Selecting and Styling French Farmhouse Buffets & Sideboards

In this post: If you’re looking to add a French farmhouse buffet sideboard, you’ll love this shopping guide of affordable and pretty buffets & sideboards. ⇒

I just love the versatility of a buffet sideboard!

The unsung hero of the dining room, storing far less than the china cabinet, and serving a fraction of what you’d find on the dining table, a sideboard, in truth, can fill multiple purposes.

Offering additional storage wherever it’s used, along with a surface to display favorite objects, a buffet server is welcome in many places outside the dining room.

Moreover, a sideboard offers the opportunity to decorate the wall above it, as well, providing further options for adding character to your home. In any given room, varying the heights of the hard pieces adds interest to the space.

In the dining room, for instance, if you already have a tall china cabinet, a sideboard placed opposite it will give additional storage space with less bulk than the hutch, while a mirror or painting above it will balance things out.

Where to Use Buffets & Sideboards

The obvious first choice is within the dining room, next to the table, as a place to put extras to complement your meal. It might hold food platters, accompaniments or additional plates, or drinks and barware to access while entertaining.

But equally useful, a server in the entryway or hallway might hold refreshments for entering guests. This is also a lovely place for family photos and candles, or anything that one might find meaningful and inviting.

Becoming more and more prevalent, now that TVs are hung on walls, a sideboard beneath a television is a lovely way to decorate your living spaces. They are infinitely prettier than most TV stands, and offer the perfect amount of storage. Just drill a hole in the back if you need access for wires and you’re good to go.

How to Style a Sideboard

Of course, styling a sideboard will have a lot to do with where the piece is placed and how you are using it.

A classic layout of three sections, whether decorated symmetrically or not, often makes the most sense. Even in asymmetrical layouts, balance is important so treating the two ends as one entity, similar in height, works great when relating to a lower object in the center.

In the dining room, where the piece might be used in its most literal sense, tabletop items are most logical. A tray with glasses looks lovely at the center, as would a shallow bowl with fruit or potpourri.

In a hallway, a low floral arrangement flanked by sleek lamps, vases or candlesticks could be wonderful.

By contrast, in a living room under a TV, a simple display is more appropriate, such as 3 short stacks of art books or perhaps a decorative plate.

Sideboard Options

There are countless different styles of sideboards available today, from new and modern to traditional and antique, as well as everything in between.

What characterizes them and is generally common to all is that they are typically counter height, similar to a console table, and have cupboard doors with a shelf inside. Some have shallow drawers above the cabinets, while others have curved side doors or open shelves. They vary in length and might have two to four doors, or even more.

For our purposes here I’ve included styles that fit best within a French-inspired or farmhouse home, although an eclectic mix might work with more modern tastes, as well.

Choosing the Right Size Server for Your Needs

• Assess Your Space: Start by evaluating the available space in your dining room or wherever you plan to place the buffet server. Consider both the width and depth of the area.
• Allow for Clearances: Ensure that there’s enough clearance around the buffet server. Leave at least 36 inches of space between the buffet and other furniture or walls to allow for comfortable movement.
• Proportion to the Room: Consider the overall size of your room. The buffet server should complement the scale of the room. In a spacious room, you can go for a larger buffet, while in a smaller area, opt for a more compact one.
• Room Layout: Think about the layout of your room, including the location of doors, windows, and other furniture. Make sure the buffet server won’t obstruct any entrances or create awkward traffic flow.
• Functionality: Determine how you plan to use the buffet server. If it’s primarily for serving dishes during meals, it should be large enough to accommodate serving platters, dishes, and utensils.
• Storage Needs: If you need additional storage for dining essentials like tableware, linens, or glassware, choose a buffet server with the appropriate number of drawers, shelves, or cabinets.
• Consider Depth: The depth of the buffet server matters. Deeper buffets provide more storage space, but make sure it doesn’t overwhelm the room. A shallower buffet may be suitable if you have limited space.
• Test with Paper or Tape: Before making a purchase, use masking tape or cardboard cutouts to mimic the size and placement of the buffet server. This visual aid can help you visualize how it will fit in your space.
• Measure Twice: Always double-check your measurements to avoid any surprises when the buffet server is delivered. Measure the width, height, and depth accurately.

Alternate Uses for a Sideboard

Apart from the obvious uses for a server or buffet in a room, a piece can also be co-opted for an alternate use in the home. Instead of a console table, try a shallow buffet as a back-of-the-sofa table, adding storage possibilities to to living room. Use a sideboard as a bar with glass shelving for stemware above.

Or change the piece altogether adding a sink and fixtures to the top, creating a lovely bathroom vanity. The height and proportions lend themselves perfectly to this particular option.

You might find what you like in the shopping guide below.

The items are in large part vintage-inspired, although most are brand new, and many include a painted finish. They range from casual to more formal and vary in size, shape and color.

Please note all were available at the time of publishing and I come back and update the post as often as possible. But please also understand that items do sell out, and vendors also change their links more often than I’d like. I’ll do my best to keep the post up to date, but rarely will it be perfect… 😉

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of a weathered wood sideboard or the elegant charm of a vintage-inspired buffet, French farmhouse style offers a perfect blend of rustic warmth and refined sophistication. These pieces not only add functionality to your dining space but also infuse it with character and grace. By thoughtfully choosing accents like aged mirrors, soft linens, and curated decor, you can effortlessly create a dining area that’s as inviting as it is beautiful. Embrace the understated elegance of French farmhouse design, and watch your home transform into a cozy, chic retreat perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet family meals.