The living room is the heart of the home, where people relax, entertain, and spend time with family and friends. Choosing the right furniture for this space is essential to creating a comfortable and functional environment.
The sideboard is a decorative piece, and while a sofa is an essential piece of furniture, many homeowners question placing a sideboard taller than the sofa in the living room. Though there is no definitive answer to this question, several factors influence this decision.
In this article, we will explain in detail the pros and cons of having a sideboard higher than the sofa and provide practical tips on choosing a sideboard with the right height for your living room.
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Sideboard and Sofas
It is important to state that the sideboard and sofa are two pieces of furniture with different functions in the living room.
A sofa is an upholstered cushion for seating with an armrest or backrest. On the other hand, a sideboard is a piece of furniture serving as storage or a display medium for household items or decorative pieces. Placing a sideboard in your living room beautifies your space as it can be used as a shelf for decorative items like cutleries, glassware, or picture frames.
Sideboards come in various designs; there are sideboards with drawers and an open bottom shelf, just like the Art Leon sideboard with drawers, or as a cabinet enclosed with doors, like the artleon spiral sideboard. But, whichever designs or styles the sideboard is made in, they come in an average standard height of 28- 32 inches.
The decision to have a higher sideboard than the sofa is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can work flawlessly in some spaces, it may look off in others. Factors such as the available space, the style of the sofa, and the items to be stored or displayed should be considered when deciding on the height of the sideboard.
By considering these factors, you meet your needs and preference and create a cohesive and uniform look in your living room.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to guide you in making a uniform decision on the sideboard height.
Advantages of a Tall Sideboard
- Tall sideboards can serve as a room divider in a large room. By strategically placing, you can create a more defined separation between two areas of the room.
- In a household with children, tall sideboards can serve as a safety measure by keeping fragile decorative pieces, antiques, and expensive artworks out of the reach of little hands. This helps to prevent accidental damage or breakage and keeps these items safe from potential harm.
- A taller sideboard can add a sense of verticality and visual interest to the room. Its height draws the eye upward, making the space appear taller and more dynamic. This can be especially useful in rooms with low ceilings or a lack of architectural features, where a taller piece of furniture can add much-needed visual appeal.
- Sideboards with taller heights have more storage or display space for larger items.
Disadvantages of a Tall Sideboard
- Ideally, sideboards are designed to be slightly lower than the sofa to create a proportional and symmetry look. In some cases, if built higher than the standard height, it can overshadow the design and overall allure of the sofa, which can be visually unappealing.
- Taller sideboards reduce the practical storage function of a sideboard; when they are built too tall, it becomes difficult to access items stored on the top shelf.
- Sometimes, a taller sideboard can create an enclosed illusion when placed in rooms with low ceilings, making the room feel cramped or closed in.
Related Reading: what type of sideboard for you?
Tips To Keep in Mind When Searching for a Sideboard
Here are a few tips to remember when picking a sideboard higher than your sofa.
The Overall Design of the Room
The first factor to consider when selecting the height of your sideboard is the style of your room and furniture. It's important to ensure that the sideboard's height complements the overall style of your space without looking awkward.
Additionally, consider the color scheme of the sideboard. Fortunately, most sideboards come in neutral colors or wood-like materials that can easily blend in with a wide spectrum of colors.
Consider the Functional Use
Think about the reason you are getting the sideboard. Is it for storage, display, or both? A lower height and enclosed sideboard like this rattan sideboard are more practical if it will be used for storage purposes.
For display functions, a taller sideboard is more effective; if you need a sideboard for storage and display functions, a sideboard with drawers and an open bottom shelf like this Art Leon Sideboard with 3 drawers and bottom shelf is advisable.
Consider the Sofa Height
Ideally, the height of a sideboard should be lower than the height, but this doesn't apply to all scenarios. When the sideboard is of a shorter height than the sofa, it creates balance and proportion in the room.
Consider the Ceiling Height
Before searching for a sideboard, you need to consider the ceiling height of the room the furniture will be placed in. Higher sideboards work well with high ceilings, but in some cases, they might make the room feel claustrophobic or stuffed to its users.
Personal Preference
Lastly, you need to consider your personal preference; the decision on the height of the sideboard depends on you. If you prefer the look of a higher sideboard than the sofa, which works well for your specific needs, go for it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deciding whether a sideboard should be higher than the sofa is a matter of personal preference and requires careful consideration of several factors.
Considering all the above factors, you can make a well-informed choice that meets your needs and creates a cohesive and attractive living space.
Ultimately, the height of the sideboard should complement the style of your room and furniture and serve your storage and display needs without detracting from the space's overall design.
You can check our sideboard section for more sideboards of different height to pair with your sofa.