Storage & Sideboards

What are sideboards and buffet tables used for?

Typically a sideboard or buffet table is placed in a kitchen or dining room to provide extra space to serve food or store plates and dinnerware. However, it doesn't just stop there. Many people use sideboards and related furniture to display things or as a storage solution for their homes.

What is the difference between a buffet table and a sideboard?

Usually, sideboards have shorter legs than a buffet table. While both sideboards and buffet tables have doors and cabinets, some sideboards have no doors and might function like a narrow table rather than a dedicated storage area. It's most common to see buffet tables in the dining room, while sideboards can find themselves at home anywhere from the kitchen to the living room and are used for storage when not used to serve food.

Where should I place my sideboard or buffet table?

Where you place your buffet or sideboard depends on what role it will be playing. The dining room may be the best location if you need it to store plates or wine. However, if you plan to store memorabilia and family heirlooms, you may often find sideboards in the living room or den.

What style sideboard or buffet should I get?

The style of sideboard or buffet table you should get highly depends on your current decorations and the style of your space. If you're having trouble, our design consultants can help you pick the perfect style for your space. However, it's essential to consider the function the piece will serve in addition to its design. For example, the size you need can become more important than the style you want if you have limited space.

Buffet and Server Table Materials

Your buffet or server table material will affect your choice as much as the color and pattern. The material you choose has a significant impact on your table's overall looks, but maybe more importantly, it changes how your buffet table feels. For example, a metal trimmed or finished table would have a colder and more modern feel when compared to something like wood or stone, which can project a warmer feeling.

Buffet and Server Colors

The easiest way to pick a buffet or server table color while simultaneously creating an amazing space is to mix and match colors. When determining the color or finish for your buffet table, consider how it will add to the current colors in your kitchen or dining room. Don't be afraid to be bold when picking a server table finish or color. Oftentimes the best color combinations lie across from each other on the color wheel. If you need help selecting a color or finish for your table, book an appointment or stop by any local store to see our complete selection of hundreds of designer fabrics, colors, and materials. Whether you need to ask a question or need an entire dream room done right, we're here to help.

How to Pick a Size for Your Buffet or Server Table

When choosing a buffet or server table for your dining room or kitchen, it's essential to make sure it pairs well with your other furniture pieces in terms of both style and size. For example, server tables typically stand higher than a dining room or kitchen table. So it's important to take note of your other furniture dimensions when picking a buffet table, even if to ensure there is room for foot traffic between everything.

Depth

Average tables have depths of around 20 to 22 inches. To ensure that you have a comfortable amount of space for foot traffic, try for at least 24 inches of spacing between other furniture pieces.

Length

The average buffet table has a length of 60 inches, which is suitable for a dining room table of the same measurements. This is a good rule of thumb when thinking about which length to buy. Depending on the number of guests you plan to have, the length can range up to 85 inches.

Height

If you want a perfect height for a buffet to offer you a comfortable food serving area, then 36 inches is the average. Although most buffet tables measure between 34-38 inches and depending on the need can go as high 85 inches.

Stop by A Bassett Store Near You

Browse our showroom floor and take in the latest pieces our designers have acquired for the Bassett collection. Select from a myriad of sideboards, servers, and dining room furniture. Should you feel particularly inspired, consider speaking with one of our design consultants. Custom design your very own piece and add your unique flair to your dining room. At Bassett, the options and possibilities are truly endless.