Kate Wilson is a writer and fact checker for home decor and furnishings at Chosen Furniture. She enjoys splitting her findings with others.
What is a Buffet (or Sideboard)?
A buffet (or sideboard) is a long, low cabinet or table for storing and displaying dishes, linens, and serving equipment for dining. Featuring closed cabinets and open shelves, buffets provide functional storage while serving as elegant focal points between meals in dining rooms. Their versatile design allows them to be used as servers during meals or as decorative furniture.
Different Types of Buffets
- Traditional: These classic pieces of furnishings feature carved wood details, glass doors, and brass or silver hardware for an elegant look. Many have cutlery drawers and wine storage. They effortlessly blend storage and style.
- Modern: With clean lines and often mid-century modern inspiration, these buffets have a minimalist look. Materials like wood, glass, and steel keep them sleek yet practical. Some feature handy charging stations.
- Rustic: Characterized by reclaimed wood, iron, and stone, rustic buffets have an earthy, handcrafted vibe. They bring warmth and texture to farmhouse dining rooms—some double as entertainment centers.
- Curved: Featuring a soft curved front, these buffets provide a more approachable look. The curved shape saves space in smaller dining rooms. Glass fronts and doors keep contents visible.
- Buffet hutches: Combining a buffet base with overhead glass-fronted cabinets, these pieces maximize storage. The glass cabinets nicely show off collectibles. The full hutch shape defines the dining space.
Why are buffets important?
Buffets provide essential storage space for dining essentials like dishes, table linens, serving utensils, and dining accessories. Their ample cabinet and drawer space keeps these items organized yet accessible.
They facilitate easy serving by providing ample flat surface areas for food platters during meals. Their table height and proximity to dining tables make passing dishes simple. Buffets make strong style statements as stately furniture anchors that define dining spaces. Their fronts are focal points, so their aesthetics set the tone for room décor.
Between meals, buffets adapt as sidebar furniture. Their flat tops can hold décor pieces, while glass cabinet fronts nicely display collectibles. Some buffets integrate TV stands or home office features. Quality buffets from hardwoods and steel are built to last years. Their sturdy construction withstands constant use. Many become treasured family heirlooms.
Pros of a Buffet (or Sideboard)
- Provides additional storage space for dishes, linens, and other dining-related products.
- It can help declutter the dining area by offering a designated space for these items.
- Provides a platform for displaying decorative items such as vases, candles, or artwork.
- Enhances the aesthetics of the dining room by serving as a focal point.
- Maximizes the use of available space, especially in smaller dining areas.
- It can be designed with various compartments and shelves to organize items efficiently.
Cons of a Buffet (or Sideboard)
- It is not suitable for every dining room layout.
- Regular cleaning is required, mainly if used for display.
- Cleaning the surface and inside compartments can be time-consuming.
- High-quality buffets can be expensive, depending on the materials and craftsmanship.
- Inexpensive options may compromise on durability and aesthetics.
What Are the Most Popular Styles Right Now?
Modern and transitional designs blending old and new elements are the most sought-after buffet styles. These bridge traditional charm with clean-lined contemporary appeal. Popular looks integrate glass fronts, open shelving, and warmer wood tones like walnuts. Adaptive multi-use features like charging stations resonate in smaller homes.
Where Should You Place a Buffet In a Dining Room?
Ideally, buffets belong on the periphery of dining spaces, frequently on the side or rear walls. Centered placements divide open floor plans. Buffets neatly frame spaces against the walls while allowing abundant walking room for serving. Place buffets within steps of dining tables yet out of high-traffic lanes. Consider traffic flow when planning layouts.
What Types of Materials Work Best for Buffets?
Quality hardwoods like oak, walnut, teak, and mahogany make the finest buffets, combining beauty and durability. Metals like brass, copper, and wrought iron provide lovely accents. For glass elements, beveled or leaded glass adds character. Natural stone tops create added elegance. Avoid laminates, which scratch and fade. Focus on fine materials built to become heirlooms.
How Can You Incorporate Buffet Storage Into a Small Dining Space?
Consider rounded front buffets or hutches with condensed profiles for compact dining rooms to save space. You can also opt for a sideboard like a sofa table behind a bench seating area. Or try a tall, narrow buffet behind the table. Glass fronts keep contents visible without widening the footprint. Place settings can be stored in a nearby kitchen cabinet.
✨ Ah, the buffet, a stylish and versatile sideboard that adds a touch of sophistication to any space 🎩. Perfect for showcasing your finest dinnerware and storing those extra linens. 🍽️ #Sideboard #Buffet #Furniture… Share on XHow Do You Style and Organize Items Inside?
First, utilize interior storage for items not on regular display. On tabletops, create attractive vignettes mixing various heights, textures, and colors. Display ornate serving pieces towards the backs and sides. Keep surfaces clutter-free — less is more—group items logically, with dining accents in one area and barware in another zone. Candles, greenery, and table linens can soften tablespace’s.
What Are the Differences between Buffets, Sideboards, and Credenzas?
While often used interchangeably, some notable differences exist: Buffets directly accompany dining tables to facilitate serving meals. Sideboards are more independent furnishings placed against walls. Usually taller with deeper tops, credenzas more frequently have office storage functions for papers and supplies. However, significant overlap exists between the three terms that share long, flat profiles and ample storage space.
Remember, the key to maximizing the potential of your buffet furniture is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
More Reads
- Wikipedia: Sideboard (furniture)
- 10 ways to decorate a sideboard – create a stylish display in your dining room
- 6 Expert Tips To Choose Sideboards And Buffets
- Ideas on Pinterest
Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.
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