Kitchen sideboards: how to choose the right cupboard for your kitchen

Kitchen sideboards are very versatile pieces of furniture, and are available in various shapes and sizes.

Over time, the role and design of this type of furniture has evolved and, today, sideboards are an important resource for interior designers who are looking for a solution that can make the interior design of the dining room more functional.

Everything you need to know about kitchen sideboards

Sideboards started to be used around the 17th century. Originally, they were low, elongated pieces of furniture on which plates and trays were placed to serve guests.

The first sideboards had a rather rustic design and had essentially a pure service function. If the top was used to place the dishes, the shelves of which the cabinet was composed were the place to place and store the dishes at the end of the service. That was all.

Only after a few decades did the presence of sideboards become frequent in the kitchens of the nobility and upper middle class. This caused their design to be enriched with ornaments and details.

Nowadays, kitchen sideboards are very versatile pieces of furniture that can take on the most varied shapes and designs. Alongside sideboards that follow the original dimensions and appearance of this type of furniture, there are also sideboards that are imaginatively shaped and generously sized.

In modern kitchens, for example, both floor-standing and wall-mounted sideboards can be found. In particular, one of the many contemporary solutions involves fixing the sideboard in a suspended position from the floor: the presence of a space between the cabinet and the floor gives the room an elegant and light appearance, which is increasingly appreciated by customers.

Various solutions can also be adopted for the height of the sideboard. While a low cabinet is the most traditional choice, a high sideboard is the most suitable choice in a small kitchen.

When is it necessary to furnish with a kitchen sideboard?

There are several contexts in which a sideboard can add value to your kitchen. In rooms furnished with minimalist logic , for example, the cupboard that serves as a pantry becomes an important storage space in which to organise dishes, utensils and kitchen textiles.

Cupboards are also indispensable in a kitchen furnished in a rustic style: in its more traditional versions, this particular type of cupboard gives the room both a warm and familiar atmosphere.

If the aim is to create a piece of furniture that conveys warmth and conviviality, then wooden cupboards are undoubtedly the best solution. One can turn to solid wood kitchen sideboards or those made of lacquered or even painted wood. In all cases, the solidity of wood gives substance to the furniture and gives the kitchen a very intriguing atmosphere.

Sideboards with a display cabinet are also an excellent solution to complete a traditional piece of furniture. The combination of wood and glass is elegant and makes it possible to organise objects, so that those you are most attached to are displayed and stand out.

Those who want to give their kitchen a modern touch can choose a contemporary designer sideboard. There are original models, which are upholstered in fabric, or even cabinets made of a mix of woods and innovative materials . There are also sideboards with abstract lines and unusual geometries. On the other hand, for a space furnished in an industrial style, cupboards with a metal structure and wooden shelves are perfect.

How to choose kitchen sideboards without making mistakes?

Finding the perfect sideboard for every project is a challenge for any interior designer. To make the right choice, you can be guided by the suggestions you want to create in your home and the atmosphere you want to build. In this sense, it is crucial to have a clear idea of what furniture style you want to take inspiration from. Let us look at some examples in this regard.

Generally speaking, when designing and choosing kitchen sideboards, follow the same furnishing style adopted for furniture in the living area. Such a choice guarantees a result that is both coherent and harmonious. However, you can also make a different choice. A pantry can be placed in the room which, in terms of colour and design, differs from the other furniture in the room where food is prepared.

By focusing on different designs and styles, the cupboard can become the focal point of the kitchen. By doing so, the eyes of guests will first focus on the cupboard, and then move on to the rest of the furniture. When furnishing the room, one must keep in mind precisely what we have just said, if one wants to succeed in creating a beautiful ensemble of furniture and accessories.

The structure of the kitchen sideboards must also be chosen carefully. In addition to the classic cupboards with hinged doors, one can also consider cabinets that have sliding doors or open compartments. Finally, those who want a piece of furniture that is above all functional can also consider sideboards that are equipped with drawers and shelves.

Il Piccolo, a second generation family-run joinery, opens its own showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the numerous interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In particular, Il Piccolo has a wealth of experience in the design and production of several corner wardrobe models. Finally, Il Piccolo represents the world’s most prestigious furniture brands.
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