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Sideboards and china cabinets: the return of furniture with character

This article is also available in French: Buffet et vaisselier : le retour du mobilier de caractère

15/04/2026 · 1 min read · By the Designix team
Sideboards and china cabinets: the return of furniture with character

The sideboard, long relegated to the status of a grandmother's piece of furniture, is making a triumphant return to contemporary interiors. Revisited with clean lines and noble materials, it brings character and valuable storage capacity to the dining room.

Wooden sideboard with decorative objects, vases and candles

The low sideboard: the new classic

The low sideboard, or credenza, is the most popular format. Long and shallow, it slides against a wall without obstructing the flow of traffic. Its two or three doors hide dishes, tablecloths, and cutlery, while its surface accommodates lamps, frames, and decorative objects.

Models in fluted wood, with their vertically striated facades, are the stars of 2026. This detail adds depth and texture without cluttering the furniture.

The glass-fronted cabinet: showcasing your collection

A glass-fronted cabinet allows you to display your fine china while keeping it dust-free. Choose a model with internal LED lighting that highlights the displayed pieces and creates a warm atmosphere in the evening.

The trend is for slim, slender display cases, almost like domestic jewelry boxes. A narrow but tall cabinet can hold an entire collection without taking up more than 60 cm of wall space.

Artisanal tableware displayed in a modern cabinet

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How to style the top of a sideboard

The top of a sideboard should be decorated like a shelf: in groups of three. A large mirror or painting leaning against the wall, a table lamp on one side, a vase or a stack of books on the other. Keep space between the groups to avoid a cluttered effect.

Pair your sideboard with a Designix wall light positioned just above to create a focal point in your dining room.

Detail of decoration on a piece of furniture with lamp and objects

Frequently asked questions

What width for a dining room sideboard?

Between 120 and 200 cm depending on the size of the room. Leave at least 80 cm of clearance between the sideboard and the table for comfortable movement.

Natural wood or painted wood for a sideboard?

Natural wood fits into Scandinavian and bohemian decors. Painted wood (matte black, olive green, navy blue) is suitable for more contemporary or revisited classic interiors.

A sideboard in a living room, is it possible?

Absolutely. A low sideboard makes an excellent TV stand or living room storage unit. Its surface allows you to display decorative objects and its storage compartments hide the clutter.

The right advice, at the right time

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The Designix team

Lighting and interior decor specialists. More than 5,000 homes furnished with the help of our advice, and a showroom in Lyon, France, to guide you.

A question before you buy? Our team is here to help: +33 6 62 65 17 72 · support@designix.fr

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