A well-styled piece can be as simple as 1, 2, 3. All it takes to achieve a professional look with your sideboard styling is an eye for design—which you already have—and a few easy tips.
1. Start on the wall.
Draw the eye upward by hanging art or mirrors above your sideboard. Choosing the right size and placement for your piece depends on the size. There’s no hard and fast rule, but a good general approach is to ensure whatever pieces you choose do not extend beyond the sides of the sideboard. Achieve a relaxed look by opting to lean artwork rather than hang it. You could choose to lean one large piece or play around with layering artwork using complementary pieces—you can even mix art with a mirror.
2. Add a glow.
Bring light into the equation with a stunning table lamp or a set of candlesticks for your sideboard. When considering the size, most medium-sized pieces will work beautifully, but play with larger styles in a more open space. Matching lamps on either side of your sideboard is an especially classic and sophisticated way to add balance and symmetry to your dining room design. If you’re showcasing a special piece of art above your sideboard, you could take advantage of sleek and modern picture lighting to highlight the work while adding a glow to your space.
3. Keep it organized.
Add trays, bowls and decorative boxes to corral items you want to keep accessible in your space. A sideboard can easily be transitioned into a stunning bar using a large tray to display your collection of spirits or luxury barware.
Bonus Tip! Combine styles.
You’re completely free to mix and match these tips to find your true style. If you prefer a more minimalist design, you might opt for a single piece of art and a table lamp, an empty vase or simple greenery. Maybe you take a “more is better” approach to your styling. If so, play with adding greenery, books and vases or jars to your display for a stand-out look.
Not just for sideboards!
These tips aren’t just for styling your buffet or sideboard —they’re useful for making built-ins and most larger, waist-high storage pieces like nine-drawer dressers, media consoles and entryway tables look professionally and intentionally styled.
Scout & Nimble is a retail site and blog that aims to make expert design accessible to all. Follow at blog.scoutandnimble.com.
