Built-in sideboards are a great way to add storage and style to your dining room.
Nestled against the wall, built-ins make use of unused space and can completely transform the look and feel of the room.
Ranging from budget-friendly DIY ideas to high-end custom cabinetry, there’s an inspiring sideboard here for every home and style.
We’ll go over each idea in detail, covering the design, materials, cost and steps for integrating it into your dining space.
So if you’re looking to amplify your dining room’s storage and style with a stunning built-in sideboard, read on for 13 unique ideas to transform your space!
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Rustic Wood Built-In Sideboard
Warm and natural, a rustic wood built-in sideboard brings organic texture to your dining room.
With exposed beams and reclaimed wood cabinets, this style sideboard has an earthy, countryside vibe perfect for casual spaces.
For this project, use salvaged wood boards in varying tones and textures for the cabinet fronts and open shelving.
Try mixing unstained cedar, pine, oak and other locally sourced lumber.
Keep the wood’s natural knots, cracks and imperfections to enhance the rustic appeal.
Affix the wood pieces in an asymmetrical pattern on the base built-in frame for visual interest.
For added flair, incorporate galvanized metal accents and hardware.
Try open shelves fitted with galvanized corrugated metal and rough metal cabinet pulls.
To soften the masculine edge, add baskets, vases and artwork made from natural materials like jute, ceramics and textured fabrics.
Rattan pendants also complement the casual farmhouse style beautifully.
This DIY sideboard has a laidback look perfect for kitchen-dining combinations and family dining rooms.
And using reclaimed materials cuts down on costs too.
With a little carpentry skill, you can build this rustic showstopper on a budget.
Sophisticated Modern Sideboard
For a sleek, contemporary dining space, a sophisticated modern built-in sideboard fits right in.
This style sideboard features clean lines, smooth surfaces and minimalist details.
Opt for glossy cabinets in shades like white, gray and black for a streamlined look.
Add panels, shelves or drawers in complementary tones to create subtle contrast.
Polished concrete, powder-coated metal and enameled wood offer chic material options.
Incorporate recessed finger pulls or handle-less doors to maintain the seamless minimalist aesthetic.
Consider adding discreet LED lighting strips concealed behind cabinet trim to softly illuminate display pieces.
Pair your modern sideboard with contemporary dining furniture, like acrylic, metal or leather chairs.
Continue the sleek style into the rest of the dining space with geometric art, modern textiles and statement light fixtures.
Hire a professional cabinet maker to construct this sophisticated built-in if your carpentry skills aren’t up to par.
Though more of an investment, the impeccable craftsmanship and custom design will elevate your dining area to luxurious new heights.
DIY Brick Sideboard
Add industrial edge to your dining room with a DIY brick built-in sideboard.
Exposed brick lends raw, utilitarian appeal, perfectly complementing metal furnishings and vintage details.
Sourcing reclaimed bricks gives you plenty of material without the higher cost of new brick.
Look for second-hand bricks with aged patinas and imperfections to embrace the worn-in industrial aesthetic.
Build a simple rectangular base with plywood and timber framing in the dimensions you want for your sideboard.
Cut the bricks to fit and adhere them to the framework with masonry adhesive.
Apply extra adhesive mortar between brick layers for stability.
Leave attractive metal roofing nails hammered partially into the brick for an authentic factory look.
For added visual interest, incorporate casters, pulleys, and other salvaged industrial hardware.
Finish it off with open shelving from reclaimed wood boards and black metal accents.
The bold utilitarian design makes an eye-catching statement in contemporary dining rooms.
And you can complete this project yourself with simple tiling skills.
Glass Front Sideboard
Glass front cabinetry lends a lightweight elegance perfect for formal dining rooms.
The transparent doors showcase china, glassware and decorative items while maintaining an open, airy feel.
Frame the built-in sideboard with painted wood or powder coated metal for durable base.
Install glass doors on the upper cabinets only to prevent clutter on the lower shelves.
Choose glass with a tint, like gray, bronze or green, for a touch of color.
Etched glass doors provide privacy if displaying more intimate items.
For added visual interest, mix etched, colored, and clear glass together in your sideboard design.
Illuminate the contents with LED lighting installed inside the cabinets.
Conceal any lighting strips with a thin wood frame around the interior perimeter.
The goal is to illuminate the contents subtly without seeing the light source.
This refined sideboard style blends beautifully with ornate dining tables and delicate furnishings.
Elevate the glamorous appeal with striking chandeliers, stained glass, and baroque framed art.
The glass front built-in provides elegant sophistication.
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Textured Terrazzo Sideboard
For a unique colorful sideboard, try incorporating vibrant terrazzo into your built-in design.
Made from marble or quartz chips mixed with either cement or resin, terrazzo offers incredible durability along with visual impact.
Start with a plywood base cut to size and prime the surfaces.
Apply an adhesive resin coating before setting the terrazzo mixture.
Once dry, sand and seal the terrazzo to create a smooth finish.
Add terrazzo on the cabinet fronts in an abstract color blocked design.
Try pairing soft pastel shades with bold vibrant hues for contrast.
The aggregate texture catches the light beautifully.
Terrazzo shelves in coordinating colors further enhance the artsy appeal.
For extra storage, incorporate cabinets below with neutral wood doors or painted MDF.
Matte black pulls offer striking contrast to the colorful terrazzo.
This eye-catching sideboard energizes formal dining rooms with whimsical flair.
The colorful geometric terrazzo pattern makes a striking focal point.
Dress up the space with equally vibrant artwork, rugs and accent pieces to match the colorful built-in.
Rattan Front Sideboard
Natural rattan brings breezy flair to built-in sideboards with its woven texture.
Prized for its lightweight yet durable qualities, rattan suits casual to tropical style dining rooms.
Construct a plywood base and frame doors with wood or metal.
Cut rattan mats to size and attach them to the door fronts with heavy-duty adhesive and finishing nails.
Consider incorporating different rattan weave patterns for visual interest.
For open shelving, nail cut rattan pieces to the shelves so the pattern faces outward.
Stain the internal wood structure a dark espresso and use black metal framing for striking contrast against the light rattan.
Paint or lacquer the rattan to protect from moisture and sun damage.
For a beach house vibe, leave natural and allow it to patina over time.
The organic texture pairs perfectly with driftwood or bamboo dining furniture.
This breezy sideboard lends a relaxed, coastal feel to dining rooms and kitchens.
Dress it up with seashells, starfish and colored glassware for a real vacation spirit.
Geometric Tile Sideboard
Make a bold style statement with a geometric tile built-in sideboard.
Vivid patterned tiles in graphic motifs energize formal dining areas with striking visual impact.
Try tiling the sideboard backs and shelving in a dynamic arrow or zigzag design.
Use contrasting patterns and color in each section for interest.
Consider incorporating metallic tiles, likefaceted glass, marble or mother of pearl.
Pair with more traditional cabinet doors and bases below to anchor the dynamic tile patterns.
Painted Shaker style doors balance the modern geometric tiles nicely.
Black cabinetry also grounds the look with a bit of edge.
Have fun mixing and matching patterns of varying scale.
Install the tile in a herringbone brickwork pattern for lively dimension.
Grout in a contrasting color to make the geometric shapes stand out.
This vivid sideboard design adds modern flair to both traditional and contemporary dining rooms.
The eye-catching tile patterns liven up the space and conversation.
Reclaimed Wood Herringbone Sideboard
Give your dining room a boost of texture and depth with a reclaimed wood herringbone sideboard.
Interlocking strips of old barn boards arranged in a chevron pattern make a stunning focal feature.
Sourcing reclaimed lumber saves money while providing rustic appeal.
Look for weathered timber and barn wood with patinas and natural markings for character.
Cut the wood into narrow planks and assemble them in an offset zigzag design.
Consider staining some pieces for tonal contrast.
Ebonized black brings out the wood grain beautifully.
For a sophisticated look, incorporate glossy cabinets and drawers below the herringbone feature wall.
The sleek base grounds the organic texture of the wood beautifully.
Add glassware, ceramics and leather dining chairs to complement the mix of high and low.
Install recessed lighting behind the sideboard to highlight and shadow the dimensional chevron pattern.
This transforms the focal wall into an artful display.
The dynamic herringbone design energizes formal dining rooms with woodsy warmth.
For budget-friendly rustic elegance, a DIY reclaimed wood sideboard hits the mark.
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Marble Slab Sideboard
Make a luxurious design statement with a marble slab built-in sideboard.
Chunky marble slabs bring opulent texture and refined elegance to formal dining rooms.
Use a stone like Carrara, Calacatta or Statuary marble for pure white veining with soft gray tones.
For more dramatic contrast, try bold deep gray Portoro or swirling gold Breccia Capraia marble.
Have marble cut into 2 or 3 inch thick slabs for open shelving and sideboard tops.
Install an elegant brass rail along the edges for added refinement.
Use marble remnants and offcut pieces for shelf risers and base cladding.
Contrast the marble with sleek glossy cabinets and drawers in black or white.
Metallic brass hardware and accent lighting add even more eye-catching opulence.
The marble’s exquisite veining and luminosity bring pure elegance to luxurious dining rooms.
Though high in cost, this striking slab sideboard makes a serious style investment.
The timeless classic design will impress for decades.
Budget MDF Sideboard
Don’t let a tight budget stop you from getting a built-in sideboard.
With some DIY carpentry skills and affordable MDF, you can create a simple yet sophisticated built-in on a wallet-friendly budget.
Made from compressed wood fibers, MDF offers an inexpensive alternative to solid wood cabinetry.
It’s easy to cut, sand andaccepts paint beautifully.
Use it to construct the entire built-in base and frame.
For a refined look, panel the MDF cabinets with wide vertical facings.
Install shelves and cabinet tops from the same MDF for seamless uniformity.
Paint or lacquer the entire sideboard in a matte suede, navy or charcoal for contemporary appeal.
Add wood trim details if desired for subtle contrast.
DIY chunky open shelves made from standard lumber further reduce costs.
The smooth simplicity of this pared-back MDF sideboard helps rooms feel serene and spacious.
Proof you can get chic built-in style at a fraction of the cost with savvy DIY skills.
Mirrored Sideboard
Make your dining room shine with a glamorous mirrored built-in sideboard.
Mirrored cabinet fronts reflect light beautifully to brighten up the entire space.
The reflective surface also expands the room’s dimensions, making small dining areas appear more spacious.
Frame basic plywood cabinets with wide mirrors attached using adhesive strips.
For variation, mount decorative mirrors atop some doors and shelves for artful dazzle.
install LED lighting strips inside the cabinet frames to illuminate and enhance the mirrored effect.
The ambient lighting bounces off the reflective surfaces to create an ethereal glow.
Pair your glittering sideboard with glass dining tables, lucite chairs and crystal chandeliers for striking Hollywood glamour.
Keep furnishings and accents minimal to let the dreamy shimmer take center stage.
Though intricate in construction, this sparkling built-in sideboard brings huge visual impact.
Let it shine as a glitzy focal point for dramatic ambiance.
It’s guaranteed to get the conversation flowing at your next dinner party!
Eco-Friendly Bamboo Sideboard
An eco-friendly bamboo built-in sideboard brings sustainability to your dining space design.
Made from fast-growing renewable grass, bamboo offers a durable alternative to wood furnishings.
Choose formaldehyde-free bamboo boards with rich caramel hues and prominent grain patterns.
Use as paneling, shelving and cabinet facings for a harmonized look.
For contrast, incorporate darker bamboo framed with light maple plywood carcasing.
Install clever storage like slatted magazine files and woven basket drawers to keep dining essentials organized.
Recessed finger pulls blend seamlessly into the bamboo facade.
For a coordinated look, furnish the dining space with bamboo chairs, tables and accent pieces.
Add eco-friendly touches like jute rugs, cotton upholstery and recycled glassware to complete the green design.
This warm, natural sideboard makes a beautiful sustainable statement in eco-homes.
And growing bamboo’s low cost makes this earth-friendly built-in an affordable green option.
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Handcrafted Ceramic Tile Sideboard
Bring one-of-a-kind personality to your dining room with a handmade ceramic tile built-in sideboard.
Eclectic glazed tiles give you endless options for creating your own mosaic design.
Start by planning a tile layout and collecting ceramic pieces in varied sizes, colors and shapes.
Look for vintage or artisan tiles for lots of quirky character.
Adhere the irregular tiles to the sideboard base in an abstract collage pattern.
Try mixing matte and glossy finishes for fun dimensional contrast.
Add sculptural ceramic knobs and drawer pulls found at craft fairs or antique shops.
Leave some negative space between tile clusters and vary the shape and scale for artful impact.
The random organic design results in a charming vintage style sideboard that feels curated over time.
Have fun hunting for unique ceramic finds to make this built-in completely your own.
The personalized charm adds Loads of whimsical style to casual dining rooms.
Built-in sideboards offer the perfect opportunity to amplify your dining room’s style and storage.
With limitless design options, you can customize the ideal sideboard to suit your home’s character and needs.
I hope these top sideboard ideas sparked inspiration for your own dream dining space.
Now that you’re full of design inspiration, it’s time to start creating your stunning built-in!
Choose your favorite concept then make it uniquely your own.
Integrate personalized details and furnishings for a cohesive dining room style.
Your custom sideboard is sure to be the perfect centerpiece for memorable meals and moments shared.
