Sideboards & Buffets

What Defines This Category

A sideboard (also called a buffet, buffet cabinet, or server) is a low-profile, wide storage cabinet placed against a wall in the dining room, living room, or entryway. It is defined by a flat top surface suitable for serving and display, and enclosed storage underneath in some combination of drawers, cabinets, and shelves. Sideboards are typically 30"–36" tall (counter height), 48"–72" wide, and 14"–18" deep. They are one of the most functional pieces in a dining room, serving simultaneously as a storage solution, a display surface, and a visual anchor for the wall behind the dining table.

Sideboard vs. Buffet vs. Server: What's the Difference?

In contemporary retail, these three terms are functionally interchangeable and all refer to the same category of furniture. Historically, a sideboard had a more minimal storage profile (open shelves or single-tier storage), a buffet was a serving cabinet with a wider surface, and a server was a smaller, more portable piece for meal service. Today all three appear in product listings for the same furniture type — a long, low dining room storage cabinet with a flat top.

Storage Configurations

• Drawers + Cabinet Doors (Most Common): Upper drawers for flatware, candles, and small items. Lower cabinet space for linens, extra placemats, and larger serving pieces. The most practical layout for the widest range of dining room storage needs.

• All-Cabinet (Doors Only): Maximum enclosed storage. Preferred when you don't want any clutter visible. Glass-front doors on some models allow display without dust exposure.

• Open Shelf + Cabinet Hybrid: Open compartments for display (vases, baskets, books) and closed cabinets for storage. Popular in transitional and contemporary designs.

• Hutch-Compatible (Lower Unit Only): Some sideboards are sold as the lower unit of a buffet + hutch set — an upper glass-front cabinet sits on top of the sideboard, creating a full-height storage and display wall. Significantly increases storage capacity.

• Wine Rack Insert: A built-in horizontal wine storage rack within the sideboard body. Combines wine storage with everyday dining storage. See also our standalone 

For standalone wine storage, browse our dedicated wine racks collection — from countertop units to floor-standing modular designs.

Primary Dimensions and Sizing Guide

• ● Height: 30"–36" (most common). This matches standard counter height, making the top surface comfortable for serving while standing.

• ● Width / Length: 40"–48" (compact, fits smaller dining rooms), 48"–60" (standard), 60"–72" (large dining rooms or living rooms), 72"–84"+ (statement or entertainment-focused pieces).

• ● Depth: 14"–18". Shallower models (14"–15") are better for narrow spaces. Deeper models (17"–18") provide more internal storage volume.

• ● Clearance: Leave at least 36" between the sideboard front and the nearest dining chair or table edge for comfortable passage.

• ● Wall Space Required: Measure the wall width carefully and account for door swing on cabinet doors (most swing outward 90° requiring 14"–18" of clearance in front of each door).

Tabletop Surface Materials

• ● Wood Veneer or Solid Wood Top: Warm appearance, matches most dining furniture. Susceptible to water rings without coasters.

• ● Marble or Stone Top: Adds premium aesthetic. Heat and scratch resistant. Heavy. Common in contemporary and glam styles.

• ● Glass Top: Clean, contemporary look. Easy to clean.

• ● Lacquered Wood: High-gloss surface. Common in modern and glam sideboards. Fingerprint-prone but easy to clean.

• ● Metal Top (Stainless or Brushed): Industrial aesthetic. Extremely durable.

How a Sideboard Is Styled and Used

The flat top surface of a sideboard is one of the most versatile display and staging surfaces in the home. During meals, use it as a serving station — buffet-style food setup, drinks, or a dessert display. Day-to-day, style it with a mirror or wall art above, a table lamp on one side, a few decorative objects, and perhaps a plant. The visual grouping of objects at different heights (lamp, vases, books) creates the layered look common in interior design.

In rooms that double as dining and entertaining spaces, a sideboard paired with a bar cart creates a versatile serving wall that handles both food and drinks. For more substantial home bar setups, our bar furniture collection offers bar cabinets, dry bars, and full hutch-style bar units that pair naturally with a sideboard.

Shop by Category & Filter

• ● Width: Under 48" / 48"–60" / 60"–72" / 72"+

• ● Storage: Drawers / Cabinet Doors / Open Shelves / Combination / Wine Rack

• ● Door Type: Solid / Glass-Front / Sliding

• ● Style: Contemporary, Traditional, Transitional, Farmhouse, Glam, Industrial, Rustic, Mid-Century Modern

• ● Material: Wood, Marble Top, Glass Top, Metal Accents, Lacquer

• ● Color / Finish: Brown, White, Black, Gray, Natural Wood, Walnut, Oak, Espresso

• ● Brand: Ashley Furniture, Coaster, Bernhardt, Dovetail, Modus, Classic Home, Sarreid, and more

• ● Features: Hutch Compatible / Wine Rack / Adjustable Shelves / Soft-Close Hinges