Buffets + Sideboards
Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Modern Interior
In 15th-century France, the sideboard emerged as a low cupboard, primarily designed to hold plates and bottles. Typically, it featured two compartments with lockable doors, where the nobility stored their prized porcelain and silverware. The term "buffet" traces back to the Latin "bufetum," meaning "shiny table." This French invention became so popular that it quickly spread across Europe, finding a place in the homes of the wealthy. Over time, sideboards made their way into middle-class households as well.
Originally, the sideboard’s main purpose was to organize and display tableware like dishes, cutlery, napkins, stemware, and salt shakers. While its presence was once limited to the kitchen, today it often graces the living room, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Its timeless appeal is due to its practical nature, adapting its design to suit changing trends while maintaining its core function. At Domesca, you'll find everything from sleek oak models to cutting-edge glass designs. Depending on your room’s layout and style, we offer standard, corner, and modular sideboard options. Modern manufacturers continually innovate, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal to enhance your space. Our "Buffets & Sideboards" section includes closed and open models, corner units, and serving pieces, available in a variety of materials to suit any decor. Check it out and find your dream style!
Choosing a Perfect Sideboard: What's on the Menu?
- Tall and Compact: Buffets come in both high and low designs, each with its own distinct advantages. Low buffets are ideal for keeping storage compartments easily within reach, making it convenient to display decorative items or frequently used household objects. They create a seamless look in a room, blending with other furniture pieces and making it easier to see and access stored items. High buffets, on the other hand, maximize vertical space, allowing you to store more items without taking up too much floor area. They are perfect for rooms with limited space, as they offer ample storage while adding a touch of elegance to the decor.
- Floor-Based and Wall-Mounted: Wall-mounted sideboards are among the most innovative and unique options available in modern design. Although installing them requires more effort and precision, their sleek look without legs gives any room a contemporary, minimalist vibe. These sideboards are especially useful for small spaces, as they keep the floor area free, making cleaning and maintenance much easier. The suspended design also allows you to showcase stylish flooring or carpets, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the room. For those who appreciate modern aesthetics, a wall-mounted sideboard is an excellent choice to elevate the overall ambiance.
- Classic and Curved: Sideboards come in a variety of shapes, with classic rectangular models being the most popular due to their versatility. These traditional designs can stand alone or be placed against other furniture, offering ample storage space for dishes, kitchenware, or other household items. For a more striking appearance, you might opt for sideboards with radius facades, which curve gracefully and bring a touch of elegance to the room. These curved designs often serve as the focal point of the space, demanding a standalone placement to highlight their unique form. With their stylish look, they effortlessly set the tone for the room’s decor, making them an interior designer’s favorite.
- Space-Saving Options: Corner sideboards are a smart solution for making use of often-overlooked spaces in a room. They fit neatly into corners, maximizing storage without intruding into the main area, making them ideal for compact living spaces. Two-sided sideboards are also highly practical, particularly in open-plan homes where they can be used as dividers. This type of sideboard has storage accessible from both sides, blending functionality with an open design that keeps the room feeling airy and spacious. Such designs allow you to organize your items while maintaining a modern and uncluttered appearance in your home.
- Wood, Metal, Glass: Sideboards are crafted from a wide range of materials, each offering its own unique appeal and durability. Solid wood options are timeless and sturdy, providing a classic look that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. MDF and engineered wood are great for those seeking a budget-friendly yet stylish choice, often available in a variety of finishes. For a modern touch, sideboards made from metal, glass, or even marble can add a sleek, high-end feel to the room. At Domesca, you’ll find sideboards in different combinations of these materials, allowing you to choose the perfect piece that matches your taste and interior style.
As Many Homes, As Many Styles
Choosing a sideboard's style is crucial, as it should complement the overall theme of your home, whether that’s Scandinavian, industrial, vintage, or modern. At Domesca, you’ll discover a vast array of styles, from minimalist designs that emphasize clean lines to ornate models that add a touch of classic elegance. When browsing through the options, consider factors such as the number of shelves, cabinet types, and the practicality of drawers to ensure it meets your needs. The height and design of the sideboard are often the first aspects that catch the eye, influencing its integration into the room’s decor. Ultimately, the right style will not only serve as a functional storage unit but also as a statement piece that enhances your living space.
If you're now inspired to add a sideboard or buffet to your living space, we’d be delighted to guide you through our finest selection. At Domesca, we offer high-quality pieces that blend style and practicality, ensuring you'll find the perfect fit for your home. Our curated range includes both classic designs and modern innovations, catering to all tastes and interior styles. With Domesca, you can transform your living space into a place that balances elegance with everyday functionality. Discover how the right sideboard or buffet can not only organize your essentials but also elevate your home's aesthetic to a new level.
FAQ
What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
Although buffets and sideboards have similar functions, their main difference lies in their size and design. Buffets are usually taller and larger, often featuring three sections, while sideboards are more compact with two sections. Both typically have an upper tier with glass shelves for display and a lower tier for additional storage. Functionally, they serve the same purpose—offering space to store and display your dishes, decorative items, and household essentials.
What sideboard options do you offer?
At Domesca, we offer a wide variety of sideboard options to suit different tastes and needs. Our collection includes both low-profile and tall designs, as well as floor-standing and wall-mounted models for versatile placement. You’ll find sideboards in classic rectangular shapes and elegant curved designs, along with corner units that make the most of tight spaces. We also provide sideboards crafted from materials like solid wood, metal, glass, and marble, available in styles ranging from Scandinavian and industrial to vintage and modern.