Buffets & Sideboards

Other Storage

A buffet or sideboard can solve two problems at once: giving you useful storage and helping an empty wall feel finished. **The terms buffet and sideboard can be used interchangeably**, with both referring to a low storage cabinet that can work across dining, living and open-plan spaces. In a dining room, it can hold plates, glassware and serving pieces. In a living area, it can hide everyday clutter, display favourite objects and create another surface when people come over. ## Measure depth as carefully as width It is easy to focus on finding a sideboard that fits along the wall, but depth matters just as much. Check how far the cabinet projects into the room and consider how the space will function once it is in place. **Allow a comfortable walkway in front of your buffet or sideboard**, particularly in dining rooms and open-plan spaces where people regularly pass by. Remember to account for the doors and drawers too. There should be enough clearance to open them fully and comfortably access the contents without colliding with nearby furniture or blocking the room. In a dining room, allow for dining chairs to pull out comfortably before choosing a deep buffet. If you are planning both pieces together, compare [dining tables](https://ozdesignfurniture.com.au/furniture/tables/dining-tables/) and the sideboard on the same floor plan. ## Choose storage around what you own Think about what will live inside before deciding between cupboards, drawers and open sections. Wide cupboards can suit platters and larger serving pieces, while drawers make smaller items easier to organise. If the buffet will double as a serving station, check the top dimensions and height as well as the internal storage. ## Mixing timber and materials A timber buffet does not have to perfectly match the dining table. Slightly different timber tones can create a more relaxed, collected room, particularly when another element such as colour, hardware or shape ties the pieces together. Stone, ceramic, metal and rattan details can add contrast when the rest of the room already contains a lot of timber. ## Style the wall above your buffet The wall above a buffet or sideboard is a natural place to introduce [wall art](https://ozdesignfurniture.com.au/homewares/wall-art/) or a mirror and create a considered focal point. **As a general styling guide, centre your artwork or mirror in relation to the buffet below**, rather than the entire wall. This helps the two pieces feel visually connected and creates a more balanced arrangement. Consider the scale of the artwork or mirror as well. A piece that is too small can feel disconnected from a wide buffet, while something overly large may dominate the furniture below. Before hanging, use painter's tape to mark out the proposed position and dimensions so you can assess the proportions from across the room. Artwork and mirrors should always be **securely fixed to the wall using appropriate fixings for their weight and your wall type**. Hanging requirements vary depending on the item and wall construction, so follow the individual product instructions and seek advice from a suitably qualified professional if you are unsure about safe installation. ## Storage for real gatherings A buffet comes into its own when the table is full and you need somewhere for spare plates, drinks or serving dishes. Choose the piece around those real-life uses rather than treating it as storage alone. OZ Design has been sharing life with Australian homes since 1979. Browse buffets and sideboards online or visit a showroom to compare storage layouts, materials and proportions in person.

Buffets and Sideboards

Brown Buffets and Sideboards

Coastal Buffets and Sideboards

Hamptons Buffets and Sideboards

Modern Buffets and Sideboards

Modern Timber Buffets and Sideboards

Mid Century Buffets and Sideboards

Mid Century Timber Buffets and Sideboards

Scandi Buffets and Sideboards

Industrial Buffets and Sideboards

Rustic Buffets and Sideboards

Classic Buffets and Sideboards