How to Choose the Right Sideboard Size for Your Room

A sideboard is one of those wonderfully useful pieces of furniture that can transform a room. It provides extra storage, gives you a surface to style and can bring warmth and character to an otherwise empty wall.

However, choosing the right sideboard online can feel difficult. A piece that looks perfectly proportioned in a photograph might feel too large once it arrives, while one that is too small can look lost against a long wall.

The good news is that finding the right size does not need to be complicated. With a few measurements and a little thought about how you will use the furniture, you can choose a sideboard that feels as though it has always belonged in the room.

Start by measuring the space

Before thinking about colour, wood or style, measure the area where you would like the sideboard to sit.

You will need to check:

• The width of the available wall

• The depth available in the room

• The height beneath any artwork, mirror or window

• The position of doors, radiators and plug sockets

• The space required to open cupboards and drawers

• The walking space around the furniture

Try not to choose a sideboard that fills every centimetre of the available wall. Leaving some space on either side will help the piece feel balanced rather than squeezed into position.

Depth is especially important in narrower rooms and hallways. A sideboard may fit neatly against the wall, but you still need enough room to walk past it comfortably and open its doors or drawers.

One of the easiest ways to picture the finished result is to mark the measurements on the floor and wall with masking tape. Leave it there for a little while and walk around the room as you normally would. This will give you a much clearer idea of how much space the furniture will occupy.

Think about the room and how you will use it

The right sideboard is not simply the one that fits. It should also make the room more useful.

In a dining room, a sideboard can provide storage for tableware, serving dishes, glassware and linens. If it will be used when serving food or drinks, consider a comfortable surface height and make sure there is enough space to move around it when the dining chairs are pulled out.

In a living room, it might hold books, games, cables and everyday items that would otherwise create clutter. The top can be styled with a lamp, artwork, photographs or a vase, helping the piece feel like part of the room rather than storage alone.

A sideboard can also work beautifully in a hallway. Here, a shallower design is usually the most practical choice because it offers storage without taking over the walkway. It can become a natural place for keys, post and the smaller things you want close to the front door.

For more compact spaces, the Manila Copper Sideboard measures 85cm wide, 60cm high and 35cm deep. Its three drawers and cabinet provide practical storage, while the copper detailing and rich chestnut finish give it enough character to become a feature in its own right.

If you prefer a lighter and more open appearance, the Larissa Open Double Cabinet is 80cm wide and 35cm deep. Its open shelving helps it feel less visually heavy, while still providing useful storage and display space.

A traditional sideboard is not always the only option. If the available area is narrow or you mainly need a surface with a little drawer storage, a console table may suit the room better. The London Console Table, for example, measures 90cm wide and 35cm deep, making it a lovely option for a hallway, home office or smaller living space.

Choose proportions that feel balanced

Once you know a piece will physically fit, think about how it will relate to the furniture around it.

A very small sideboard placed beside a large dining table may look out of proportion. Equally, a large and visually heavy design can overwhelm a compact room, even if the measurements technically work.

Look at the height and width of nearby furniture, as well as the amount of visual detail already in the space. If the room contains several bold pieces, a simpler sideboard may provide balance. If the rest of the furniture is understated, a textured finish, curved shape or decorative detail can create a beautiful focal point.

The furniture does not need to match perfectly. In fact, a thoughtful mix of wood tones and finishes can make a home feel more natural and collected over time. The important thing is to find a common thread, such as similar warm undertones, rounded shapes or complementary materials.

Remember to think about what will sit above the sideboard too. A mirror or piece of artwork can help anchor it against the wall, but it should not feel wider or heavier than the furniture beneath it. Leave enough space between the sideboard and anything displayed above so that each element has room to breathe.

The surface should also be practical. If you plan to display a lamp, check that a socket is accessible. If you want to use it for drinks or serving food, make sure the depth gives you enough usable space.

Finally, look beyond the outside measurements and consider what you actually need to store. Drawers are useful for smaller items, while cupboards are better for larger objects you would prefer to keep out of sight. Open shelving makes a room feel lighter, but it works best if you enjoy keeping your displayed items organised.

At Sonhos Furniture, we choose furniture that brings together style, quality and everyday functionality. Our collection includes natural wooden sideboards, cabinets, chests, media units and console tables designed to make a home feel warm, considered and easy to live in.

Taking a few minutes to measure properly can save you from choosing a piece that is almost right. The best sideboard should fit the space, support the way you use the room and give you storage you will appreciate every day.

Explore the full Sonhos Furniture storage collection to find the right piece for your home.