A buffet sideboard is the hardest-working piece in most dining rooms. It holds the dinner sets and table linen you don't use every day, gives you a serving surface when guests are over, and brings a room together around the table.
This guide covers the difference between a buffet and a sideboard, how to size one for your room, which storage layout suits how you live, and how to style it. It finishes with a look at the buffet range in our Sydney showrooms.
Buffet vs Sideboard: Is There a Difference?
In Australian homes the two names are used almost interchangeably, and most retailers list them together. Traditionally, though, there are small differences:
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Sideboard: a long, low cabinet that usually sits on short legs or a plinth.
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Buffet: the same idea built for the dining room. It is often a little taller and longer, so it works as a serving station next to the table.
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Hutch: a buffet with an open or glass-fronted display unit on top, for showing off glassware or china.
In practice, pick the piece that suits your room and storage needs rather than the label. A dining buffet sideboard does both jobs: storage below and a serving or display surface on top.
How to Size a Dining Buffet Sideboard
Measure the wall, your dining table and the walkway before you fall for a design. These rules of thumb keep the room in proportion:
|
Measurement |
Rule of thumb |
|
Length |
Roughly two-thirds of the wall, and a little shorter than the table |
|
Clearance from table |
At least 90 cm, so chairs can pull out and people can walk behind them |
|
Height |
80–90 cm, close to table height, which keeps serving comfortable |
|
Depth |
40–50 cm suits most rooms. Go slimmer in a narrow space |
|
Wall space at each end |
15–30 cm, so the piece doesn't look squeezed in |
A long buffet sideboard suits open-plan rooms and an eight- or ten-seat table. A small buffet sideboard or slim cabinet suits apartments, where the walkway matters more than extra cupboard space.
Storage Layouts and Finishes
Think about what you will actually store, then choose the layout that fits it:
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Buffet sideboard with drawers: best for cutlery, placemats, napkins and small serving pieces. Look for smooth runners and, if you can, soft-close fronts.
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Doors with adjustable shelves: best for dinner sets, platters and tall bottles.
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A mix of both: the most practical choice for a family dining room, with drawers in the middle and cupboards on either side.
Finish is the other big decision. A modern buffet sideboard in a lacquered or matte surface gives clean lines that sit well with contemporary dining chairs. Timber tones add warmth and age gracefully.
A buffet sideboard white in colour is a popular choice for Sydney homes because it brightens a darker dining area and makes a smaller room feel more open. White pairs well with black or natural-oak table legs, and with leather chairs in tan or cognac.
Styling and Placement Tips
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Centre it: line the buffet up with the middle of the table or a pendant light so the room feels balanced.
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Style in threes: a lamp or tall vase, a low bowl and a small stack of books is enough.
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Add height above: hang a mirror or artwork about 20–25 cm above the top, roughly two-thirds the width of the cabinet. Our consoles and mirrors range has pieces that pair well.
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Match the chairs, not the table: pick up a tone from your chairs for a connected look. Our leather dining chairs buying guide and dining chair styling tips can help.
A sideboard doesn't have to stay in the dining room. It works as a low media unit in the lounge room, or as a landing spot for keys and mail in a hallway. See our entrance furniture ideas for more.
Buffets at Demir Leather
Our buffet collection includes Alexia, Atena, Aura, Clio, Esmeralda, Julie, Olimpia, Parigi and Petalo. Each one combines practical storage with a design that sits well alongside the rest of our dining furniture. Sizes, finishes and pricing are available on enquiry, so our team can match the right piece to your room.
Find Your Buffet Sideboard in Sydney
The best way to judge storage, finish and proportion is in person. Bring your room measurements to our Auburn or Chatswood showroom and our team will help you choose a buffet that suits your table, your wall and the way you entertain. If you are furnishing from scratch, our must-have furniture for a new home checklist is a useful starting point.
Contact us to ask about sizes and availability, or visit a showroom this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a buffet and a sideboard?
A sideboard is a long, low storage cabinet that can go in any room. A buffet is designed for the dining room and is often slightly taller and longer for serving.
2. How long should a buffet be compared with my dining table?
Aim for a buffet a little shorter than your table and about two-thirds the length of the wall it sits against.
3. How much space should I leave between the buffet and the dining table?
Leave at least 90 cm, so chairs can be pushed back and people can walk behind them comfortably.
4. Is a white buffet sideboard hard to keep clean?
Not if you choose a wipeable lacquered or sealed finish. Wipe spills promptly with a soft, damp cloth, and use coasters and felt pads to avoid marks.
5. Can I use a sideboard as a TV unit?
Yes. A low sideboard makes a stylish media unit, as long as it is deep enough for your TV stand and has an opening or cut-out for cables.
