The sideboard was first conceptualised and produced in the 18th century when it was developed for use in stately dining rooms. Traditionally, it has been regarded as dining room and living room furniture; however, modern sideboards offer many more options to the sophisticated householder. One of those options is using sideboards as TV units, which has become one of the more popular interior design trends in recent times. In essence, the sideboard has evolved effectively with the times and now it is included in the realm of coveted multifunctional furniture pieces.

Elegant grey sideboard TV unit with striped detailing, paired with a stunning table lamp.

The sideboard TV unit is a sophisticated, classy, multifaceted and modern option, which would take the aesthetics of your living spaces to a higher level. The top flat surface and significant storage space make sideboards an ideal candidate for repurposing into a TV unit. Moreover, it is a highly versatile piece of furniture and the flat surface also offers you the opportunity to display decorative items if you so wish, thereby making it possible to turn it into the centrepiece of your space. In this feature, we are going to look into how you can repurpose a sideboard into a functional and stylish TV unit alternative.

Can Sideboards Be Used as TV Units?

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of a luxury sideboard is its versatility. As a consequence, they can be used for a range of purposes in most rooms in your house. In addition to the dining room, you can place it in your bedroom, the entryway of your house and the living room.

When you see a sideboard you see a flat surface with multiple drawers, cabinets and a height no taller than 36 inches. Doesn’t it conjure up the vision of a TV unit which can house your entire entertainment suite? Hence, it is no surprise that sideboards are now increasingly being repurposed as TV units in modern luxury interiors. It offers the classical style of 18th-century furniture while offering the functionalities you need in a modern TV unit. Over the past decades, we have provided our esteemed customers with perfectly crafted sideboard TV units and our experts can help you discover the unit that would be perfect for your home.

Luxury black sideboard TV unit, complemented by a stylish yellow chair and coffee table in the living area.

Advantages

There are certain key advantages of using sideboard TV units along with certain disadvantages. Below, we take a look into those.

Versatile Design

Sideboards offer ample space and compartments for your entertainment suite. The flat top is perfect for placing a TV, while the drawers and compartments provide the necessary space for storing gaming consoles, remotes, DVDs and even books. The amalgamation of vintage furniture design with modern functionalities makes it one of the most versatile pieces of furniture.

Stable and Resilient

The high-end sideboards are manufactured from solid wood and that lends it the distinctive stability and resilience that sophisticated individuals look for in their TV units. At the time of installation of entertainment equipment, the unit will need to hold out against considerable vibrations and solid wood will remain stable during that time. Mahogany, oak and walnut are some of the most suitable solid wood choices for sideboards.

Superior Aesthetics

A sideboard is a classical piece of furniture with old-world associations and the finished article is a work of elevated craftsmanship. For instance, sideboards generally bear intricate design details that are generally absent from modern TV units. However, like modern furniture, these units are also available in a range of colours and finishes, thereby making them complementary to diverse interior styles and colour schemes.

Better Viewing

It may be a centuries old piece of furniture but given its design one could argue that the sideboard was made for TV viewing. It generally offers a higher height than the average eye line and that makes it an ergonomically superior way of watching TV. You would not need to look down to view the TV and thereby enjoy a much better viewing experience.

Glossy brown sideboard TV unit with decorative lighting, perfect for a cozy, stylish ambiance.

Disadvantages

Size Constraints

Regular TV units are built to house large televisions but a sideboard may not always be of the right size for the largest TVs. However, you can consider opting for a larger sideboard to accommodate your TV and one of our experts will help you choose the right size.

Cable Issues

If you are looking to repurpose an existing sideboard into a TV unit, you need to remember that these units don’t have cable holes. As a consequence, it may be a better idea to get a sideboard TV unit, which will be equipped with those holes to aid in efficient cable management.

Heat Management

TV units also bear holes for managing the heat of the gadgets following prolonged usage. A traditional sideboard wouldn’t be equipped with those. Consider sideboards specifically made for repurposing into TV units to alleviate the issues.

Large living room with a modern white sideboard TV unit that complements the sofa and overall decor.

Using TV Units and Matching Sideboards in the Living Room

The creation of a matching TV unit and sideboard ensemble is vital to the aesthetics, sophistication and functionality of your living room.

The key is to make the two appear cohesive and function as a unit. To achieve that, choose sizes that make both stand out without making one appear too small or too large. In essence, choose complementary sizes in proportion to the dimensions of your living room to create the perfect ensemble.

The materials used to manufacture the two pieces of furniture would also need to match for cohesion. If you opt for a solid wood sideboard, ensure that your TV unit is also of the same material. Continuity and cohesion is the name of the game. We offer exquisite ensembles of this variant and will gladly assist you in choosing the perfect one for your living room.

Stunning white and brown sideboard TV unit, perfectly matching with the cozy sofa and coffee table.

Things to Consider

Purchasing one of these units is fairly straightforward. However, here are a few specialised tips that would help you in making the right purchasing decision.

The Size

The height and width of the sideboard are key considerations. Ensure that the height of the unit is somewhat higher than your average eyeline height. That will ensure comfortable viewing. Sideboards are available with 2 doors right up to those with 4 doors and you need to choose one as per your storage needs. The width is between the 48 inches to 72 inches range and the depth ranges from 16 inches to 22 inches. If you need greater storage, opt for one with greater depth.

Storage

Storage is rarely a problem with sideboards because the furniture had been originally designed to store kitchen appliances, utensils, plates, bowls and other related items. However, in the case of a sideboard TV unit, you need to consider the ease of access. For instance, you are not going to keep the gaming console locked away for extended periods. So, make sure that you can easily access the space at all times. A small compartment below the top could be made to store the console.

Finish

The finish of the solid wood sideboard would determine the effect it has on the aesthetics of your living space. There are two types of finishes you can opt for depending on your preferences. The first is the glossy finish, which will provide shine and gloss, while also highlighting the natural veins of the solid wood. The finish will lend a striking appearance. On the other hand, you can opt for the matte finish, if the aim is to create a contemporary look characterised by subtlety and minimalism.

Style

Style is a combination of aesthetics and functionalities. Furniture designers have developed a range of styles and makes of sideboard TV units which serve the functions admirably. While the classical style will never go out of fashion, the modern ones have also become quite popular in sophisticated homes owing to avant-garde designs. Our shop offers sideboards of all styles, starting from the classical to the modern and to the more adventurous designs.

Maintenance

Solid wood is a highly resilient material and does not require elaborate maintenance to maintain its appearance. Just a bit of regular dusting is all it would need. However, one would need to ensure that any spillage of water is wiped off immediately. An entertainment unit is unlikely to be in danger of any liquid spillage though.

Classy brown wooden sideboard TV unit, perfectly paired with a round coffee table and modern living area decor.

How FCI London Can Help You

FCI London is the foremost luxury lifestyle and furniture house in the United Kingdom, and it has almost four decades of experience. We have built our position by supplying high-grade bespoke furnishings, furniture, and lifestyle offerings through our attention to detail, personal service, and customisation expertise. We urge all discerning customers to head to our establishment, check out our extensive offerings of sideboard TV units, and have a meeting with our experts for a complete revamp of their living spaces. Alternatively, you could also visit our website and contact us through any of the modes that you are most comfortable with.

Book an Appointment with an FCI Sideboards Expert

From getting your proportions right to nailing your style, our design team is at your disposal to help you find the perfect sideboards. Take advantage of our free consultation service by visiting our award-winning showroom today.

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