A sideboard that's too short looks lost on the wall. One that's too deep blocks chairs, and one that's too tall turns the dining room into a hallway of cabinets. Getting the size right is mostly a matter of a few simple measurements. Here are standard sideboard dimensions, how long a sideboard should be for your wall and table, how much clearance you need, and how high to hang art or a mirror above one.
Standard Sideboard Dimensions
| Measurement | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | about 30–36 in | Near dining-table height or a little taller |
| Depth | about 15–20 in | Slim versions from about 12–14 in |
| Length | about 48–84 in | Compact under 48 in; extra-long 84 in and up |
Sideboard, buffet, credenza and server sizes
- Buffet: often a little taller than a sideboard, about 34–38 in, which is a comfortable height for serving.
- Credenza: usually lower and longer than a sideboard, often with sliding or flush doors. Common in offices and living rooms.
- Server: a smaller serving piece, often with less storage.
The differences are covered in sideboard vs. buffet.
Standard Sideboard Height
Most sideboards are 30–36 in tall. A height close to your dining table (usually 29–31 in) or slightly above it looks balanced and is comfortable for setting down serving dishes. Taller pieces, around 35–36 in, are easier to serve from standing up. Lower pieces, around 24–30 in, suit living rooms and sit well under a wall-mounted TV.
Sideboard Depth
A depth of 16–20 in holds dinner plates, serving platters and stacked bowls. If your dining room is narrow, a slim sideboard about 12–15 in deep keeps the walkway open, but check that it still holds your largest plates (often 11–12 in across).
How Long Should a Sideboard Be?
- For the wall: a sideboard about two-thirds the length of the wall, with at least 6–12 in of open wall on each side (more if a doorway or window is close), looks balanced. A sideboard that runs wall to wall looks built-in, not like furniture.
- For the dining table: about 60–75% of the table's length, roughly two-thirds to three-quarters, is a common guide. It shouldn't be longer than the table unless the room is large.
- For the room: in a large dining room or a living room, a long sideboard of 72–86 in anchors the space. In a small dining room, 40–60 in is often enough.
| Dining table length | Suggested sideboard length |
|---|---|
| 48–60 in (4–6 seats) | about 36–45 in |
| 60–72 in (6 seats) | about 40–54 in |
| 84–96 in (8 seats) | about 55–72 in |
| 108 in or more (10+ seats) | about 72–86 in |
Clearance Around a Sideboard
Leave at least 36 in between the sideboard and the edge of the dining table, so chairs can be pulled out and people can pass. In a room where people walk behind seated diners, or if you open sideboard doors often, aim for 42–48 in.
How High to Hang Art or a Mirror Above a Sideboard
- Gap: hang the bottom of the frame about 6–10 in above the top of the sideboard, so they read as one grouping.
- Width: choose art or a mirror about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the sideboard: roughly 40–45 in over a 60 in sideboard.
- Center: on an empty wall, art is often hung with its center around 57–60 in from the floor. Above a sideboard, the 6–10 in gap matters more than that number, and dining room art often sits a little lower because people view it seated.
- Lamps: a buffet lamp's shade should not overlap the art; leave a few inches between them, or place the lamps at the ends.
Ideas for what goes on top are in how to decorate a sideboard.
Inside Dimensions: What Will It Hold?
- Drawers: 3–4 in deep for flatware, 6–8 in deep for linens, placemats and serving utensils.
- Cabinets: 12 in or more of shelf height for pitchers, decanters and stacked bowls; check whether shelves adjust.
- Wine bottles: standard 750 ml bottles are about 12 in tall standing upright.
Homsee Sideboards by Size
| Piece | W × D × H | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard | 86.6 × 19.6 × 35.4 in | 4 drawers, 4 cabinets; 32 in tall cabinet interior |
| Storage Cabinet with Glass Doors | 60 × 15.7 × 31.2 in | Glass-door cabinets with LED lighting |
| Display Cabinet with LED Lighting | 59 × 15.7 × 31.5 in | 3 cabinets and an open shelf |
| Relievo Panel Console | 60 × 14.2 × 24.8 in | 4 drawers, 2 glass-door cabinets |
| Relievo Carved Drawer Chest | 47.2 × 15.7 × 31.7 in | 6 drawers |
Before You Buy: Checklist
- Measure the wall, and leave 6–12 in or more of open wall at each end.
- Check 36–48 in of clearance to the table.
- Measure your largest platter and your tallest bottles or pitchers.
- Plan the art or mirror above.
- Measure doorways and stairs for delivery.
- Anchor tall or heavy pieces to the wall.
FAQ
What is the standard height of a sideboard?
About 30–36 in. Buffets tend to be a little taller, and credenzas a little lower.
Should a sideboard be taller than the dining table?
Usually the same height or a few inches taller. It's easier to serve from, and it balances the table visually.
Can a sideboard be longer than the table?
Yes, in a large room. Just leave open wall at both ends and keep the clearance to the table.
Shop all sideboards and buffets.