What to put in a sideboard?
Up to the time I was asked this question recently I thought it was a straight forward thing but it turns out that the client was trying to think out of the box and needed some verification.
What it is
A sideboard according to the American Heritage dictionary definition is a long, low piece of dining room furniture having drawers and shelves for storing linen and table ware and a flat surface for either serving food or displaying items.
It’s a board set alongside the dining table usually short and is also sometimes referred to as a buffet, credenza or counter.
With time, the designs have evolved to many more compartments holding much more. However, what we in Uganda call a sideboard is actually referred to as a full wall unit.
What goes there
So, the question still stands...what can one put in a sideboard? (the Ugandan one) it depends on its functionality or the purpose for which you buy it.
The majority of us definitely use them to store or ‘hide’ away our precious China wear and glasses from house helps who seem to break them at will or safe guard cutlery that keeps disappearing and when you are ready to serve your guests, you realise you have only five pieces out of two dozens.
So, you only put out what is exactly enough for daily use and keep the rest under lock and key.
However, sideboards can also be used to display art collectables or even timeless book collections.
Depending on how many compartments it has, if you visualise one with three columns, the middle section can be reserved to house the China wear and drinking glasses while the ones on the side can have interplay of books, photo frames and artefacts.
The drawers can be used to keep bottle openers, birthday candle packs, serviettes, corkscrews, coasters small tit bits that often can’t be reached easily when needed.
Material
Sideboards can be made from a variety of materials. This depends on your interior decor style or your personal preference. If you are the old school, traditional type you will most likely favour natural wood like mahogany, pine and if you are more contemporary then MDF board both in ordinary and high gloss finish will be a great option.
-Gloria Kawuma is an interior designer
