Hi cuties! On this week’s installment of The Kuotes I am excited to shed some light on an interior design question I see time and time again: What exactly is the difference between console tables, sideboards, and media cabinets? I have a feeling many of you are wondering the same thing!
I hear all kinds of interpretations—some say console tables and sideboards are basically the same, some say sideboards and media cabinets are similar but console tables are completely different.
“The reality is that they are all distinctive furniture categories that serve similar functions, and depending on where you place them there can certainly be some interchanging of the three.”
So, if you’re shopping for a new storage solution, accent table—or both—read on to learn the finer points that make console tables, sideboards, and media cabinets unique, which rooms they tend to work well in, and shop some of our fave products from all three categories from the KKH collection!
What Is A Console Table?
I hear the term “console table” thrown around a lot in the interiors world—often people use it to mean almost any full-size table that isn’t a dining table or coffee table. If we’re getting technical though, a console table (you’ll also hear “sofa table” or “hall table”) is a tall and usually slender table that is designed to be placed against a wall, typically in an entryway, hallway, or living room.
“Thanks to a sleek profile and minimal footprint, a console table can serve as a versatile surface for displaying decorative accents, art pieces, or personal mementos.”
By strategically placing your console table, it’s easy to create a focal point in the design of your living room or entryway that’s also inherently practical! I love the idea of topping a console table with a decorative tray for keys and other essentials, and I also love when console tables feature an extra shelf below the primary surface for extra storage.
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What Is A Sideboard?
The main differentiator between a console table and a sideboard (and hence the reason for this post!) is that a sideboard is going to offer much more storage space, usually behind doors or within drawers. Simply put: A sideboard (you’ll also hear “buffet”) is designed to offer ample storage space in subtle way, and it’s typically placed against a wall in dining rooms, living rooms, or even larger entryways; they’re characterized by longer length and multiple drawers, cabinets, or shelves.
“I like to think of a sideboard as an organizational hub for the living room or dining room, ensuring easy access to essentials while also enhancing and complimenting whatever interior design style you’ve chosen for you space.”
A good sideboard is going to be the perfect place to store dishes, glassware, and serveware in a dining room; or to store things like board games, seasonal decor you’re not using at the moment, and extra throw blankets in the living room. Think these pieces as a catch-all for when you need to tidy up and as a great surface for styling decor vignettes.
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What Is A Media Cabinet?
Finally, we have media cabinets (or “credenzas” if you’re feeling fancy)! While media cabinets tend to be very similar to sideboards, there are some key distinctions. One of the primary advantages of media cabinets is that they’re designed specifically to keep all of your home media and entertainment equipment and accessories organized and easily accessible.
“By minimizing clutter and providing a dedicated storage solution, media cabinets ensure a tidy and well-organized entertainment area.”
Most media cabinets feature a combination of shelves, drawers, and cabinets—which makes it easy to designate spaces for different components, like cable boxes, gaming consoles, speakers, and remote controls.
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