If you own a sideboard, you’ve got a fantastic piece of furniture that can really shine with the right styling.
Whether it’s for storing dining essentials or just showcasing some favourite items, how you style your sideboard can make a huge impact.
In this guide, we’ll give you some easy and fun tips to help you make the most of your sideboard and turn it into a stylish focal point in your room.
1. Start with a clean slate
Before you begin styling, you should start with a clean and clutter-free surface. Remove everything from the sideboard so you can see the space you have to work with.
This blank canvas will help you envision the look you want to achieve. Dust and clean the surface to ensure that your sideboard is in perfect condition, ready for your decorative touch.
2. Consider the functionality
The first step in styling your sideboard is to think about its primary function. If it’s in the dining room, you may need to leave space for practical items like napkins, cutlery, or even a drinks tray.
In the living room, the sideboard might serve more as a display piece, holding books, art, or family photos.
Understanding its purpose will guide your decisions on what to include and how to arrange the items.
3. Create visual balance
When arranging items on your sideboard, balance is key. You want to avoid making one side look too heavy or cluttered compared to the other.
A simple trick is to start with the largest item, like a vase or a lamp, and place it on one side.
Then, balance it out with a group of smaller objects on the other side. For example, if you have a large lamp on the left, you could place a stack of books and a small plant on the right to create visual balance.
4. Play with height and layers
Adding items with different heights and layers can make your sideboard more visually interesting.
Tall objects like vases, lamps, or candlesticks can create height, while shorter items like books, trays, or decorative boxes add layers.
You can even lean a framed picture or mirror against the wall behind the sideboard to add depth.
The key is to create a dynamic arrangement that draws the eye across the entire surface.
5. Incorporate personal touches
A sideboard is an excellent place to showcase personal items that reflect your style and personality. Consider incorporating family photos, souvenirs from travels, or pieces of art that you love.
These personal touches make your sideboard unique and can serve as great conversation starters when you have guests.
6. Add a pop of colour
Adding a pop of colour can bring your sideboard to life. This could be through a colourful vase, a piece of artwork, or even a bold stack of books.
If your room has a neutral colour scheme, a vibrant accessory on your sideboard can create a striking contrast. Just be mindful not to overdo it—too many bold colours can overwhelm the space.
7. Introduce natural elements
Natural elements like plants, flowers, or even a bowl of fresh fruit can add a touch of nature to your sideboard, making the space feel more inviting and alive.
A green plant in a stylish pot, a vase of fresh flowers, or a decorative bowl filled with seasonal fruit can add texture and warmth to your arrangement.
A green plant in a stylish pot, a vase of fresh flowers, or a decorative bowl filled with seasonal fruit can add texture and warmth to your arrangement.
These organic touches can also help to soften the overall look, making it feel more relaxed and lived-in.
8. Keep it simple and clutter-free
While it’s tempting to display all your favourite items, sometimes less is more. A cluttered sideboard can feel chaotic and overwhelming, detracting from the beauty of the individual pieces.
Aim for a curated selection of items that complement each other and the overall decor of the room. This not only keeps your sideboard looking stylish but also makes it easier to clean and maintain.
9. Rotate and refresh
Finally, don’t be afraid to change things up now and then. Rotating your decor seasonally or whenever you feel like a change can keep your sideboard looking fresh and interesting.
Whether it’s swapping out flowers, updating the artwork, or introducing new decorative pieces, small changes can have a big impact on the look and feel of your space.
Final thoughts
Styling a sideboard is all about finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.
By considering the purpose of your sideboard, playing with height and layers, adding personal touches, and keeping things simple, you can create a beautifully styled piece that enhances your room.
Remember, your sideboard is a reflection of your personal style, so have fun with it and make it your own.
