Sideboards & Buffets: Why We Love Them

Jan 27, 2026

Sideboards & Buffets: Why We Love Them

If there’s one piece of furniture we think deserves more love, it’s the humble sideboard. Often overlooked in favour of sofas, dining tables or beds, buffets and sideboards are the quiet achievers of the home. They work hard behind the scenes, keep clutter under control and add serious style points to a room; all without demanding overwhelming attention.

At La Joie Living, we’re big believers in furniture that’s both beautiful and practical. Sideboards and buffets tick both of these boxes, which is why they remain a staple in our collections year after year.

The Perfect Balance of Storage and Style

At their core, sideboards are all about versatility. A well-designed dining room sideboard cabinet offers generous storage while also acting as a visual anchor in a space. Drawers, cupboards and shelving give you a place to hide everyday clutter, while the top surface becomes a styling opportunity with items like lamps, artwork, mirrors, vases or your favourite décor pieces.

In modern homes where open-plan living is common, this balance is especially important. We want our spaces to feel calm and pulled together, not busy or overcrowded. A sideboard allows you to keep the essentials close at hand while maintaining a clean, cohesive look.

Ideal For Entertaining (and Everyday Life)

Australians love to entertain, and sideboards really come into their own when guests arrive. They’re ideal for storing dinnerware, serving platters, glassware and table linen, making hosting feel effortless rather than chaotic. During a dinner party, a buffet can double as a drinks station or dessert table, freeing up valuable space on your dining table.

Outside of entertaining, sideboards are just as useful day to day. Many of our customers use them to store board games, tech accessories, paperwork or even kids’ craft supplies. In living rooms, they’re perfect for housing electronics while keeping cords neatly out of sight. In hallways or open-plan spaces, they offer practical storage without feeling bulky.

A Style and Size for Every Home

One of the biggest misconceptions about sideboards is that they’re only suited to large homes. In reality, there’s a size and style to suit almost any room. Compact designs work beautifully in apartments or smaller dining areas, while longer, statement pieces suit spacious open-plan homes.

Design-wise, the options are endless, from classic Hamptons and French Provincial to sleek contemporary styles. Choosing the right finish, proportions and detailing can completely change how a room feels. Light-coloured timber or painted finishes can make a space feel brighter and more open, while darker tones add depth and sophistication.

When chosen thoughtfully, a sideboard helps tie the room together, grounding the space and complementing surrounding furniture rather than competing with it.

Our Favourite Sideboards From La Joie Living

We’ve curated our collection to offer something for every taste and interior style. Here are a few standout pieces that showcase just how versatile sideboards can be.

Hamptons Sorrento 2 Glass Door Small Sideboard Buffet

This compact favourite is ideal for smaller dining rooms or apartments. Featuring glass doors and classic Hamptons detailing, it offers storage without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for displaying dinnerware or décor while still hiding away everyday essentials. The Hamptons Sorrento 2 Glass Door Small Sideboard Buffet is a great example of how a smaller dining room sideboard cabinet can still make a big impact.

Hamptons Halifax Wine Rack Buffet Sideboard Cabinet

Designed with entertainers in mind, the

Hamptons Halifax Wine Rack Buffet Sideboard Cabinet combines closed storage with a built-in criss cross wine rack. It’s practical, elegant and coastal in style. Whether used in a dining room or living space, it keeps everything organised while adding a relaxed Hamptons charm.

Hamptons Halifax Kitchen Cabinet

More than just a sideboard, this versatile cabinet works beautifully as extra kitchen storage or a statement piece in a dining area. With generous cupboards and shelving, the Hamptons Halifax Kitchen Cabinet is ideal for storing appliances, serveware or pantry items. It’s a reliable option for homes that need both function and refined style.

Contemporary Modern Harper Sleek Sideboard

For lovers of modern interiors, the Contemporary Modern Harper Sleek Sideboard offers clean lines with a soft, architectural twist. The round arch glass doors add visual interest while maintaining a sleek, minimalist feel. It’s a stunning choice for contemporary homes wanting storage that feels light, sophisticated and on-trend.

French Provincial Louis Vintage Buffet Cabinet

If timeless elegance is more your style, the French Provincial Louis Vintage Buffet Cabinet is hard to beat. Inspired by classic French Provincial design, it features beautiful detailing and a vintage finish that adds warmth and character. This piece works wonderfully in any setting, whether it's for the bedroom, formal dining rooms or as a statement storage piece in a living area.

Why Choosing the Right Sideboard Matters

A sideboard isn’t just an extra piece of furniture, it’s an opportunity to enhance how your home functions and feels. The right design, finish and size can make a room feel more intentional, more balanced and more liveable.

When shopping for sideboards and buffets online or in-person, it’s worth considering how you’ll use the piece day to day. Think about storage needs, available space and the overall style of your home. A well-chosen sideboard will grow with you, adapting as your needs change over time.

Discover Sideboards and Buffets You’ll Love

At La Joie Living, we believe great furniture should make life easier and more beautiful. Our collection of buffets and sideboards has been thoughtfully curated to suit Australian homes, lifestyles and interiors.

Whether you’re furnishing a new space or updating an existing one, explore our range of sideboards and buffets online and find a piece that works for you and brings a sense of joy to your home (or business).