Rustic Sideboards and Buffets

The Natural Sophistication of Rustic Sideboards and Buffets

Sideboards and buffets have been used to house food, utensils, dishes, and more in dining rooms since the 18th century. Before they existed, rudimentary planks were used to give tables extra space. Sideboards and buffets are standalone furniture items. They both have flat tops as well as drawers and sometimes cupboards. Some can have mirrors inside of them, which help show off any items you may want to display. Sideboards and buffets offer you a way to add sophistication and flair to a dining room while also providing needed storage space.

The word "rustic" refers to a design that emphasizes organic aesthetics. Rustic furniture often utilizes thick wood with a slightly weathered finish. The weathered finish helps make the piece look as natural as possible as if you, the owner of the piece, could have chopped the tree down yourself. Rustic designs allow you to feel closer to nature with the utilization of earthy hues and imperfect edges. You may see lines on the wood, called wood grain, that swirl and twist, flowing naturally across the material. Rustic designs use warm colours, making the space feel like home. Rustic sideboards and buffets usually juxtapose their wood with iron knobs and handles. This is because iron hardware is heavy and makes you think of traditional metalworking, a thought that fits well with the rustic aesthetic.

Sideboards stand on shorter legs than buffets. Buffets stood on taller legs because they were meant to hold food for standing guests or to hold food for a standing server to place the items on a larger table. Sideboards traditionally held linens and dishes, while buffets normally held food and dishes. Of course, today many people use sideboards and buffets to hold all sorts of non-traditional items including board games, lamps, decor, and more.

Some buffets and sideboards come with a hutch top. It connects to the furniture piece, adding height and storage space. Another unique feature to look out for is sliding doors. Rather than using hinge doors that open at a 90-degree angle, some rustic sideboards and buffets use sliding doors that roll horizontally to open. See the manufacturer site for details. Lastly, mirrors placed in interior cabinets offer a stunning way to enhance nice decorative items. Some sideboards also offer a mirror that attaches to the flat top of the furniture piece, allowing you to take a glance at yourself or the room around you. Mirrors also help reflect light, causing a room to appear larger.