20 Apr Vintage & Industrial Sideboards: How to Choose the Right One
Vintage & Industrial Sideboards: How to Choose the Right One
The sideboard is one of those pieces of furniture that can really become the focal point of a room and its worth taking some time to get it right. From mid century Danish, vintage teak and industrial styles combing metals and wood- there is plenty of choice. Here are a few things to consider in choosing the right one.
Why Vintage Sideboards Hold Their Own
A well-made sideboard from the 1950s or 60s was built to last generations — solid teak, oak or walnut, dovetail joinery, quality hardware. Compare that to the MDF and veneer construction of most new furniture and the case for vintage becomes obvious. Beyond the quality argument, there’s the character — the patina, from stunning mint condition examples to slightly worn characterful pieces — they tell a story.
Mid-Century and Danish
The mid-century sideboard is one of the most enduring furniture forms ever produced. Low-slung, clean-lined, often in teak or walnut with tapered legs — it works in almost any interior and has been continuously desirable since the 1950s for good reason. They carry the provenance and craftsmanship that few modern day high street, mass produced reproductions can match.
Danish pieces in particular are sought after for their quality and restraint — they sit beautifully in both contemporary and more traditional settings without dominating a room.
Industrial and Reclaimed
For those who want something with more edge, industrial sideboards combine reclaimed wood and steel in ways that bring warmth and texture to a space simultaneously. Our Large Rustic Reclaimed Sideboard and Reclaimed Iron & Wood Top Sideboard for more compact spaces, are good examples of quality build and industrial design— solid with characterful and built to last.
Reclaimed wood sideboards have the added appeal of sustainability — every piece of wood has a history, and the variation in grain and tone means no two are ever identical.
Rustic and Boho
Not every sideboard needs to be mid century to have that old school build quality, but you do have choose carefully. At Cambrewood we have hand selected small batch made examples for exactly the type of quality craftsmanship you would expect from the vintage mid century pieces we all love. Our Sunburst Carved Sideboard has the vintage style and 60s flair made from solid sustainable woods with attention to detail throughout— perfect for interiors that mix natural materials, plants and layered textures or the neutral tones of the Rustic Boho Carved Sideboard. These pieces work particularly well in dining rooms and living spaces that lean towards the relaxed end of the spectrum.
What to Consider When Buying
Size is the obvious starting point — measure the wall space carefully and allow breathing room on either side. As a rule, a sideboard should sit below any artwork or mirror above it, so factor in what’s going on the wall too.
Height matters more than people realise. A low mid-century piece creates a very different feel to a taller unit — low sideboards open up a room and work well under windows, while taller pieces can make more of a statement in the right position.
If buying vintage, condition will most likely be reflected in the price. Honest condition reports are very important, especially when buying online. Study the photos carefully and ask about any defects. At Cambrewood every vintage piece undergoes a full service and deep clean before leaving. When necessary we carry out restoration work and you can be confident that your sideboard will arrive in the condition you would expect.
Material should match — or deliberately contrast — with the other furniture in the room. A reclaimed wood sideboard in a room full of clean-lined contemporary furniture creates a deliberate contrast that can work well. A teak mid-century piece alongside other warm wood tones creates cohesion. Mix neutral tones and jute rugs with sideboards such as the Rustic Boho Carved Sideboard we mentioned earlier and create a room of calm relaxation.
At Cambrewood
We stock sideboards across all these styles — from genuine antique and vintage originals to pieces from our Cambrewood Collection made from sustainable woods. Every piece is handpicked for quality and style, with vintage pieces all prepared at our workshop just outside Cambridge. Free UK delivery on every order and if you want to discuss options or looking for that particular piece- just get in touch.
Browse our full sideboard collection here.