Sideboard Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Model for Your Home

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I see the challenge many people face every day: they need more storage space but don't want to compromise on aesthetics. A sideboard or a dresser is often the ideal solution, but the sheer variety of styles, materials, and features can be overwhelming.

This article is your practical guide. I'll present objective criteria for your decision and showcase a selection of models that impress with their functionality and design. The goal is to help you find a piece of furniture that not only creates order but also blends harmoniously into your home.

What to Look for When Buying a Sideboard

Before you decide on a model, the following three points will help you narrow down your search and make an informed choice.

1. Material and Style: What Suits Your Space?

The material determines not only the durability and maintenance requirements but also significantly influences the style of the furniture.

• Modern and Industrial Accents: A black metal sideboard is an excellent choice for a contemporary or industrial-inspired setting. Metal is robust, easy to clean, and makes a clear visual statement.
• Classic and Scandinavian Elegance: A white dresser made of engineered wood blends seamlessly into bright, minimalist, or Scandinavian interior styles. Surfaces with a wood-look finish or subtle lacquers create a warm and inviting feel.
• Material Combinations: Many modern designs combine different materials, such as a metal frame with fabric drawers or wooden elements. These models often offer an interesting visual contrast and unite the advantages of both materials.

2. Function and Size: More Than Just Looks

Think carefully about what you want to store in your new storage cabinet. The internal layout is crucial for everyday usability.

• Combined Solutions: A dresser with drawers and doors offers maximum flexibility. Drawers are perfect for smaller items like cutlery, documents, or accessories, while larger objects such as dishes, books, or binders can be stored behind the doors.
• Space and Proportion: Measure the available space carefully. A long, low lowboard is ideal as a TV unit in the living room, while a taller dresser in the bedroom or hallway provides ample storage with a small footprint. A classic buffet in the dining room should be proportioned in height to serve as a practical surface next to the dining table.

3. Practical Details: Adjustable Shelves and Easy Assembly

Functionality is often in the details. Look for features that make your daily life easier.

• Adjustable Shelves: Shelves that can be adjusted in height allow you to flexibly adapt the storage space to your needs—whether for tall vases, stacks of board games, or tech accessories.
• Simple Assembly: Especially with online purchases, clear instructions with clearly labelled parts are an important factor. This saves time and ensures that the living room cabinet or bedroom unit is assembled quickly and sturdily.

Our Sideboard Recommendations

Here is a selection of furniture pieces that meet different demands in terms of design and functionality.

1. Ochama Storage Cabinet with Door and Adjustable Shelf

Why It Stands Out: This black metal sideboard combines a minimalist, industrial design with thoughtful functionality. The perforated metal design of the door not only ensures good ventilation but also offers the option to attach hooks for additional organisation.

Advantages:

• Flexible Storage: The shelf is adjustable to accommodate various items.
• Easy-to-Clean Material: The steel body is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
• Versatile Use: Suitable as a buffet in the dining room, a TV table in the living room, or a storage cabinet in the office.
• Simple Assembly: Thanks to clear instructions and labelled parts, assembly is straightforward.

Who Is It For? For anyone looking for a modern, robust, and multifunctional piece of furniture. It fits perfectly in homes that favour an industrial style or a clean, functional look and where easy-to-clean surfaces are valued.

2. Ochama Dresser with 7 Fabric Drawers

Why It Stands Out: This dresser offers an exceptionally well-organized storage solution with seven spacious fabric drawers. The combination of a sturdy metal frame and lightweight drawers makes it both practical and easy to handle.

Advantages:

• Extensive Organization: Seven drawers in two different sizes allow for detailed sorting of clothes, linens, and accessories.
• Stability and Safety: Adjustable feet compensate for uneven floors, and an included anti-tip kit provides extra security.
• Practical Details: Raised edges on the top surface prevent items from falling off.
• Quick Assembly: Assembly is simplified by labelled parts and step-by-step instructions.

Who Is It For? For families or individuals who need a lot of storage for textiles or small items. Ideal for bedrooms, dressing rooms, or as an organizational element in the living area.

3. Dresser with 2 Doors and 3 Drawers in White

Why It Stands Out: This white dresser is an example of a modern sideboard with a touch of luxury. The decorative grooved fronts and elegant gold handles make it a real eye-catcher, while its layout as a dresser with drawers and doors offers high functionality.

Advantages:

• Elegant Design: The combination of a white finish, grooved texture, and gold accents lends a sophisticated touch to any room.
• Flexible Storage: Three central drawers and two side compartments with height-adjustable shelves provide a versatile mix of storage types.
• Thoughtful Construction: An adjustable central leg ensures stability on uneven floors, and the 14.5 cm high metal feet make cleaning underneath easy.
• High-Quality Materials: Made from engineered wood and metal for comfortable daily use.

Who Is It For? For design enthusiasts looking for a functional living room cabinet or bedroom unit that also serves as a stylish decorative element. Perfect for those who prefer a mix of open and closed storage.

Discover More Options

Assembling furniture isn't for everyone. If you prefer a solution that is ready to use right away and saves you the hassle of assembly, there are suitable alternatives available.

Looking for a solution that's ready out of the box? Discover our selection of fully assembled dressers that save you the trouble of assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a sideboard, a dresser, and a buffet? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. A sideboard is typically a long, mid-height piece of furniture with doors and sometimes drawers, often found in the living or dining room. A buffet is a specific type of sideboard for the dining room, used for serving food and storing dishes. A dresser is usually taller and narrower, primarily equipped with drawers, which is why it's often found in the bedroom. A lowboard is a very low version, frequently used as a TV stand.

2. How high should a sideboard be? The ideal height depends on its intended use. Standard sideboards are between 70 and 100 cm high. In the dining room, a buffet should be slightly lower than the tabletop to serve as a surface. As a media unit in the living room, the sideboard's height should allow for a comfortable viewing height for the TV, which is usually around 50-60 cm.

3. How do I care for a sideboard made of metal or engineered wood? Care is generally straightforward. For a black metal sideboard, a slightly damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and fingerprints. For furniture made of engineered wood, like a white dresser, you should use a dry or only lightly damp microfiber cloth and avoid harsh cleaning agents to prevent damaging the surface.