What is a sideboard used for in a South African home?

A sideboard anchors a dining area, provides organised storage for dinnerware or media, and acts as a surface for items like lights, plants, or braai tools. It helps disguise clutter and can be used as a low media console under a wall-mounted TV.

How do I choose the right size sideboard for my wall?

A practical rule is to choose a sideboard width that is 60-85% of the wall it sits against, with a height of 70-100 cm for comfortable serving height and a depth of 35-50 cm to allow clearance for doors and chairs.

What materials are best for sideboards in South Africa?

Solid wood sideboards age well and can be repaired, while veneered or engineered boards offer consistent finishes at a lower price. For homes near the coast, choose well-sealed finishes and avoid lower-grade particleboard to prevent swelling from humidity.

How much does a sideboard cost in South Africa?

Prices vary widely: compact MDF or veneer units start around R2,500; mid-range solid-wood pieces range from R6,000 to R15,000; larger designer or handcrafted sideboards can cost R25,000 or more.

What should I check before buying a sideboard online from Bash?

Measure your wall width, consider your storage needs (plates, linens, or electronics), and choose a finish that suits daily use. Confirm whether delivery includes room placement and assembly, and check return windows and any restocking fees.

Sideboard Buying Guide - Choose the Right One

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Sideboard Buying Guide - Choose the Right One | Bash

Quick comparison: sideboards vs. alternatives

Feature	Sideboard	Sideboard alternatives
Ideal use	Storage and display in dining or living rooms	Media consoles, credenzas, or buffets for specific functions
Size range	Width: 60–85% of wall; height: 70–100 cm; depth: 35–50 cm	Typically shorter for media (50–60 cm high) or taller for buffets
Price range (approx.)	R2,500–R25,000+ depending on material and size	Similar range: R2,000–R20,000 for most alternatives

What a sideboard brings to a home

A sideboard is more than extra storage - it anchors a dining area, disguises clutter, and can be a focal surface for lights, plants or a TV. We think of sideboards as purposeful furniture: organised storage with a considered silhouette that complements a living or dining room. If you use a sideboard for braai tools, crockery or media, its size and internal layout will look different; that choice shapes everything that follows.

Where to place a sideboard

Against a dining-room wall to store dinnerware and serveware.
Along a passage or behind a couch for keys, mail and everyday drop-off.
Under a wall-mounted TV as a low media console (check width and ventilation).

For dining-led layouts, see our curated dining-room options to match scale and finish. Dining Room

Sizing and proportions - a quick rule

Measure the wall and visual height before you look for a sideboard. As a practical rule we use: sideboard width = 60-85% of the wall it sits against; height = 70-100 cm for comfortable serving height. Depth usually sits between 35-50 cm so doors and chairs and traffic paths clear.

What to consider inside: shelving, drawers and doors

Open shelves are handy for frequently used items but need tidier styling.
Adjustable shelving adds flexibility for different plate and appliance sizes.
Drawers are best for cutlery, linens and smaller items you want out of sight.

If you’re matching a dining table or other pieces, check finish and scale in the same material family rather than hunting for identical colours - natural timber tones vary and patina adds character.

Materials and durability

Solid wood sideboards age well and can be repaired; veneered and engineered boards give consistent finishes at a lower price. Metal frames and handles suit an industrial look and are hard-wearing. For homes near the coast, favour well-sealed finishes and avoid lower-grade particleboard where humidity and sun can cause swelling.

Typical price expectations (South Africa)

Expect a wide range depending on size and material: compact MDF or veneer units start around R2 500; mid-range solid-wood pieces commonly sit between R6 000 and R15 000; larger designer or handcrafted sideboards can reach R25 000 or more. These are estimates to help set a budget; final prices vary by brand, finish and whether assembly or delivery is included.

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How we help you choose - a short checklist

We recommend a simple three-step approach when choosing a sideboard: measure, match function, then choose finish. That keeps the decision realistic and reduces returns.

Step 1 - Measure carefully

Record wall width, the height of nearby windows or switches, walkways and the clearance behind chairs. Take a photo from different angles - it helps when comparing options online or arranging delivery.

Step 2 - Match function to layout

Decide whether storage will mostly be plates and serving dishes, everyday crockery, linen, or electronics. For bulky serving dishes, choose deeper shelving or a combination of cupboards and drawers. If you plan to place items on top regularly, choose a robust surface and consider protective pads or trays.

Step 3 - Finish and fastening

Choose finishes that tolerate daily use where children or pets are present.
Soft-close hinges and quality drawer runners make everyday use feel premium.
Where possible, request installation or secure anchoring to the wall for safety.

Browse our sideboard range and filter by size, material and price to see options that match your measurements. Furniture

Delivery, assembly and returns - what to check

Confirm whether delivery includes room placement and assembly. For larger sideboards, we recommend delivery teams who will place and assemble the unit in the room where it will live. Check return windows and any restocking fees so you’re not surprised if the colour or scale reads differently in your space.

Everyday styling ideas

Keep the top surface useful: a lamp, a shallow tray for keys and a single statement plant or vase.
Layer with a mirror or artwork above to add height and reflect light.
Use baskets inside cupboards to group small items and keep shelves tidy.

If you want ideas for coordinating the sideboard with other pieces, our tables and accessories collections can help you pull a look together. Tables

Need a quick decision: measure the wall, write down three must-haves (depth, internal layout, finish), then pick the best match in your price band. That keeps the choice simple and the result useful for everyday life.

Sources

House & Garden South Africa - furniture selection and styling ideas
The Spruce - definition and uses of sideboards
ArchDaily - material and finish guidance for furniture in interiors

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Sideboard buying guide - choose the right sideboard for your home

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

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30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Match function

Finish and delivery

Quick comparison: sideboards vs. alternatives

What a sideboard brings to a home

Where to place a sideboard

Sizing and proportions - a quick rule

What to consider inside: shelving, drawers and doors

Materials and durability

Typical price expectations (South Africa)

How we help you choose - a short checklist

Step 1 - Measure carefully

Step 2 - Match function to layout

Step 3 - Finish and fastening

Delivery, assembly and returns - what to check

Everyday styling ideas

Sources

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