The Best Sideboard Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Top Best SideBoard Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Should Choose the Best Sideboard?
The furniture in your house is a reflection of your style, preferences, and taste. The moment someone steps in your house, the first thing they notice is the furniture and the arrangements. When decorating and furnishing your home, like a kitchen display cabinet and pantry cabinet, it is essential to take your time and select every piece of furniture. Just one piece of furniture can make or ruin the first impression.
There are no second chances in making a good first impression.
A sideboard is just one piece of that puzzle, but one that can make all the difference in the world, both in an aesthetical and practical sense, especially you have a kitchen island with a unique design.
Here follows a guide on how to select the best possible sideboard for your home. This guide is about the ten most important factors to consider when buying a sideboard.
10 Factors to Consider When Buying a Sideboard
#1 Size Matters
Size is a crucial aspect that also counts when it comes to selecting the right sideboard. If you buy a small one, that it will look ridiculous. On the other side, if it’s too big, it will take too much space. Also, you might not be able to move it around or find space for other elements, such as a console table, kitchen bench, and wall oven.
That is why it’s essential first to measure the space, decide where you will place it, and whether there will be enough space around it, especially if you have a kitchen dinette set already. Then take into consideration its size in relation to the other elements in the room.
If it’s a small room, you might want to go with a open shelves sideboard or a sliding doors sideboard. Both types bring out a sense of lightness. Also, you might want to go with a narrow and high sideboard in order not to take too much space.
#2 Style
The sideboard needs to match the style of the room and the house. The good news is that they are made in almost all styles like retro, modern, traditional, contemporary, French country, art nouveau, nordic, art deco, Asian, antiques, farmhouse, and so on.
The point here is that you can find a sideboard in any style. It might take some time to find the right one, but if you are persistent, you can do it.
#3 Matching Color
It doesn’t have to be in the same color as every other element or furniture in the room. Even though if you can find one that is in the same color, such as the same color as your kitchen cart and chairs, it can look pretty cool. But if you can’t find the exact color, go for a matching color.
To that end, you might want to do online research. Nowadays, the internet can show you combinations in various colors.
Alternatively, you can consult an interior designer and ask for some help. Most of them will gladly advise you about which color is the best possible match, and won’t ask for any monetary compensation. If you don’t want to hire a designer, then simply post a thread, followed by some pictures, on some of the forums and Facebook groups where interior designers hang out.
#4 Durability
Some folks like to change and renovate after every few years, and then some want long-lasting stuff. For durability, you might want to consider an oak wooden sideboard. They are reliable, eco-friendly, and can last for a long time. Plus, they don’t get damaged as easily as other materials. And even if they do, you can easily re-paint and fix it.
On the other hand, like an accent cabinet, a sideboard from plastic or a wood veneer is more prone to damages and scratches. Also, they can last long, but only if you are very careful around them.
Oakwood sideboards are quite popular, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for other types of wood.
#5 Functionality
Each sideboard has a certain number of cupboards and drawers for storing stuff. They are available in different sizes, and some are made only for storing certain stuff. Before you start looking for a sideboard, think about what you will store inside, whether you will put a microwave oven on it, and how much of it.
Once you figure that out, it will be much easier to choose a sideboard that will suit your needs. After all, sideboards are not just to sit there and look great. They are also there to serve some purpose and store certain items.
#6 Brands & Tradition
Some of the best furniture makers in the world have been in the business for decades. There is a big reason why they have stayed in this business for so long, and that is continuous quality.
If you can’t afford to buy from those brands, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any other great quality sideboards on the market. Nowadays, there are plenty of new companies that try to build their brand. They do so by following a proven pattern – deliver top products, over and over.
The best way to identify them is through online user reviews. You can start with reviews on Amazon, Google reviews, Yelp, eBay, and other places. A continuous stream of positive reviews is the best pointer to a solid brand.
#7 Sunlight Exposure
Some sideboards are made of materials and colors sensitive to long sunlight exposure. In most cases, sideboards are exposed to the sunlight through a window. Extended exposure to sunlight can affect its painting, and the color may fade away quite fast.
That is why you need to address the issue before making the purchase. Ask the seller about the type of paint used on the exterior of the sideboard, and try to learn whether it is protected against UV rays.
If the sideboard is indeed near a window, gets a lot of sunlight, fresh paint might be needed after a year or two.
#8 Online Picture vs. The Real Sideboard
Nowadays, people first search for stuff online, then in brick & mortar shops. In most cases, and for many products, that’s okay. One can also purchase sideboards from online stores. However, not all sellers are as honest as advertised, and not all of their pictures are as reliable as they say they are.
That is why you need to mind where you buy from, whether it is a reputable online seller that can be trusted, and whether a return policy covers the sideboard. That means if you are not pleased with the product, you can return it.
If you are dealing with a reputable seller, then they will be flexible in that department, and you will be able to return the sideboard if it doesn’t match the online pictures. Otherwise, you might not notice some design flaws, considering the photos.
#9 Craftsmanship
Sometimes older is better. Don’t be intimidated by a sideboard that is decades old. If the wood is well-preserved, there are no significant damages, every drawer works perfectly, and the craftsmanship is outstanding, buy it!
Plus, if it is sold from a wealthy household, then there is a pretty good chance they took good care of it. You may easily be looking at an antique which after time can be worth even more. You may end up making some money off your second-hand sideboard.
Always mind the details on the woodwork. The more precise they are, the better. You never know when you can come across a sideboard made by some famous furniture maker.
#10 Cost
Cost is a factor with most working-class buyers. Hardwood sideboards are the most expensive ones, but the most durable sideboards of all. Then there are the rest of the sideboards which can be made from plastic, veneer, or other materials. In any case, most of them are designed to look great.
The second-hand sideboards can be somewhat cheaper. Even the ones made from oak, which are typically quite expensive, can be relatively affordable. Sometimes, a little bit of sanding and some paint can go a long way.
Don’t bother with a second-hand sideboard that is not made from wood. They are simply not worth the effort, no matter how cheap they are.
Also, keep in mind that second-hand furniture usually doesn’t come with any warranty while most new sideboards come with at least one year warranty.
Wrapping It Up
Everything here should be taken into consideration when buying a sideboard. However, even with all that, it comes down to your taste and preferences. After all, nothing else will matter unless you are comfortable with what you see in front of you. And make sure it is easy to clean, for example, you may clean it as a handheld vacuum cleaner, which will be easier.
In an ideal scenario, you’ll find a sideboard that meets at least most of the factors described above and your preferences, as well.
The trick to getting there, in finding the right sideboard is being persistent in your search. If you can’t find the right sideboard in a brick & mortar store, you can look online where there is an ocean of sellers that sell furniture.
That means there is always a pretty good chance for finding the right sideboard, the one that will meet your preferences, taste, and budget.
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