How to choose a buffet or sideboard
Doors, drawers or both
Storage is the spec shoppers look at most. Cabinets with doors, like the 4-door Artiss BERNE, hold dinner sets, serving bowls and appliances. Drawers suit cutlery, table linen and small items. Many models mix the two, so think about what you'll actually store before choosing a layout.
Material and finish
Engineered wood is the most common material here, often with an oak or timber-look finish, as on the DANA Oak sideboard. Solid timber, metal frames, glass doors and rattan fronts change the look and weight. If solid oak matters, check whether the top is solid or veneer in the product details.
Colour
White is the most popular finish, followed by wood tones and black. White and light timber keep a dining room bright, while black and darker wood ground a larger space.
Size and fit
Check length, depth and height against your wall, allowing room to walk past. A sideboard about the same height as your dining table, or a little higher, looks balanced. Sideboards also work as TV units, hallway storage or kitchen cupboards.
Assembly and budget
Most arrive flat packed, and taller pieces should be anchored to the wall. Prices start from about $49, with most around $175, and larger timber pieces costing more. For other living room storage see TV units, console tables and display cabinets.