What to know before you choose buffets & sideboards
Perfect for dining rooms or living rooms, sideboards and buffets are a beautiful way to store dishes, barware, or linens (or all three). Traditionally used in dining rooms to display dinnerware and serve food from, nowadays people use sideboards for many things: media storage (aka all of your cable boxes or modem) or standard living storage of board games, albums, books, etc.
A buffet is typically longer and lower, with closed cabinet doors and sometimes a set of drawers. A sideboard might be slightly smaller or slimmer, but the function is the same: to store what you don’t want out in the open, and provide a surface for display on top. Credenzas are often compared to buffets, but they are a bit smaller and more formal looking than a standard buffet.
How do you select a color palette for dining room buffets & sideboards?
Choosing the right color palette for your dining room is an exciting (and fun!) process. Incorporating color (or the lack thereof) into a space will dramatically influence the mood and aesthetic. While it may be tempting to hit up your local hardware store to buy a gallon (or two or three) of paint, and go to town, the planning process is an important step. No one wants to repaint a room once the furniture is in. So, here’s the best way to think about incorporating color into your space:
First, set the mood: Before deciding on your color palette, think about the mood or atmosphere you want to create in your dining room. Yearning for a calm and serene environment? Or perhaps a vibrant burst of energy? Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose hues that align with the desired mood or vibe of the room. Warm-toned colors (reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks) can make a space feel warm, inviting, and cozy. Cool-toned colors (greens, blues, purples, grays, and most whites) can make a room feel grounded, calming, and clean. But, using too many warm colors can make a room feel closed off, and too many cool tones in one room can make a space feel cold and unwelcoming. Neutral colors (blacks, whites, and browns) add a sense of sophistication and professionalism to a space.
Then, choose a color scheme: Now for the fun part! Once you’ve selected the mood, you can start to build your color palette. Take into account existing furniture and decor elements. Choose colors that complement or skillfully contrast your furnishings to create a cohesive look. A handy tip to a cohesive color story? Use the 60-30-10 rule as your guide. The dominant color (60%) sets the tone, the secondary color (30%) adds depth, and the accent color (10%) brings a pop of interest. Your dominant color in your color palette may be the color you choose to paint your walls or the color of a large area rug. Your secondary color may be used for upholstery or statement furniture. And for that final touch, the accent color brings a spark and is usually found in artworks, cushions, or decorative pieces. If you’re going for a monochromatic color scheme, consider the 60-30-10 rule in terms of shades of color.
Finally, find balance and contrast: Once you’re ready to start applying color in the dining room design with paint or decorative touches, achieving the right balance between colors in your color palette is crucial. Consider the visual weight of each color and distribute them evenly throughout the space. Neutral colors are often paired with brighter accent colors to contrast a space. Pairing complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) or juxtaposing shades of light and dark can enrich your design with depth and complexity.
While some colors are more popular than others for certain rooms or design styles, pick a color palette that feels right to you. Interior design is all about self expression. You do you. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to express your unique style. Want more interior design color tips? Check out our free online interior design course on Color Theory.
Understanding the color wheel: white
Technically, white is not a color (you can thank science for that). But in design, the bazillion (yes, we counted) shades of white paint swatches may beg to differ. White is considered a neutral color, as it can easily blend with other colors and create a versatile backdrop for various design styles. In interior design, white is commonly used to create a sense of spaciousness and brightness, making a room feel open and airy. It can also serve as a canvas for showcasing other colors or elements in a space.
White is often associated with cleanliness, simplicity, and a sense of calmness. It is a popular color choice for minimalist and contemporary designs, as it allows for a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. Other neutrals such as gray, beige, and taupe create a sophisticated and timeless look when paired with white. These subdued hues provide a sense of calm and balance, allowing white to shine as the focal point. For some white-washed inspiration for your dining room, check out one of our favorite designer Leanne Ford’s “light, bright, and airy” aesthetic.
There are different shades and undertones of white which can create different effects in a room. Warm whites read more pink, yellow, or orange, while cool whites read more blue or green. When working with white and selecting your white paint swatch, consider the lighting and other elements in your space to achieve the desired ambiance in your dining room. The beauty of white is its ability to reflect light, making spaces feel airy and bright. Maximize natural light with sheer curtains or strategically placed mirrors. In the evenings, soft, warm artificial lighting can enhance the cozy, enveloping feel of a white room.
How do you pick a design style for a white dining room buffets & sideboards makeover?
Picking an interior design style for your dining room is a personal and immersive journey. It starts with introspection and an exploration of your aesthetic preferences, daily habits, and the overall ambiance you wish to create. We recommend the dining room style match nicely with the rest of your house. Consider the architecture of your home, the flow of natural light, and how the space is used to ensure the design style not only looks appealing but also serves your needs effectively. The goal is to create a space that feels inviting, comfortable, and uniquely “you”.
There is no right or wrong way to define your style. Start by gathering ideas and inspiration. Identify what colors, moods, and materials you are drawn to. Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design? The warmth of rustic charm? The rich textures of bohemian flair? Or the sleek functionality of minimalism? Your chosen style should resonate with your personality and make your space feel like a true extension of yourself.
There are dozens of design styles. One style may speak to you the most and you’ll be ready to go all in (do it!). If not, mixing elements from different styles can yield a unique, eclectic look that’s distinctly yours. Need some help defining your style? We created our own design style quiz to help you learn more about what you gravitate towards in design. The result is like the perfect blend of your personality and home. Take the quiz and your Spoak Sign be your inspiration.
Once you know the design style you want to achieve for your dining room makeover, the fun begins! You can start planning out your color scheme and decor ideas.
What’s the best way to design and decorate a white dining room?
Creating a dining room that serves as a welcoming hub for meals, gatherings, and memorable conversations begins with thoughtful planning. The arrangement of furniture not only influences the room's aesthetic appeal but also its practicality and comfort. By employing a strategic approach to your dining room design, you can achieve a space that harmonizes form and function, making every meal an experience to cherish.
Whether you're in the process of a dining room remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:
- Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the dining room and complements the style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
- Dining Table & Chairs: The heart of the dining room, your table should be chosen with care, considering its shape, size, and placement. This piece sets the tone for the room's overall design and functionality, acting as the anchor for all other elements. Pro tip: Divide your table’s outside dimensions by 24 inches to find out how many people you can seat comfortably. Complementing your table, the chairs should offer comfort and style.
- Storage Furniture: Practical yet stylish storage solutions like buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are key to a clutter-free dining area. They provide essential storage and a space for serving dishes. Position these pieces to maintain a clear pathway around the table, ideally 3-4 feet from the table’s edge.
- Area Rug: Love them or hate them, rugs in the dining room are a hot topic. A well-chosen rug can define the dining space and add a layer of warmth and texture. If you opt for a rug, ensure it extends at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out.
- Decorative Lighting: Central lighting, such as a chandelier or pendant, should be positioned directly above the table to illuminate the area evenly and serve as a visual centerpiece. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
- Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the dining room. Don’t forget the curtain rod!
Get creative and have fun with your dining room makeover! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Room.