One of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can invest in is a sideboard. Sideboards come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes from contemporary to country to formal. They lend style and substance to a room. The original purpose was for use in the dining room for serving
(think Downton Abby),
but I find you can use them in several different ways.
A sideboard is not to be confused with a hutch, which has a top piece usually for displaying dishes.
This piece is mahogany and leans toward the Hepplewhite style. I keep it in my front entry where I store
linens and candles and a few platters.
These two charming pieces are made of quarter sawn oak, are Tudor in style and are referred to as dessert servers.
The wood grain on this Queen Anne style sideboard is exquisite! It is made of burled walnut.
I recently bought this Sheraton sideboard back from a client. They are moving and don't have room for it in their new house.
It looks perfect in my living room (at least for now!).
This is a very old English server. I love the barley twist detailing on the sides. The keyhole is made of ivory.
My daughter and I found this handsome sideboard in a local consignment store. It has a granite top which makes it perfect for putting hot dishes or beverages on.
Here is another English piece with some
Art Nouveau details.
I suppose my favorite sideboard is this lovely antique French piece with a parquet top. I store my pewter serving pieces in here plus most of my cookbooks.
It lives in my family room.
Sideboards are a great anchor to a room especially if there is no fireplace, and they do make wonderful storage units. It's even become popular to repurpose them into T.V. stands or bathroom vanities.
What is your favorite piece of furniture?
I like to join these parties