Read This Before You Invest in a New Rustic Sideboard Buffet

In today's post, we are going to talk about one of the most useful and versatile pieces of furniture: The Modern Rustic Sideboard. Some people think this type of furniture is out of fashion and is no longer used, nothing is further from reality!

Since mid-19th century a sideboard become more popular and desirable and floated markets with a large range of decorative styles and frequently ornamented with costly veneers and inlays. Sideboards have been (deserving so) recognized as a versatile-must-have-piece-of-furniture in a modern home and in addition to formal dining rooms, have been placed in living rooms, entryways or other areas where household items might be displayed and stored. If I to name one most important benefit of a sideboard (among the looks and the durability!) the storage space is the lead feature. 

What is a sideboard? What is the difference between a Sideboard, Sideboard Buffet, Sideboard Table and a Credenza?

A sideboard, credenza, buffet or a sideboard table is an item of furniture traditionally used in the dining room for serving food, for displaying serving dishes, and for storage. It usually consists of a set of cabinets, or cupboards, and one or more drawers, all topped by a wooden surface for conveniently holding food, serving dishes, or lighting devices. The words sideboard, credenza, sideboard table and buffet are somewhat interchangeable, but use this simple rule of thumb to differentiate:

• If an item has short legs – it is a sideboard
• If an item has no legs and sits directly on its base – it is a credenza
• If an item has longer legs it is more likely to be called a buffet or sideboard table.

Assuming you are not here to learn about the time in history when the earliest versions of the sideboard your created, nor to get too deep into the sideboard evolution of how the earliest versions of the sideboard familiar today made their appearance in modern homes and gained most of their popularity during the 19th century as households became prosperous enough to dedicate a room solely to dining, I’m going to skip directly to today’s one of the most desirable and south after styles of Sideboards – Rustic and Reclaimed Wood Sideboard styles and uses.

Depending on the size of the room you’re looking to furnish with a sideboard, be it living room, dining room or entryway, you will love how you’ll it can keep secrets, keep your messy trinkets hidden, dishes disorganized, and kids board games organized, it will be a life saver specially when unexpected guests pay you a visit.

Materials Used in Making Reclaimed Wood Rustic Sideboard Cabinet

The answer is simple and obvious – natural wood. Perhaps you can find a sideboard that has the “looks” of rustic, but “bones” of plastic. Certainly, it is your money and your choice, however, if you want an original, handmade, (not mass produced in china) you need to take your time. High quality tropical wood such as mango wood, acacia, oak and birch are the best natural materials for making the sideboard that will withstand the use (and let’s admit…the abuse!) for years to come.

Reclaimed wood sideboards have gained lots of attention and became household’s favorites for many reasons. Some choose reclaimed sideboard cabinets because the feel-good emotion of contributing to preserving forests across the globe and reducing the footprint on our fragile ecosystem. Other’s just love the look of old-reused, which in this case is new and fabulous.

Whatever it is that drives you to select a reclaimed wood piece of furniture, you’ll enjoy the story it comes with, thus somehow connecting with the past you never took part of. Most reclaimed lumber comes from timbers and decking rescued from old barns, factories and warehouses, although some companies use wood from less traditional structures such as boxcars, coal mines and wine barrels. Since most of reclaimed wood furniture is handmade, there is a dose of uniqueness, as no one piece is the same. For instance, LOOMLAN carries sideboards made out of reclaimed train tracks and console tables made out of original bicycles used for roaming streets of rural India. 

How To Decorate a Reclaimed Wood Rustic Sideboard Cabinet?

Rustic style furniture embraces the natural state of things, and the opportunity to see and feel the knottiness of wood, its grain, and its natural tones is a big deal. This helps to keep the textures of a variety of woods separate, individual, and interesting. As we have already said, sideboards are furniture that gives your living room, dining room, bedroom or entryway a great personality. Any decoration you decide on must not overwhelm or interfere with the main color and texture of the sideboard noticing especially unique natural designs and colors. Rustic style tends to favor the masculine, hearty side of décor. Dainty, feminine pieces will get lost or, at the very least, feel very out of place within a rustic styled space. Opt for nature-inspired details that provide distinct presence and drama. Consider the hides that would naturally be found on, say, a form. Like zebra or cowhide rugs and sheepskin throws.

It’s very important to take into account the style of decoration that already exists in your home, a wide variety of sideboards available in today’s market makes it easy to match wit décor style in your home. White sideboards, brown sideboard, black and everything in between – all are easily adaptable to any environment, from the most classic to the most modern or contemporary.

Important Sideboard Size Considerations

It’s essential to be clear about sideboard’s purpose. If you want to use sideboard solely as a storage solution for kids games and toys, perhaps darker woods are better to hide those little finger prints that are sure to be all over the entire surface. To store items, choose a sideboard large enough with plenty of internal storage.  On the other hand, if you use it as a decorative element, perhaps the storage space is not an essence, then white rustic sideboard, sometimes referred to as a white farmhouse style sideboard, with plenty of carved details will make a great focal point. Once you have decided on the primary purpose of the sideboard, you have to pay attention to the size of the space where you plan to position it. Always keep in mind that sideboards usually measure 30-36” high and anywhere between 40 to 120” inches wide. Save yourself a headache – measure the doorway and staircase width and height (especially where the staircase turns) to ensure the sideboard, especially if it is a large one, actually will be able to get to the room you plan on having it. Returning a huge sideboard back to the retailer is expensive and time consuming. Thus, consider the size before you take out that credit card out of your wallet.

How To Care For Rustic Sideboard Furniture

Caring for your rustic sideboard cabinet is a simple process; however, many people overlook the importance of taking proper care of the rustic furniture they purchased. Without the proper care the furniture may warp, get scratched, rot, or crack. Below are some tips to ensure that your rustic furniture will not deteriorate over time:

• The cleaning cloth needs to a bit damp or covered with a furniture polish. Never dust your reclaimed rustic sideboard buffet with a dry, rough towel.
• Do not use soap on the furniture as this will warp the wood overtime.
• Use designated wood polish, it prevents rustic wood furniture from scratching and protects the finish of the wood stain.
• Use the same wood polish every time you polish your rustic furniture. Switching wood polish often will change wood color and even make it look cloudy.
• Use coasters for all drinks and vases. Spills and water rings from condensation should be cleaned up immediately as true rustic furniture will absorb water and other liquids rapidly.
• If you choose to set your sideboard in the kitchen, ensure there is plenty of space between the stove and the sideboard. Take special note of using a protective layer between hot dishes or cooking appliances and the surface of the rustic furniture.
• Humidity is hard on rustic furniture. Differing levels of humidity can cause the rustic furniture to expand and contract.
• If possible, keep your new rustic sideboard cabinet out of direct sunlight. The sun emits strong rays that can deteriorate the rustic stain.

By taking a good care of your newly acquired rustic sideboard you are certain ensure lasting elegance, sophistication, and unique style.