Sideboard types and tips for choosing

Manufacturers offer many interesting sideboard models. We'll tell you what a cupboard for the kitchen can be and how to choose one so that it doesn't look like a relic of the past in our article.

How to choose a kitchen sideboard

Each person will have a different kind of sideboard to suit their needs. Someone needs a roomy one in the first place, another - an antique, and a third, on the contrary - in accordance with the latest trends in the interior. But let's pick out the main parameters to focus on when choosing a sideboard.

Style

It is better to first make a design-project of the kitchen or the entire flat, to understand what kind of interior you will have, and then choose a sideboard. If you can't afford to hire a designer, you can browse through catalogues or look at thematic websites to decide what styles you like. For example, gloss white sideboard could be a good choice for a modern minimal-style interior.

Once you've decided on a style, you can then choose your furniture. Of course, you could go to a furniture shop or do an online kitchen toolkit search. But in this case, you run the risk of buying furniture of completely different design. Some have been successful in mixing different styles in one interior. So it is better not to risk, otherwise you can get a version of "expensive", but totally not stylish.

Sizes and materials

Decide what kind of crockery and how much you want to keep in the cupboard. How many open and closed shelves you need. How high should the drawers be. Whether you need a worktop.

The dimensions of the cupboard

They come in a variety of sizes:

• Width - 120 to 200 cm;
• Depth - 40 to 60 cm;
• Height - 180 to 200 cm.

For small kitchens, you can also find more compact models in widths of 80 to 120 cm.

The history of sideboards

Sideboard first appeared in France in the early 15th century. Wealthy nobles used them for storing expensive crockery made from porcelain and silver. The cupboard usually had two compartments with doors that could be locked.

The word 'buffet' comes from the Latin 'bufetum', which means 'shining table'.

In the 17th century the appearance of sideboards changed, and they became similar to modern furniture. The upper part of the cupboard had open shelves for plates and glasses, with or without doors, while the middle section had pull-out drawers for cutlery and the lower section had closed shelves for heavy crockery.

Between the lower and middle compartment was a worktop. This was used for the preparation of food before serving and for preparing light meals. Hence the second meaning of the word 'buffet' - a snack bar.

The French armoire was so clever that many wealthy people in other European countries also began to buy the same type of furniture. Later on, these cabinets also appeared in the homes of the middle class.