Did the new year ignite a desire for a well-organised home that effortlessly combines organisation with style? Whether your aspirations involve decluttering, optimising storage, or instilling a touch of refinement into your living space, consider the sideboard as your solution—the missing piece to your home's puzzle. If the term "sideboard" is raising eyebrows, don’t worry we've covered it in a previous blog, might be best to start there – link.
Sideboards are versatile furniture pieces, which serve as both decorative accents and storage powerhouses. In this blog post, we'll guide you through selecting the ideal sideboard and defining its purpose, unveiling innovative ways to maximise space to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics in your home.
1. Understand its Purpose
Sideboards are renowned for their storage capabilities, but it’s important to define how you intend to use your unit before making the purchase. Whether it's for storing dining ware, finding a place for electronics and remotes in the living room, organising shoes and miscellaneous items in the hallway, or acting as a clothing unit in the bedroom, clarifying its purpose will guide your decisions on size, style, design, and type. This clarity becomes particularly beneficial when it comes to organising the contents within.
Consider repurposing a sideboard for specific purposes to create a designated area within a room. If you have a space in your living area, transform a sideboard into a chic home bar. Use part of the unit to store your favourite spirits, glassware, and bar accessories. Consider using the surface for a tray or decorative glasses, bowls for lemons and limes, or even dry snacks. This means your sideboard will not only be functional but also bring a touch of sophistication to your living or dining area.
Need a small workspace at home? Consider using your sideboard as a mini home office. Use the hidden storage for office supplies, printers and your laptop when not in use, and add a desk lamp on top. This creative use of space is especially handy if you don't have a dedicated home office, providing a practical solution that seamlessly integrates with your living space or spare bedroom.
2. Choosing the Right Sideboard
To maximise space, you must choose a sideboard that suits your space, from size, style and finish. Start by measuring the space you have, consider depth, width, and height to guarantee that the sideboard will fit into the area without taking up too much space. Think about the flow of the room, its layout and how it’s used.
A sideboard isn't just for storage; it's an opportunity to showcase your personal style. Choose a sideboard that fits in with the décor and existing furniture pieces in the room. Do you favour open shelving or cupboards for a clutter-free space? Fortunately, Shelved offers solutions for both preferences or the perfect combination of both! Elevate your space with a sideboard that not only enhances functionality but also adds a distinctive touch to your home's aesthetic.
At Shelved we have a range of predesigned ‘off the shelf’ options, we suggest starting here there may be one that suits your space perfectly – alternatively, this is a great way to get inspiration. The range features small compact units perfect for hallways or small spaces – check out the Yedingham, a small sideboard which still features a large double cupboard and two open shelves. For those with a larger space and bigger storage demands consider the Helperby, which features three large double cupboards and open shelving. All of our configurations still feature the compact footprint which makes the Shelved system so perfect for a sideboard.
Remember these designs can be customised. Add planter boxes, fabric, or glass panels. However, with so many possible designs divert yourself to the ‘design your own’ option, don’t worry our design tool makes things super easy. Create a unit that suits your space and storage requirements perfectly.
3. Organise your Items
Now that you've established the purpose and selected the perfect sideboard model, it's time to dive into the less glamorous yet crucial aspect – organisation.
A sideboard is a masterful storage solution for household items, but the key lies in strategic organisation. The usual practice is to use cupboards for items that aren't aesthetically pleasing, creating a sleek and clutter-free interior. Concealing the everyday chaos inside the sideboard contributes to the illusion of a larger, more open space. For instance, if your sideboard is in the dining room, consider storing tableware, tablecloths, and placemats. Alternatively, if it resides in the living room, you can tuck away media accessories, books, board games, or other items that may not contribute to the room's overall aesthetic. To follow the aesthetic of the room‘s interior, it is usually best to keep the top of the sideboard clean for display décor.
Remember, the magic lies not just in its design but in how effectively you organise its contents, ensure that each item has a designated space within your sideboard. The arrangement of your belongings inside the unit plays a pivotal role in maximising its functionality.
4. Display Décor
Now comes the exciting—and equally essential—aspect: decoration. While sideboards are often associated with hiding and storing objects, they are also a great place to showcase your cherished personal items. Use the top surface and open shelving to create a visually appealing display.
Bring life to your sideboard by featuring family photographs, artwork, elegant candles, unique or sentimental objects, coffee table books, fresh flowers, or aromatic diffusers. Embrace the opportunity to infuse your room with personality, turning the sideboard into a focal point. This not only elevates the aesthetics of the room but also adds a layer of sophistication and charm to the space.
A great way to make your space feel larger is by incorporating mirrors into your sideboard setup. Hang a mirror above or lean one against the wall behind the sideboard. Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of space, making it an excellent addition, especially in smaller rooms.
Keep your home décor fresh and seasonal by using the sideboard as a rotating display area. Switch out décor items, such as vases, candles, or seasonal decorations, to keep the space dynamic and visually appealing throughout the year.
