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Ever walked into a room and felt like it was missing something? A buffet or sideboard can be the finishing touch that brings calm, order, and style to a dining room, hallway, or living area. These pieces are part storage, part stage — they hide clutter, showcase heirlooms, and provide a surface for lamps, art, and those all-important candles. Think of a sideboard like a dependable friend who keeps things tidy and looks great doing it.
Choosing a style sets the tone for the whole room. Do you want clean minimalism, warm wood grain, or bold modern contrast? The UK market is rich with choices that fit every aesthetic. Below I’ll walk you through the main styles and which stores tend to carry the best examples for each.
Scandi design is all about light woods, tapered legs, and simple silhouettes. Nordic Nest is an excellent source for these looks, stocking pieces that emphasize craftsmanship and calm palettes. If you like airy rooms and functional elegance, this is your lane.
Mid-century pieces bring a retro, refined feel with splayed legs, walnut tones, and sculpted drawer fronts. Many UK retailers — including Made.com and Heal's — offer contemporary takes on this classic look, often with updated finishes and sustainable materials.
Want warmth and texture? Rustic sideboards with reclaimed timber or distressed finishes add character and depth. Stores like Furniture Village, Barker and Stonehouse, and Dunelm tend to stock options that feel lived-in and homely, perfect for country cottages or cozy urban flats.
Nordic Nest specialises in Nordic and contemporary design, offering compact and striking sideboards and side tables. Below are a number of specific models you might spot on their site — each one demonstrates a slightly different approach to storage and style.
This Montana pair brings a clean, modular look and is finished in a fennel tone with chrome legs for a subtle modern twist. The chrome elevates the piece visually, making it feel lighter and more refined. Pairing chrome with wood tones works great next to glass or mirrored décor, and these tables are perfect as bedside accents or as additional storage in a living room.
The Montana Save side table in Nordic 09 is a minimalist’s dream. Black lacquered legs ground the look and give a sophisticated contrast to lighter tops. This style is ideal when you want understated functionality — slim footprint, tidy lines, and a look that complements both modern and classic interiors.
Normann Copenhagen’s Kabino collection blends playful geometry with practical storage. The small grey sideboard fits compact spaces while offering eye-catching proportions. It suits apartments where design matters as much as footprint: it stores essentials without dominating the room.
For a bolder look, the Anthracite 04 finish paired with white lacquered legs makes a stylish statement. The dark top anchors a room visually, while the white legs keep things fresh and contemporary. These tables work well in contrast-heavy schemes or rooms featuring strong art pieces.
The Muuto Enfold sideboard is a low, sculptural unit that blends oak grain with a dusty green finish. Converted to imperial units, its footprint is about 49.2 in × 17.7 in × 24.8 in. That low profile makes it perfect beneath a TV or along a corridor wall. Muuto’s soft color palette and rounded details give a comforting, tactile presence in the home.
Clean and bright, this white-on-white Montana option creates a serene, almost gallery-like effect. It’s an excellent choice if you want a piece that fades into the background and lets other design elements shine — think brass lamps or vibrant art above.
The Woud Virka side table in oak is a taller piece with a refined vertical presence. At roughly 47.2 in tall, it’s ideal for making a statement in an entryway or living room corner. Use it to display a sculptural lamp, vase, or a stack of your favourite books; it draws the eye upward and works well where floor space is limited but vertical space is abundant.
This coffee-toned top with white lacquered legs blends warm and crisp elements, making it versatile for eclectic or modern settings. The coffee finish brings depth without being heavy, and the white legs add a Scandinavian lightness that keeps the piece feeling contemporary.
Beyond Nordic Nest, the UK has a healthy spread of retailers that specialize in sideboards and buffets across budgets and styles. Here are some well-known places to check out: Made.com (trend-forward and mid-price), John Lewis & Partners (quality and variety), IKEA (budget-friendly and modular), Wayfair UK (huge selection), Heal's (designer-led), Furniture Village and Barker and Stonehouse (classic and family-friendly designs), Habitat and Dunelm (stylish budget options). Comparing stock across these stores helps you find the right balance between design, functionality, and price.
Size matters — you don’t want a piece that overwhelms the room or looks like an afterthought. Here’s a quick checklist to measure like a pro: allow at least 30 in of clearance in front of the sideboard for walking and opening drawers; match a sideboard height to your dining table so serving is easy — typically within 2–4 in of your table height; if placing under a TV, make sure the top is low enough to keep the screen at a comfortable eye line — generally around 20–28 in off the floor for seated viewing. Remember to consider door openings and the path of traffic as well.
Wood is a perennial favourite — oak, walnut, and ash show grain and age well. Veneer gives the look of solid wood for less money but can be more sensitive to humidity. Lacquered and powder-coated finishes (common on legs and metal frames) offer durability and pop in colourways. For moisture-prone rooms, sealed or treated wood and high-quality laminates are safer bets. Chrome and brass accents are fashionable, but remember they scratch, so factor in protective pads and gentle cleaning products.
Styling a sideboard is a fun way to reflect your personality. Start with an anchor object like a lamp or a large piece of art, then layer with lower items like a tray, a small sculpture, or a stack of books. Add a plant for life and texture — something trailing or sculptural works well. Use baskets or boxes inside to hide miscellaneous items, and rotate seasonal décor so the surface always feels fresh. Don’t be afraid to break symmetry; one large item offset with multiple small items often looks more intentional than two identical lamps.
Expect a wide price spread. Budget options from IKEA and Dunelm can start under £100 for small units, while mid-range designer pieces on Made.com or John Lewis usually fall between £250–£1,000 depending on size and material. High-end designer or solid-wood sideboards from brands like Muuto or Normann Copenhagen often begin around £1,000 and rise significantly for bespoke or artisan pieces. Think about longevity: spending a bit more on a durable, versatile sideboard can save money in the long run.
Simple care keeps a sideboard looking great for years. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth and clean spills promptly to avoid stains. For oiled wood, a light re-oiling once a year can revive the surface; lacquered and painted finishes do well with gentle cleanser and a soft cloth. Use coasters and mats to prevent scratches and heat damage, and avoid placing heavy items single-handedly onto delicate tops — distribute the weight or use protective pads underneath.
Buffets and sideboards are practical and powerful design tools. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalism of Nordic Nest collections, the retro flair of mid-century pieces, or the homey feel of rustic units, there’s a sideboard out there that fits your space and style. Measure carefully, choose materials that suit your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to mix finishes for a look that feels uniquely yours. With the right piece, your room will not only gain storage but also personality and purpose — and that’s a win in any home.
| Buffets & Sideboards | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Normann Copenhagen Kabino Sideboard Small Grey | £ 563,09 | |
| Normann Copenhagen Rib Sideboard 45x159 Cm Soft Black | £ 1.524,03 |
