Sideboards aren't just for dining rooms. In a living room, the same long, low cabinet can hold a TV, hide board games and cables, display art and lamps, or define the edge of an open-plan space behind the sofa. And it holds far more than most TV stands or console tables. Here's where to put a sideboard in a living room, how to use one as a TV stand, and how to make it look like it belongs.
Why Use a Sideboard in the Living Room?
- Serious storage: drawers and cabinets for games, remotes, chargers, throws and photo albums.
- A display surface: room for a lamp, a plant, books and art above.
- Flexibility: it can move to a dining room, entry or bedroom later.
- A furniture look: a sideboard looks more like a considered piece than a typical media unit.
Where to Put a Sideboard in a Living Room
On the main wall, under the TV
The most common spot. A sideboard at media height becomes the TV stand, with storage for devices and clutter.
Behind the sofa
In an open-plan room, a sideboard behind a floating sofa separates the living area from the dining or kitchen zone. Check the height: most sideboards are 30–36 in tall, while most sofa backs are about 28–32 in. A sideboard behind a sofa should be the same height as the sofa back or 1–2 in lower, never taller, so a low sideboard, credenza or console table usually works best. It also shouldn't be longer than the sofa. Leave a few inches between the two so you can move the sofa.
On a blank wall
A long wall with nothing on it is a natural spot: style it with a lamp, a mirror or a gallery wall.
Facing the sofa, opposite a fireplace
Use it for display and books, and keep the TV elsewhere.
Under a window, between windows or in an alcove
A sideboard can sit under a window if it stays below the sill, or fill the wall between windows if you leave space for curtains at each side. In a sunny spot, choose a fade-resistant finish.
Using a Sideboard as a TV Stand
- Width: choose a sideboard wider than your TV, ideally by 4–6 in or more on each side. A 60 in sideboard suits TVs up to about 55 in; an 86.6 in sideboard suits most TVs up to 75 in.
- Height: the center of the screen should sit at about seated eye level, around 42–48 in from the floor. Low sideboards and credenzas (about 24–30 in) put most TVs in the right place. A standard 30–36 in sideboard pushes the screen higher, so it works best with a smaller TV, or with the TV mounted on the wall just above it.
- Weight: check the top's weight rating against your TV, soundbar and devices.
- Cables and ventilation: drill or use cutouts at the back for cords, and leave space around devices so they don't overheat.
- Safety: anchor the sideboard to the wall, and strap or wall-mount the TV.
The Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard is 86.6 in wide and 35.4 in tall, with rounded corners, four drawers and four cabinets. The top holds 110 lb. The lower Relievo Panel Console (60 × 14.2 × 24.8 in) has carved panels, glass-door cabinets and a top rated for 176 lb, and sits right at TV-stand height. Compare more media setups in TV stand vs. entertainment center.
Living Room Sideboard Ideas
- Gallery wall above: a grid or salon-style group of frames over a long sideboard.
- Lamp and leaning art: one tall lamp at one end, a large print leaning against the wall at the other.
- A glass-front cabinet: to display glassware, ceramics or books, lit from inside.
- A record or music station: a turntable on top, records in the cabinets.
- A drinks or coffee station: see sideboard bar ideas.
- Mixed materials: a wood sideboard with a metal lamp and stone objects, or a black metal cabinet with warm wood accents.
Choosing the Right Living Room Sideboard
Size
Measure the wall and leave space on each side. Keep 30–36 in of walkway in front, and check the depth: 15–20 in is typical, and slimmer pieces suit narrow rooms. See our sideboard dimensions guide.
Storage type
- Drawers for remotes, cables, games and small items.
- Closed cabinets for devices and bulky things.
- Glass doors for things you want to show.
Style
- Modern organic: light oak and rounded edges, like the Orbis in Oak.
- Industrial: black metal frames and textured glass, like our Display Cabinet with LED Lighting.
- French country: carved white panels, like the Relievo pieces.
How to Style a Living Room Sideboard
- Start with the biggest piece: art, a mirror or the TV.
- Add height at one end: a lamp, a tall vase or a plant.
- Add a grouping in the middle or the other end: books with a small object, or a bowl.
- Leave some open space.
Step-by-step ideas: how to decorate a sideboard.
FAQ
Can you use a sideboard in a living room?
Yes. It works as a TV stand, a storage cabinet or a display piece, and it usually holds more than a console table.
Can a sideboard be used as a TV stand?
Yes, if it's wider than the TV, low enough to keep the screen at eye level, rated for the TV's weight and anchored to the wall.
Can you put a sideboard behind a sofa?
Yes, ideally one at or just below the height of the sofa back. A lower credenza or console often fits better than a tall dining sideboard.
Shop sideboards and buffets and TV stands.