then check to see if the buffet or sideboard has those features.
For example, if you need to store larger items, select a sideboard or buffet with adjustable shelves. Choose a buffet or sideboard with drawers if you want to keep napkins, cutlery, and so on.
What Size Sideboard Should I Purchase?
Choose a sideboard that is either taller than your dining table or the same height as your kitchen counter.
Because a sideboard that is taller than your dining table makes it easier for guests to take dishes while sitting on chairs. A taller tabletop also makes it easier to serve food dishes than a shorter one.
Furthermore, if the sideboard is close to the kitchen counter, it should be the same height as the kitchen counter. Because it’s easily accessible and you don’t want to bend low to keep dishes.
A side table’s height should be between 34″ and 38″ tall.
Is it necessary for a sideboard to match the dining table?
A sideboard does not have to match the dining table. When it comes to your dining room decor and other furniture, it can either match or contrast with them to make it look modern, vintage, or a little bit old.
If you did not purchase an entire dining room set and want to go with the same style sideboard, you can match the other furniture with a similar style and finish. For example, match the material or the tone of the material, or a similar design will work perfectly.
If you want to add a little touch, you can completely mismatch the style, tone, and finish. If you want to add a vintage touch, a mid-century sideboard is a good option.
To add a French touch, pair it with a pastel or cream-white French country sideboard.
Alternatively, you can simply match a colorfully painted buffet or sideboard to add contrast.
How Much Room Between A Sideboard And A Table?
There should be at least 30 inches of space between a sideboard and a table. The dining table must have this much space between the table edges and the sideboard, regardless of its shape.
Though it is insufficient, it will allow people to move their chairs in the middle of a meal.
To reiterate, the most widely accepted size for a sideboard is 34″-38″ tall, 60″ long, and 16″ deep. So, if you’re going to buy one for yourself, always go for this size.